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BX 8958 .W4 A3 Presbyterian Church in the
U.S.A. Presbytery of Minutes of the Presbytery oj
Westchester
ABSTRACTS OF THE MINUTES
Presbytery of Westchester,
FROM ITS ORGANIZATION, OCTOBER, 1870.
PREFACED WITH
A HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF PRESBYTERIANISM IN THE FIELD EMBRACED BY THE PRESBYTERY.
1/h*. /, jlI,
Printed by order of the Presbytery, under the direction of the Stated Clerk.
NEW YORK: PRINTED BY EDWARD O. JENKINS,
20 NORTH WILLIAM STREET. 1876.
NOTE.
The Historical Account here presented has been prepared by the Rev. Charles W. Baird. The Abstracts have been prepared by the Stated Clerk.
HISTORICAL ACCOUNT.
The Presbytery of "Westchester was organized on the fourth day of October, 1870, having under its care all the congrega- tions of the Presbyterian Church in the County of Westchester,* New York, together with all the congregations save one in the adjoining County of Putnam on the north, and those in the State of Connecticut on the east.
It is but a little more than a century since the first ecclesiasti- cal body on this ground was constituted. Before its establish- ment, in 1762, the few churches in this region either sustained no definite relations to Presbytery or Synod, or else were connected with bodies that observed no precise geographical bounds. Of the latter class, one church was for a season under the care of New Brunswick Presbytery, in New Jersey, another under that of Suffolk Presbytery, Long Island, and a third under that of the Presbytery of New York.f Several of the churches had been gathered by ministers of the Congregational Associations of Con- necticut, but lying outside of the limits of that colony they could sustain no formal relations to them. South Salem in 1752 "be- longed not to any presbytery or association." " The churches under our watch and care,'' said the pastors of South East, South Salem and Patterson ten years later, " are not under any eccle- siastical judicatory."
Most of these congregations originated about the middle of
* At the time of the reconstruction of this Presbytery (in 1870), Westchester County still retained its original limits, as defined by the " Act to divide the province of New York into counties," etc., in the year 1683. But on the 23d of May, 1873, the Legislature of the State of New York passed an Act by which " all that territory now comprised within the limits of the towns of Morris- ania, West Farms, and Kings Bridge, in the County of Westchester,'' was " set off from " that county, " and annexed to, merged in, and made part of the city and county of New York." — Laws of the State of NeiD York, passed at the ninety sixth session of the Legislature. Albany, 1873. Chapter 613, pp.928-936.
f Samuel Sackett when at Bedford was a member of New Brunswick Presby- tery. In 1751 he joined the Presbytery of Suffolk, with which he remained connected while at Yorktown, until the formation of Dutchess County Presby- tery. Br. Smith, pastor of Rye and White Plains, belonged to the Presbytery of New York.
IV HISTORICAL ACCOUNT.
the century. Those of Rye and Bedford, indeed, had existed from the early settlement of these towns in 1660 and 1681; and the congregation of New Rochelle, founded by French refugees of the same faith and order, dated from the origin of that colony in 1688. But farther inland the country was at that day a wil- derness, and for a long time its population continued to be very sparse. In 1712 Westchester County contained, outside of the four lower towns (East and West Chester, New Rochelle, and Rye), only eleven hundred inhabitants.
The earliest efforts to evangelize this region, of which we have any authentic account, were those of the celebrated Wil- liam Tennent, who spent some months in East Chester and Bedford, between the years 1718 and 1721.
Twenty years later Samuel Sackett, a minister of New Bruns- wick Presbytery, was sent to preach in various destitute parts of Westchester County ; and his long and successful ministry (1742-1784) was discharged principally in Yorktown and Bed- ford.*
A third name not unworthy to be joined with these is that of Dr. John Smith (1742-1771), pastor of Rye and White Plains, and of Sing Sing. Tradition represents him as a man of apos- tolic zeal, whose labors extended over a large portion of the county.
In the northern part of our present territory there were at that time four congregations. Elisha Kent, grandfather of Chan- cellor Kent, was settled in 1743 as the first pastor of the " First Church in Phillips' Precinct " — now South East, Putnam County. Elnathan Gregory had succeeded Ebenezer Knibloe as pastor of West Philippi — now Carmel. The esteem in which these neigh- boring ministers were held may be inferred from the fact that the districts in which they labored were popularly known, long after their day, as " Kent's Parish " and " Gregory's Parish." In Patterson — then Fredericksburgh — Joseph Peck was pastor of
* Among the places where Sackett labored, " Cortland Manor " is mentioned. It has been thought that Peekskill,in the present town of Cortlandt, may have been referred to under this name. (Webster, " History of the Presbyterian Church," p. 546; Gillett, " History of the Presbyterian Church," vol. i., pp. 95, 150 ; " Memorial of a Twenty -four Years' Pastorate " ; etc.) But " Cortland Manor " and " Hanover " were early names of Yorktown. There are no indi- cations of the existence of a congregation at Peekskill until much later in the century.
HISTORICAL ACCOUNT. V
the " Second Church in Phillips' Precinct ; " and at Salem — now South Salem — a church had just been gathered when Solomou Mead, in 1752, was ordained its pastor.
It was here, among these northern pastors and congregations, that steps were first taken to form an ecclesiastical organization. On the twenty-seventh day of October, 1702, three ministers — Kent, Mead, and Peck — met in the parsonage at South East and constituted themselves a Presbytery. The other churches, pre- viously connected as we have seen with Presbyteries at a dis- tance, came promptly under its care. Indeed there is every reason to believe that the organization was effected with their full concurrence. At an adjourned meeting held in Salem a few weeks later, Sackett, of Yorktown, and Eliphalet Ball, of Bed- ford, joined as corresponding members ; and to these were added Chauncey Graham, of Rumbout, near Fishkill, and John Smith, of Rye, when in May of the following year the Sjmod of New York and Philadelphia admitted the newly-formed body, under the name of
DUTCHESS COUNTY PRESBYTERY.*
Thus at the outset this Presbytery had the charge of six con- gregations— within our present boundsf — those of South East, South Salem, Patterson, Yorktown, Bedford, and Rye,:}: or White Plains. To these, live more were added during the forty-three years of its existence. The congregation of Sing Sing is first mentioned in 1763, and that of North Salem in 1765. The church of Poundridge was organized in 1771 ; and in 1774 the church of Carmel was received under the Presbyteiy's care. Mention is made in lt87 of preaching at Red Mills; and in 1702 a congregation had been gathered there.
The period, however, of this Presbytery's existence was one most unfavorable to the stability and growth of the churches. It
* Dutchess County, previous to the year 1812, included what is now Putnam County — originally called the South Precinct, or the Fredericksburgh Pre- cinct, of Dutchess County.
t North of these bounds the congregations of Eumbout, Poughkeepsie, Pleasant Valley, Albany, and others, were under the care of the eame Presby- tery.
f Rye and White Plains formed one congregation, under the ministry of Dr. Smith. The latter name prevails after the organization of Dutcbess County Presbytery.
VI HISTORICAL ACCOUNT.
embraced the years immediately preceding and following the war of the Revolution. By the end of this term the congrega- tions were greatly enfeebled. Those in Westchester County especially had suffered, and some of them were nearly destroyed. Their relations to the Presbytery had also become disturbed. In 1792 a body styled " The Associated Presbytery of Westchester " was formed. The most active member of this Association, which was Congregational in character, was Silas Constant, who had united with Dutchess County Presbytery some years before, and was then pastor of the church of Yorktown. The "Associated Presbytery " drew off the congregations of Sing Sing, Yorktown, Red Mills, Carmel, North Salem, and Poundridge. Only four congregations continued with the Presbytery of Dutchess •;* and in view of its weakness, the Synod in 1795 dissolved it, and placed the remaining churches under the care of the new
PRESBYTERY OF HTJDSOKf
These four churches were South East, Patterson, South Salem, and Bedford. Three of them remained in this connection, but South East, upon the death of its pastor, Jehu Minor, left the Presbytery, and in 1809 joined the Eastern Association of Fair- field, Connecticut. In 1806 the name of Yorktown was restored to the roll. A division had taken place among that people, part of whom claimed to represent the church as organized in the days of Samuel Sackett, while the other portion had become a Congregational society.:}:
The other three churches continued under the oversight of the Presbytery of Hudson until the year 1819. Meanwhile the "As- sociated Presbytery of Westchester" had declined, and in 1820 it was formally dissolved.§ To the six congregations drawn
* la 1790 tlie Synod of New York and New Jersey, at the request of the Presbytery, changed its name to that of the Presbytery of Dutchess.
\ The Presbytery of Hudson consisted of " all the ministers belonging to the Presbytery of New York " within certain designated limits, " and all the min- isters of Dutchess Presbytery, together with all the churches within their bounds."
\ The Congregational church of Yorktown was admitted to the East Consoci- ation of Fairfield County, Connecticut, September 24th, 1833. It was dis- missed October 8, 1850, and remained under the care of the North River Pres- bytery, N. S., until merged with the Presbyterian church of Yorktown.
§ History of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, by E. H. Gillett, D.D., vol. i., p. 215.
HISTORICAL ACCOUNT. VU
away by this body in 1792, three more had been added — Green- burgh, formed about the year 1792,* Peekskill about 1800, and Somers in 1806. Sing Sing, however, had left the " Associated Presbytery" in 1814, to join the Presbytery of New York.
In the lower part of Westchester County the congregations of Whites Plains and New "Rochelle had become greatly reduced. The state of religion in this whole region was very low. In 1812 Dr. Dwight found " but two settled ministers [of any denomina tion] in the six townships " lying along the Sound ; and he men- tions the fact as significant that the Missionary Society of New York had lately declared "Westchester County to be il proper missionary ground," and had "accordingly directed one of their missionaries to appropriate his labors to these people only." " No person, acquainted with this County," adds Dr. Dwight, "will hesitate to acknowledge" the wisdom of the decision. f At White Plains, religious services were held from time to time during the period of which we are now speaking. And at New Rochelle the remnant of the Huguenot congregation which had remained steadfast to its Presbyterian faith until the Revolu- tion, was incorporated on the twenty-third day of 'February, 1808, as " the French Church in New Rochelle," and was reor- ganized on the thirtieth day of March, 1812, by the Presbytery of New York.
PRESBYTERY OF NORTH RIYER.
In 1819, the Presbytery of Hudson wras divided, and the churches of Patterson, Salem, Yorktown, and Bedford were set off with others,;}: to form the new Presbytery of North River. They were joined by Poundridge in 1822, and by South East in 1825. New Rochelle remained under the care of the Presbytery of "New York, which also reorganized the church of Peekskill in 1826, and the church of Rye in 1829. And in 1828 the
* History of the Presbyterian Church in the Unittd States, by E. II. Gillett, D.D. : vol. i., p. 215.
f Travels in New England and New York, by Timothy Dwight, vol. iii., p. 490.
\ The other congregations were those of New Windsor, Newburgh, Marl- borough, New Paltz, Pleasant Valley West, Pittsburgh, Wappinger's Creek, Fi^hkill, Pine Plains, Amenia North and South, Smithfield, Pleasant Valley and Poughkeepsie.
Vlll HISTORICAL ACCOUNT.
Second Presbytery of New York reorganized the church of Eed Mills.
It is not to be "understood that in every congregation thus " reorganized " all traces of the previous existence of a church had disappeared. On the contrary, there seems to have been left, in almost every instance, a remnant of the original body. And it may be questioned whether the course adopted in 1795 by the Presbytery of Hudson, in the case of the church of Patter- son,*— recognising the few survivors of the old flock as contin- uing the former organization— was not wiser than that pursued at a later day, in reorganizing churches whose historic continuity was really unbroken.
PKESBYTEPY OF BEDFOED.
Another presbyterial division was made in 1829, when the Presbytery of Bedford was erected, having the care of all the congregations within the Counties of Westchester and Put- nam, excepting the church of Cold Spring. Fifteen congre- gations appear on the roll for the next year. These were Sonth East, Bedford, South Salem, "White Plains, New Rochelle, Greenburgh, South Greenburgh, Yorktown, Patterson, Mount Pleasant [or Sing Sing], West Farms, Kye, Peekskill, Pound- rido-e, and Red Mills. To these were added, North Salem in 1832, Somers in 1S33, f Gilead or Carmel in 1835, Mount
* Nov. 17, 1795. — " The trustees of the Presbyterian church and congregation in the village of Fredericksburgh . . . laid the following question before the Presbytery, namely : ' Is it the opinion of the Presbytery that the church which was in this place during the ministry of the Eevd. David Close, deceased, does still exist ? ' In answer, the Presbytery gave it as their opinion that, ' as it appears the corporation of said church and congregation was founded on the consideration of the existence of the church which was formerly under the care of the Revd. David Close,' and ' tho' the said church has for some years past been in a broken state, yet as there are still living in this congregation several members of the said church who were under the ministry of Mr. Close : Therefore the Presbytery did judge that the said church does still exist.'" — [Extract from the Records of the Presbytery of Hudson, kindly furnished by Rev H. A. Harlow, Stated Clerk.]
f The name of this congregation was changed in 1846 from Somers to Croton Falls. The Congregational church of Somers, formed in 1806, had come under the care of the Third Presbytery of New York in 1839, as the Presby- terian church of Somers.
HISTORICAL ACCOUNT. IX
Kisco and Port Chester in 1852, and South East Centre in 1853.
The bounds of Bedford Presbytery were precisely those now assigned (within the limits of the State of New York) to the Presbytery of "Westchester. They included all the churches in "Westchester County, and all save one in the County of Putnam. But this geographical division was not long left undisturbed. The church of Peekskill soon sought permission to join the Pres- bytery of New York. That of West Farms was released, in 183G, to join the Second Presbytery of New York. In 1S39, New Rochelle united with the Second Presbytery of New York (New School). In 1849, Mount Pleasant was transferred to the care of the Second Presbytery of New York ; and Greenburgh was received by the Reformed Dutch Classis of New York. In process of time, also, several churches were formed within these bounds, which sustained no relations to Bedford Presbytery. In 1S41, the Presbytery of North River (New School) organized the Second church of Peekskill. In 1852, the Third Presbytery of New York organized the First church of Yonkers. In 1853, the same Presbytery organized the church of Irvington. In 1854, the Second Presbytery of New York organized the church ofTremont. In 1855 the Presbytery of New York organized the church of Throgs Neck. And in 1858, the Third Presby- tery of New York organized "Westminster church, Yonkers. Thus, at the close of the period of its existence, Bedford Presby- tery had under its care but seventeen of the twenty-seven churches within its proper territory, whilst ten were connect- ed with five other bodies.
PRESBYTERY OF CONNECTICUT.
In 1860, the churches of Rye, Port Chester, South East, and South East Centre, were set off by the Synod of New York from the Presbytery of Bedford to that of Connecticut. This Presbytery had been erected in 1850. It embraced the churches of Thompsonville (organized in 1839, by the Presbytery of New York), TarifFville (organized in 18-14), Hartford (organized in 1851), Providence (received under the care of the Presbytery in 1857), and Deep River (organized in 1856).* It was with the de- sign to increase the strength and efficiency of this body, that the
* The churches of Tariffville and Providence are now extinct.
X JI8TOEICAL ACCOUNT.
four congregations which have been named, two of which, lay near the border of Connecticut, were added to it. The Synod at the same time set off the church of Bridgeport (organized in 1851), from the Presbytery of New York, to that of Connecticut.
Three years later — on the twenty-first of April, 1863 — the Presbyteries of Bedford and Connecticut were united, by order ot the Synod of .New York, in one presbytery, under the name of the Presbytery of Connecticut. This body was composed of twenty-four ministers, and had under its care twenty churches : namely, those of South East, Gilead, Patterson, South East Cen- tre, South Salem, Poundridge, Croton Falls, Yorktown, Bedford, North Salem, Red Mills, Mount Kisco, White Plains, Upper Greenburgh, Eye, Port Chester, Bridgeport, Hartford, Thomp- sonville, and Deep River.*
The Presbytery of Connecticut as thus constituted, lasted for seven years, or until the reconstruction of the Synods and Pres- byteries following upon the happy re-union of our Church in 1869. At this time there were within its bounds six congregations be- longing to the New School branch of the Church : namely, the Second church of Peekskill, and the churches of Irvington and New Rochelle ; the church of Riverdale, organized in 1863 by the Third Presbytery of New York; and the churches of Stam- ford (organized in 1853, by the Third Presbytery of New York), and Darien (organized in 1863, by the Fourth Presbytery of New York).
On the fourth day of October, 1870, the Presbytery of "West- chester, erected by the Synod of New York, met in the Pres- byterian church of Sing Sing. For the first time the object sought in the formation of successive ecclesiastical bodies was now attained, and all " the churches with their pastors," within the bounds so often described, were brought under the same presby- terial supervision. Earnestly would we hope that this relation may long be preserved unbroken, contributing, as it manifestly does and must do, to the efficiency of our churches in their com- mon work of diffusing the Gospel throughout the field which the Redeemer has committed to their care.
* In 1865, the First German church of Bridgeport was organized by the Fresbytery of Connecticut. It was dissolved in 1869.
ABSTRACTS.
Extract from the Minutes of the Synod of New York relative > the formation of the Presbytery of Westchester. (Minutes, June 21, 1870, page 10.)
It is ordered, " That the churches with their pastors, and all the ministers resident or in active work in the counties of West- chester and Putnam (except the church at Cold Spring), and in the State of Connecticut, be the Presbytery of Westchester, to meet in the Presbyterian church in Sing Sing on the fourth day of October next at 3 o'clock p. m., and to be opened with a sermon by the Rev. Charles W. Baird, or in his absence by the Rev. John N. Freeman ; and the Presbytery of Westchester is hereby declared to be the successor of the Presbytery of Con- necticut, and as such entitled to the possession and enjoyment of all the rights and franchises, and liable to the performance of all the duties of the said Presbytery."
The Presbytery of Westchester met pursuant to the direction of the Synod of New York, in the Presbyterian church of Sing Sing, on Tuesday, Oct. 4th, at three o'clock p. m., and was open- ed with a sermon by the Rev. Charles W. Baird on the words, " The communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all. " (2 Cor. xiii. 14). The roll of Presbytery which was called is as follows :*
MINISTERS. CHURCHES. ELDERS.
Samuel H. Cox,
Chauncey G. Lee,
Daniel W. Lathrop, P.,
James Ely,
William Patterson, Poundridge,
Dwighl M. Seward.,
David M. Halliday, P.,
Robert D. Gardner,
William Huntting,
Peter B. Heroy, P., Bedford, Seth Lyon.
Andrew Sbiland, P., ]
Charles E. Lindsley, ,
Wilson Phrancr, P., Sing Sing, D. E. Provost.
* Ministers present marked P.
ABSTRACTS.
MINISTERS.
Carson W. Adams, P., Charles W. Baird, P., James Baird, P., William Life, Horace G. Hinsdale, P., Thomas M. Gray, Ezra F. Mundy, P., Talmon C. Perry, P., J. Aspinwall Hodge, P., Charles H. Holloway, P., E. Bailey Smith, !] ' George Nixon, P., Alexander S. Twombly, James McDougall, Jr., Charles B. Dye, Anthony R. Macoubrey, P., Henry P. Lee, P., Daniel S. Gregory, P., Nelson Mihard, P., Thornton M. Niven, Jr., P., Alexander Nesbitt, P., George M. Boynton, James W. Coleman, P., RosweTl D. Smith, P., Robert A. Davison, P, David A. Holbrook, Arthur Potts, P., James W. Johnston, Homer S. Newcomb, P., Lewis W. Mudge, P., John N. Freeman, P., Henry H. Stebbins, P., William J. Thompson, P., Anson Sheldon,
CHURCHES.
Carmel First,
Rye,
Patterson,
Bridgeport,
Port Chester,
Hartford,1 North Salem,
West Farms, Stamford,
South E. Centre, Thompsonville, South Salem, Peekskill Second, South Greenburg, Tremont,
Darien,
Throg's Neck,
Potts Memorial, Yorktown,
Westminster, Yonkers, Peekskill First, Riverdale, 1 Croton Falls,
Greenburg Second, White Plains, Mount Kisco, Gilead, Somers, New Rochelle, Deep River, Yonkers First, South East,
Edward Crosby. Wm. H. Parsons. W. C. Weed.
John Miller.
J. Watson.
J. O. Eggleston.
John Clark.
W. S. Paddock.
J. Webster. Edward Wells, J. Wilde, Jr.
B. Weed.
M. R. Baxter.
W. M. Thorburn. Enos Lee.
J. H. Brown.
F. Briggs. W. B. Sage.
A. Chainberlin.
J. T. Terry. W. Fisher. J. Teller. W. H. Foster.
G. B. Sarles. W. L. Cowdrey.
W. C. Foote. T. S. Lawrence.
Total Ministers, 47 ; Churches, 35. Present, Ministers, 29 ; Elders, 29.
ABSTRACTS. o
Rev. Daniel W. Lathrop was chosen Moderator, and Eev. E. F. Mundy was elected Stated Clerk and Treasurer.
The general rules for Judicatories contained in the appendix to the Confession of Faith were adopted.
The following licentiates were enrolled : Albert Chamberlin, Cyrus B. Whitcomb, and Thomas C. Steele.
The following persons were enrolled as candidates for the ministry :
Frank A. Wood, of the church of West Farms ;
Alexander Scotland, " " Westminster, Yonkers ;
George W. Gallagher, " " " "
Frederick Johnston, " " Yorktown ;
Henry J. Owen, " " Mount Kisco.
J. De Witt Hull, of the church of South Salem, was examined and his name enrolled as a candidate.
Rev. Rollin A. Sawyer was received from the Presbytery of Dayton, and arrangements were made for his installation as pastor of the Second church of Greenburgh (Irvington), Oct. 13th ; and Rev. John Hancock was received from the Presby- tery of Brooklyn, and arrangements were made to install him pastor of the church of Mount Kisco, Oct. 16th.
Rev. Faber Byllesby was, on examination, received from the Protestant Episcopal Church.
The following committees were appointed :
On Standing Rules — Ministers C. W. Baird, Coleman, and Elder Wells.
To Nominate Standing Committees — Ministers Adams, Davi- son, Nixon, Stebbins, and Elders Foote and Briggs.
Committees were also appointed to examine the minutes of the General Assembly, on records of Sessions, and to audit the accounts of the Treasurer of the Presbytery of Connecticut.
Rev. Mr. Hinsdale was appointed to draft the Narrative of the state of religion in our bounds.
The churches of White Plains and Yonkers First obtained leave to supply their own pulpits until the next stated meeting.
Mr. E. R. Burkhalter was received as a licentiate from the Presbytery of New York Fourth, and arrangements were made to ordain and install him pastor of the church of New Rochelle, Oct. 26th.
Stamford was chosen as the place of the next stated meeting.
4 ABSTRACTS.
The Presbytery voted yea on the overtures sent down by the General Assembly of 1870 (see Minutes, p. 89). The following Standing Committees were appointed :
. On Examination :
1. To examine on religious experience and views in seeking
the ministry : the Moderator ;
2. On Church History, Church Government, and the Sacra-
ments: Revs. Heroy, Davison, and Nesbitt ;
3. On Systematic Theology : Revs. Phraner, Hodge, and
Lathrop ;
4. On Languages : Revs. Hinsdale, Mudge, and Millard ;
5. On Natural Philosophy, Astronomy, and Rhetoric :
Revs. Gregory, Potts, and Freeman.
II. On the Boards of the Church :
1. Foreign Missions : Revs. Freeman, Coleman, and Elder
Foote ;
2. Education : Revs. Lee, ISTiven, and Elder Hubbell ;
3. Sabbath-schools : Revs. Mudge, Stebbins, and Elder
Knapp ;
4. On Home Missions: Revs. C. W. Baird, Twombly,
Macoubrey, Potts, Millard, Sawyer ; Elders Sarles, Banks, and Sage.
The accounts of E. F. Mundy, Treasurer of the Presbytery of Connecticut, were approved, showing a balance in hand of $39 and 37 cents.
The Commissioners from the same Presbytery reported their attendance on the sessions of the General Assembly, and their fidelity was approved.
The salary of the Stated Clerk was fixed at forty dollars per annum.
The Stated Clerk was instructed to prepare and report at the next stated meeting standing dockets for the meetings of Pres- bytery.
The Presbytery adopted Standing Rules.
(JNL B. These were subsequently amended and may be found on p. 12.)
Adjourned to meet in Newburgh, during the intervals of Synod, on call of the Moderator.
ABSTRACTS. »
ADJOURNED MEETINGS.
No. 1. Newbur&h, N. Y., Oct. 19, 1870. Present — 19 ministers and IS elders.
The death of Rev. E. P. Benedict, lately a member of the Presbytery of Connecticut, was announced, and Ministers Pat- terson, Ileroy, and Elder Seth Lyon were appointed to draft a suitable minute.
The following persons were appointed Moderators of the Ses- sions of Vacant Churches :
Rev. Mr. Macoubrey, for Gilead. " J. Baird, " South East.
" Mr. Thompson, " Somers. " " Mundy, " White Plaius. " " Mudge, " Yonkers First.
" " Hodge, " Deep River.
Rev. II. H. Stebbins, and Rev. Geo. Nixon alternate, were appointed to draft the Narrative for the next stated meeting.
Rev. R. D. Smith was dismissed to the Presbytery of Jersey City.
Revs. E. F. Mundy, C. "W. Baird, and Elder Parsons were appointed a Committee on Ministerial Relief.
Adjourned to meet in New Rochelle, Oct. 26th.
No. 2. New Rochelle, N. T., Oct. 26, 1870.
Present — 12 ministers and 5 elders.
Augustus Frederick, a member of the church of Port Chester, was received as a candidate under our care from the Presbytery of Cleveland. -
Mr. E. R. Burkhalter was examined for ordination, and his examination was sustained. He was ordained, and installed pastor of the church of New Rochelle.
The minute in relation to the death of Rev. E. P. Benedict •;as reported and adopted.
Adjourned to meet in Stamford, Ct., on the third Tuesday of April, 1871.
SPECIAL MEETING.
Yonkers, N. Y., Feb. 23, 1871. Present — 15 ministers and 7 elders. The Rev. T. Ralston Smith was received from the Presbytery
ABSTRACTS.
of New York, and arrangements were made for his installation as pastor of the First church of Yonkers, March 1st.
Rev. C. W. Adams was dismissed to the Presbytery of Utica, and Kev. Andrew S Inland to the Presbytery of Long Island.
STATED SPRING MEETING.
Stamford, Con^., April 18, 1871.
Present — 38 ministers and 27 elders.
Rev. Wilson Phraner was elected Moderator.
Rev. James McDougal, Jr., was dismissed to the Presbytery of Nassau.
Rev. Joseph Greenleaf was received from the Presbytery of Monmouth.
Th3 death of Rev. Chauncey G. Lee was announced, and a suit- able minute was subsequently adopted.
Rev. D. D. Sahler was received from the Berkshire South Association of Congregational Ministers, and arrangements were made for his installation as pastor of the church of Gilead, May 2d.
Messrs. Frank A. "Wood and Henry J. Owen were licensed to preach the Gospel.
The name of the church of Greenburgh Second was changed to Irvington.
The Home Mission Committee were authorized to employ a missionary to labor in our bounds, at an expense not to exceed $1,800 per year, which amount is to be assessed on the Church in proportion to the salaries of pastors.
This committee were authorized to obtain a charter of incor- poration for the Presbytery from the State of New York.
The following were elected Commissioners to the General Assembly :
MINISTERS. ELDERS. CHURCHES.
Daniel S. Gregory, J. Clark, Stamford.
John N. Freeman, S. G. Howe, Sing Sing.
A. R. Macoubrey, E. Wells, Peekskill Second.
It was ordered that the following ministers, resident in our bounds, be added to our roll, viz : Revs. La Fayette Dudley, George Tomlinson, Daniel Gibbs, Alexander B. Bullions, James
ABSTRACTS. <
B. Bonar, George A. Bowman, William Tracy, and Oliver W. Mather.
The application of the church ot Hartford for aid to the amount of $5,000 from the Board of Church Erection was granted, and David F. Hollister, of Bridgeport, Conn., is appointed the attorney of Presbytery, in compliance with the rules of said Board.
The church of North Salem was recommended to the Board of Home Missions for aid to the amount of $250, for one year from July 1st.
Rev. Mr. Johnston was appointed Moderator of the Session of the church of Carmel First, and Rev. Mr. Macoubrey, of the Session of South East.
The Second church of Peekskill was chosen as the place for holding the next stated meeting, and Rev. Mr. Sahler, and Mr. Twombly alternate, were appointed to draft the Narrative.
Adjourned.
SPECIAL MEETINGS.
No. 1. White Plains, N. Y., June 20, 1871.
Present — 16 ministers and 10 elders.
Rev. C. C. Wallace was received from the Presbytery of New York, and arrangements were made for his installation, July 11th, as pastor of the church of Carmel First.
The church of White Plains presented a call for the services of Thomas C. Steele, a licentiate under our care, and the call was approved.
Mr. Steele was examined, ordained, and installed pastor of this church.
No. 2. Mount Kisco, N. Y., Sept. 5, 1871.
Present — 8 ministers and 2 elders.
The pastoral relation of Rev. D. S. Gregory to the church of South ^3alem was dissolved, and Rev. T. M. Gray was ap- pointed to preach in that church on next Sabbath, and declare the pulpit vacant.
y ABSTRACTS.
STATED FALL MEETING.
Peekskill (Second Church), N. Y., Oct. 3, 1871. Present — 26 ministers and 26 elders. Rev. H. G. Hinsdale was elected Moderator. On report of the Committee on Sabbath-schools the following resolutions were adopted :
1. That the religious training of the young in the Sabbath- school is a trust committed to the church in her organized capa- city, and for its fulfillment she is held solemnly responsible.
2. Presbytery recommends that all pastors and elders be officially identified with their Sabbath-schools, to direct and co- operate in the work, and to develop practically the idea that the Sabbath-school is an integral part of the church.
3. That our Sabbath-schools adopt uniform lessons, and that teachers' meetings be held.
4. That special attention be paid to the cultivation of system- atic giving by our Sabbath-schools.
5. That at every stated meeting of Presbytery there be held one session in the interests of the Sabbath-school work, and the subjects for consideration at these meetings shall be determined by the Committee of Arrangements in correspondence with the Standing Committee on Sabbath-schools.
Rev. Edward B. Allen was received from the Presbytery of Albany, and arrangements were made to install him pastor of the church of South East, Nov. 14th.
Rev. Robert D. Gardner was dismissed to the Presbytery of Long Island, and licentiate Henry J. Owen to the care of the Presbytery of Philadelphia Central.
Isaac Baird, from the Presbytery of New Brunswick, and Charles Wood, a member of the church of Mount Kiscp, were received as candidates for the ministry.
The church of South Salem presented a call for the pastoral services of Rev. T. M. Gray.
On report of the Committee of Home Missions, the minimum of a pastor's salary was fixed at one thousand dollars and the use of a parsonage.
The following minute was adopted : *
Whereas, It appears that in many of our churches the office of Deacon has fallen into disuse ; therefore it is
ABSTRACTS. 9
i
Resolved, That those churches in which thi3 office does not exist be instructed to elect persons to fill this office.
Rev. Henry M. Baird was received from the Presbytery of New York.
Presbytery adopted rules for the guidance of church sessions in the keeping of their records. (See page 28).
The following additional standing committees were appointed.
(P- *)' -, ^
On Sustentation — Eevs. T. K. Smith, J". N. Freeman, and
Elder TV. C. Foote.
On Benevolence — Eevs. TV. J. Thompson, J. TV. Johnston, and Elder Sours.
On Manses— Elders S. G. Howe, J. TVilde, Jr., and S. K. Knapp.
Rev. C. B. Dye was appointed Moderator of the chnrch of South Salem.
The new rules for judicatories (see Assembly's Minutes, 1871, p. 491,) were unanimously adopted. (Digest, p. 205.)
An assessment of $480 was laid upon the churches to meet the current annual expenses of the Presbytery.
Mount Kisco was chosen to hold the next stated meeting.
ADJOURNED MEETINGS, 1871.
New York, Oct. 17th.
Present — 36 ministers and 23 elders.
Arrangements were provided for the installation of Mr. Gray at South Salem, Nov. 8th.
The names of Revs. Anson Sheldon and Oliver N. Mather were dropped from our roll, their place of residence being unknown.
The church of Deep River, Conn., having a merely nominal existence, was dissolved, and its members placed under the care of the Session of the church of Hartford.
TVest Fakms, N. Y., Oct. 2Uh. Present — 7 ministers and 2 elders.
Mr. Frank A. TVood, under appointment of the Board of For- eign Missions, was ordained as an evangelist.
10 ABSTRACTS.
SPECIAL MEETING.
Croton Falls, N. T., Dec. 12, 1871. Present — 12 ministers and 4 elders.
The Rev. William J. Thompson was released from the pastoral charge of the church of Croton Falls.
STATED SPRING MEETING.
Mount Kisco, N. Y., April 16, 1872.
Present — 33 ministers and 23 elders.
Rev. T. R. Smith was chosen Moderator.
Rev. Faber Byllesby was dismissed to the Presbytery of Lack- awanna, and Rev. C. H. Holloway to the Presbytery of Mon- mouth.
Candidates Isaac Baird and Charles Wood were licensed to preach the Gospel.
The Rev. A. S. Twombly was released from the pastorate of the church of Stamford.
Mr. William R. Terrett and Mr. William Smith were received as candidates for the ministry.
The name of the First Presbyterian church of Carmel was changed to the Presbyterian church of Mahopac Falls.
The Committee of Home Missions presented a very full report, of which the following is a brief abstract :
1. They recommend that the churches of South East and North Salem be encouraged to preserve separate organizations.
2. The churches of Somers and Croton Falls are to be united under one pastorate.
3. The villages of Purdy's Station, Brewster's, and Lake Ma- hopac were favorably spoken of as points at which preaching services may be held, while at Ivatonah and North New York the Committee have taken steps to commence mission work.
Rev. Mr. Phraner and Elder Petrie were appointed to fill the places of Rev. Mr. Twombly and Elder Sage in this Committee. r The following were elected Commissioners to the General Assembly :
MINISTERS. ELDERS. CHURCHES.
Arthur Potts, A. Milne, Stamford.
T. R. Smith, G. B. Sarles, Somers.
L. "W. Mudge, W. Mathews, Rye.
ABSTRACTS. 11
The Stated Clerk is empowered to give letters of dismission to licentiates and candidates in the intervals of the meetings of Presbytery.
A committee was appointed to revise the Standing Rules. Moderators for sessions of vacant churches : Rev. Mr. Coleman for Stamford. Rev. Mr. Johnaton for Somer3. Rev. Mr. Sahler for Croton Falls. Rev. Mr. Hazeltine for North Salem. The church of Darien was recommended to receive aid from the Committee of Sustentation to the amount of $300 per annum. Hartford was chosen as the place for the next meeting.*
SPECIAL MEETING.
Peekskill (Second Church), July 2, 1872.
Present — 8 ministers and 1 elders.
The pastoral relation between Rev. Mr. Millard and the Second church of Peekskill was dissolved, and Mr. Millard was dismissed to the Presbytery of Syracuse.
STATED FALL MEETING.
TlIOMPSONVILLE, CONN., Oct. 1, 1872.
Present — ministers 22 and elders 15.
Rev. J. Hancock was elected Moderator.
Rav. Joseph Beers was received from the Presbytery of Long Island, and arrangements were made for his installation over the (united) churches of Somers and Croton Falls, Nov. 11th.
A call of the Second church of Peekskill for the pastoral serv- ices of Rev. James Demarest, Jr., of the Reformed Church, was presented and put upon the Docket.
The Home Mission Committee reported that, under their di- rections, a missionary had commenced labors at North New York. An act of incorporation had been procured from the Legislature.
The Committee were authorized to raise for annual expenses the sum of $1,800, by assessment upon the churches.
* It being not convenient for the church of Hartford to receive the Presbytery, the Stated Clerk made arrangements for the meeting at Thompsonville. The Presbytery met first at Hartford, and then adjourned to Thompsonville.
12 ABSTRACTS.
The act of incorporation is as follows :
"AN ACT to incorporate the Trustees of the Presbytery of West- chester.
Section 1. The Presbytery of Westchester, in connection with the Gen- eral Assembly of tbeTresbyterian Church in the United States of Amer- ica, having designated from its membership the following persons, to wit : Charles W. Baird, Rollin A. Sawyer, Nelson Millard, Anthony R. Macoubrey, Alexander S. Twombly, Eliphalet Wood, Gilbert B. Sarles, Joseph Banks, and Edward Wells, citizens of the United States, to be Trustees in their behalf, the said persons and their successors to be from time to time appointed by said Presbytery, are hereby created a body pol- itic and corporate by the name of the Trustees of the Presbytery of West- chester.
Section 2. The said corporation shall, in law, be capable of taking for religious and charitable purposes, by gift, devise, bequest, grant, or pur- chase, and of holding, conveying, and otherwise disposing of the same, from time to time, all real and personal estate now held fur the benefit of said Presbytery, or which hath been, or may hereafter, for the purposes of said Presbytery, and in the protection of its charitable or religious pur- poses, be' given, devised, bequeathed, or granted to the said corporation by its name, or to the said Presbytery, or for charitable and religious uses thereof, or which may, in any manner, have accrued, or shall accrue from the interest, income, or use of such real and personal estate, provided that the yearly income received from the property of the said corporation shall not exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000).
Section 3. The management and disposal of the affairs and property of the said corporation shall be in the hands of the said Trustees, and their successors in office from time to time; and which Trustees shall hold their offices at the pleasure of the said Presbytery, and all vacancies shall be filled by the said Presbytery.
Section 4. The said corporation shall possess the general powers, rights, and privileges, and be subject to the liabilities and provisions contained in the 18th chapter of First Part of the Revised Statutes, so far as the same are applicable, and also subject to the provisions of Chapter 360 of the Laws of 1860.
Section 5. This act shall take effect immediately. ' (Passed May 11, 1872; ch. 644, Laws of State of New York, vol. 3, page 1528.)
Rev. Henry M. Hazeltine was received from the Presbytery of Rochester.
On report of the committee appointed at the last meeting, the following list of Standing Rules was adopted :
Standing Pules of the Presbytery of Westchester.
OF MEETINGS.
1. The stated meetings of Presbytery shall beheld on the third Tuesday of April, and the first Tuesday of October in each year, at o'clock.
ABSTRACTS.
13
2. At each stated meeting, the Presbytery will speud half an hour every morning in devotional exercises.
3. A Committee on the Narrative shall be appointed at each stated meeting of the Presbytery, and each Session is required to forward to said Committee their Narrative on the state of religion in their churches, at least ten days before the meeting of Presbytery.
OP MINISTERS.
4. Every minister coming to this Presbytery on certificate from another Presbytery, may, in the discretion of Presbytery, be examined on experi- mental religion, theology, and church government; and every ordained minister, coining from a denomination in correspondence with the General Assembly, shall be required to answer, affirmatively, the first seven ques- tions in Chapter XV. of our Form of Government, which are put to our own licentiates when about to be ordained.
OP LICENTIATES.
5. Every licentiate coming to this Presbytery on certificate from another Presbytery, may, in the discretion of Presbytery, be examined as to his religious experience, and on theology and church government ; and every licentiate coming to this Presbytery from any denomination in correspond- ence with the General Assembly, shall be required to answer, in the affirmative, the questions in Chapter XIV. of our Form of Government, which aie put to our own candidates for licensure.
OP CANDIDATES.
6. When a person is introduced to the Presbytery, to be taken under its care as a candidate for the Ministry, a committee shall be appointed to converse privately with him on the subject of his application, and report to the Presbytery their opinion of the case.
7. Every candidate shall be placed under the superintendence of a com- mittee, who shall carefully attend to his moral and intellectual improve- ment, and make a report of the same at every stated meeting of the Presbytery.
8. Committees for examining candidates shall be appointed once in two years, at the Fall session.
9. When Presbytery decide on the trials of candidates, they shall sit with closed doors.
10. Every Latin Exegesis read by candidates shall be put in the hands of the Committee on Languages, who shall examine it, and report thereon to the Presbytery.
OF THE STATED CLERK.
11. It shall be the duty of the Stated Clerk to give such notices as are necessary to carry the orders of the Presbytery into effect.
12. Whenever the Presbytery shall m:ike a special adjournment, it shall be the duty of the Stated Clerk to inform absent members of the time, place, and object of said meeting.
13. The disbursements of Stated Clerk for blanks, stationery, postage,
14 ABSTRACTS.
etc., and his personal expenses in attending special meetings of Presbytery, shall be audited and paid out of the Presbyterial Fund.
14. The Stated Clerk shall give to members in good and regular stand- ing, testimonials to that effect when required.
OP COMMITTEES.
15. A committee to examine the minutes of the General Assembly shall be appointed at the Fall meeting.
I 16. The Committee on Missions shall report at each stated meeting.
17. The Treasurer's account shall be examined at each meeting in the Fall.
18. Sessional records shall be examined at the Fall meeting.
OP COMMISSIONERS.
19. Commissioners to the General Assembly shall be appointed by ballot at the Spring meeting, on the second day; the nominations having been made at least one session before the election.
20. The pulpits of Commissioners, during their attendance at the Assem- bly, shall, on request of Session, be^supplied by Presbytery.
21. The Presbytery shall inquire of their Commissioners to the General Assembly, at the Fall meeting, whether they faithfully attended the ses- sions of that body.
OP VACANT CHURCHES.
22. Vacant churches should pay supplies a suitable compensation.
23. It shall be considered disorderly for any vacant congregation to employ itinerant preachers whose credentials have not been submitted to some member of the Presbytery, or for any minister to labor statedly in any of our churches, who does not come under our jurisdiction, unless by special permission of the Presbytery at each stated meeting.
24. At each stated meeting of Presbytery, the list of vacant churches shall be read, and a minister shall be appointed to act as Moderator of the Session of each of the said churches, until the next meeting of Pres- bytery.
In case any church become vacant between the stated meetings of Presby- tery, its Session shall call upon a neighboring minister to act as Moderator until the next meeting of Presbytery, except in the cases provided for in the Form of Government.
OP ASSESSMENTS.
25. Each congregation shall be required to pay annually at the Spring meeting such a sum, for the expenses of Presbytery, Synod, and General Assembly, as shall be apportioned by Presbytery at the preceding Fall meeting.
OP STATISTICAL REPORTS.
26. Statistical reports from the churches shall be called for at each stated meeting in the Spring.
OP ORGANIZATION OP CHURCHES.
27. The organization of churches within our bounds shall be done under the direction of Presbytery.
ABSTRACTS.
15
OP SYSTEMATIC BENEFICENCE.
28. At each Spring meeting of Presbytery, the following questions shall be put to each minister:
(1.) Have you given to your people an opportunity to contribute intelli- gently to the General Assembly's scheme of benevolence, as well as to other objects approved by you ?
(2.) Do you raise contributions methodically ? and what is yoor method ?
(3.) Do you take pains, as a steward of God, to instruct your people in the duty of systematic contributions to the cause of Christ ?
OF SALARIES.
29. At each Fall meeting of the Presbytery, the Elder, or, in case of his absence, the minister of each church, shall be called upon to answer whether the pastor's salary is promptly paid; whether there is a defi- ciency; and, if so, what is the cause of it?
OF APPLICATIONS.
30. In case of any and every application for aid from any of the Boards or Committees, the vote thereon, both as to the application and as to the amount, shall be taken by ballot — excepting the Committee on Ministerial Relief, and those cases where the matfer is legally in the hands of a Pres- byterial Committee.
OF ALTERATIONS OF RULES.
31. These rules maybe altered or amended by a majority vote at any stated meeting; such alterations or amendments having been proposed in writing at a previous stated meeting of Presbytery.
The following; Standing Committees were appointed :
COMMITTEES FOR EXAMINATION.
1. On Religious Experience and Views in Seeking the Minis- try— The Moderator.
2. On Church History, Government, and Sacraments— Eevs. Heroy, Davison, and Stebbins.
3. On Systematic Theology— Revs. Hodge, Lathrop, and C. W. Baird.
4. On Natural Philosophy, Astronomy, and Rhetoric — Revs. Potts, Freeman, and Nixon.
5. On Languages— Revs. Hinsdale, Mudge, and Burkhalter.
STANDING COMMITTEES.
1. Home Missions— Ministers : C. W. Baird, Phraner, Macou-
brey, Potts, T. R. Smith, Sawyer, and Hinsdale. Elders : Sarles, Banks, Petrie, and Wells.
2. Foreign Missions — Ministers : Coleman, Gray, and Elder Foote.
3. Education— Ministers : Lee, Niven, and Elder Hubbell.
16 ABSTRACTS.
4. Ministerial Relief — Ministers: Mundy, Sahler, and Elder Parsons.
5. Sustentation — Ministers : T. R. Smith, Freeman, and Elder Wells.
6. Benevolence and Finance — Ministers : Wallace, Johnston, Elder Sours ; and the Stated Clerk, ex officio, Secretary.
7. Manses — Elders : S. G. Howe, Wilde, and Knapp.
8. Freedmen — Ministers : Davison, Steele, and Elder Weed.
9. Sabbath-schools and Colportage — Ministers : Mudge, Steb- bins, Hinsdale, and Elders Knapp and Milne.
On report of the Committee on Benevolence and. Finance, the following were adopted :
1. That Presbytery urge all our churches to contribute to each of the Boards.
2. This committee is instructed to write to delinquent churches earnestly requesting them to nil all the columns the present year.
Edward W. Fisher, licentiate, was received from the Presby- tery of Jersey City.
William Smith was licensed to preach.
In accordance with the action of General Assembly, licensures are to expire at the end of four years, but, in the discretion of Presbytery, they may be extended for one year longer.
Rye was chosen as the place of the next stated meeting.
The Potts Memorial church was recommended to receive aid from the Board of Home Missions for $500 for one year.
Adjourned to meet during the intervals of the meeting of Synod.
ADJOURNED MEETINGS.
No. 1. Yonkers, Oct. 16, 1872.
Present — 25 ministers and 21 elders.
Rev. Hugh A. McKelvey was received from the Presbytery ■f Cairo.
Rev. James Demarest was received from the Classis of Illi- nois of the Reformed Church, and arrangements were made for his installation as pastor of the Second church of Peekskill, Oct. 22d.
ABSTRACTS.
17
Rev. II. M. Hazeltine is to be installed pastor of the church of North Salem, Nov. 6th.
A committee was appointed to report in full respecting an application of the South Reformed church of New Haven to be received under our care.
The Stated Clerk reported that it was credibly rumored that E. Bailey Smith, one of our ministers, had united with the Catholic Apostolic Church, and the Clerk was instructed to cor- respond with Mr. Smith in regard to this report.
Adjourned to meet on call of the Moderator.
No. 2. New York, Dec. 10, 1872.
Present — 19 ministers and 5 elders.
Rev. George M. Boynton was dismissed to the General Asso- ciation of Congregational Churches of New Jersey.
Mr. Israel N. Terry was taken under our care as a candidate for the ministry.
In the matter of the application of the South Reformed church, a committee was appointed to confer with their Board of Missions in regard to the proposed transfer of this church, and to ascertain what amount of help may be obtained from our Board of Home Missions in case this church is received, and, also, to find what methods, if any, can be devised to relieve said church from its indebtedness.
A minute was adopted expressing the sense of Presbytery in view of the recent decease of Elder W. P. Van Rensselaer.
Adjourned to meet on call of the Moderator.
No. 3. New York, Feb. 24, 1873.
Present — 20 ministers and 6 elders.
Rev. A. S. Twombly was dismissed to the Suffolk North Con- ference of Congregational Ministers of Massachusetts.
Rev. Evert Van Slyke was received from the Chassis of Albany, and arrangements were made for his installation as pastor of the church of Stamford, April 23d.
The church known as the South Reformed church of New Haven was received and enrolled as the First Presbyterian church of New Haven. Said church obtained leave to prose-
18 ABSTRACTS.
cute a call for the services of Rev. Edward B. Hodge of the Presbytery of Monmouth.
Licentiate Isaac Baird, having received an appointment from ' the Board of Foreign Missions, applied for ordination, and his application was granted.
Presbytery, having satisfactory evidence that E. Bailey Smith has united with the Catholic Apostolic Church, ordered his name tc be dropped from the roll.
Adjourned to meet in Sing Sing, N. Y.
No. 4. Sing: Sing, N. Y., March 3, 1873. Present — 4 ministers and 1 elder.
Rev. Valentine A. Lewis was received from the Presbytery of Monroe.
Mr. Isaac Baird was ordained as an Evangelist. Ad "our. ed.
STATED SPRING MEETING.
Rye, N. Y., April 15, 1873.
Present — 40 ministers and 25 elders.
Rev. C. C. Wallace was chosen Moderator.
The Committee of Home Missions reported the organization- of a church at Katonah, N. Y., Nov. 17, 1872.
Presbytery answered the overture in relation to the Demission of the Ministry in the negative.
A committee was appointed to defend the action of Presby- tery against the appeal of E. B. Smith by which his name was dropped from the roll.
Mr. William R. Terrett was licensed.
Commissioners were elected to the General Assembly as fol- lows :
MINISTERS. ELDERS. CnURCHES.
R. A.. Sawyer, G. D. Cragin, Eye.
H. F. Lee, J. J. Wood, Mount Kisco.
J. Hancock, G. H. Petrie,* Riverdale.
Rev. Isaac Baird was dismissed to the Presbytery of Lake Superior.
Bedford was chosen for holding the next stated mseting ; and in view of the meeting of the Evangelical Alliance early in
* Charles Lockvvood, of Yonkers, attended as alternate.
ABSTRACTS.
19
October, it was ordered that Presbytery bold its Fall meeting two weeks prior to the usual .time.
Rev. Mr. Latbrop was appointed Moderator for the Session of the church at New Haven, and Mr. Hazeltine for Katonah.
The following was adopted :
Whereas, Presbytery, in accepting the South Reformed church cf New Haven as a religious body, did not understand that they were thereby assuming, or made liable to, the debts and claims that are against the church ;
Resolved, 1st, That this church are informed that they must negotiate with the parties who hold claims against themselves or their property, the Presbytery declining to become in any way legally responsible.
Resolved, 2d,' That we do most heartily sympathize with this congregation, and in the event of its assuming the responsibili- ties referred to, we will commend it to the generosity of our churches.
The church at Darien was recommended to the Sustentation Committee for aid to the amount of $300 per annum ; the church of North Salem to the Board of Home Missions for $300 ; and the church of South East for $200 per annum.
Power was given the Home Mission Committee to organize a church at North New York.
SPECIAL MEETING.
New York, June 10, 1873.
Present — 20 ministers and 10 elders.
The Home Mission Committee reported the organization of a church at North New York, May 12th.
This action was approved, and the Elder from that church was enrolled.
A call of this church for the pastoral services of Donald Fletcher, a licentiate under the care of the Presbytery of Chi- cago, was approved and put on the Docket.
The First Presbyterian church of New Haven presented a call for the services of Rev. J. W. Coleman, of Darien. In view of the financial condition of this church the call was re- tained in the hands of Presbytery.
Adjourned to meet in New York, July 15th.
20 ABSTRACTS.
New York, July 15, 1873.
Present — 12 ministers and 6 elders.
Mr. Donald Fletcher was received as a licentiate from the Presbytery of Chicago.
Mr. Fletcher accepted the call of the church of North New York, and he was examined for ordination.
Eesolved to meet in North New York on Tuesday, July 22d.
The church of New ITaven had leave to withdraw their call.
North New York, July 22, 1873. Present — 5 ministers and 2 elders.
Mr. Donald Fletcher was ordained and installed pastor of this church.
STATED FALL MEETING.
Bedford, N. Y., Sept. 23, 1873.
Present — 31 ministers and 27 elders.
Rev. R. A. Sawyer was elected Moderator.
At their request, the Committee of Home Missions is to be called the Presbyterial Committee of Church Extension. It was ordered, that when the experimental efforts in church exten- sion have resulted in the formation of churches, and these churches are provided with pastors, they, as soon as practicable, be referred for their support to the Board of Home Missions.
On report of the Committee of Church Extension, it was adopted :
1. That our churches be requested to take collections annually for the purposes of this Committee, and delinquent churches are directed to forward their collections at the earliest practicable day.
2. That this Committee be empowered to indicate to each church the minimum amount it should contribute to their funds on a basis of an aggregate sum of $2,000 per annum.
It was ordered, that there be printed an abstract of the pro- ceedings of this Presbytery from its organization, prefaced with a brief historic summary of Presbyterianism in our territory, and that hereafter the Stated Clerk cause to be' printed and dis- tributed brief abstracts of our proceedings after each meeting.
A committee was appointed to arrange for a presbyterial
ABSTRACTS. 21
visitation of our churches by committees during the coming season, with a view to increase the religious interests in our bounds.
A resolution was passed that it is binding on our churches to observe the recommendations of the Assembly in the matter of benevolent contributions. '
Stamford was appointed as the place for holding the next stated meeting.
Adjourned to meet on call of the Moderator.
ADJOUKNED MEETINGS.
No. 1. New York, Oct. 22, 1873.
Present — 32 ministers and 26 elders.
The Stated Clerk reported that licentiate Edward ~W. Fisher had been dismissed to the Presbytery of St. Lawrence, and Charles Wood to the care of the Presbytery of Buffalo.
By direction of the Synod of New York (minutes 1873, p. 13,) the name of E. B. Smith was again put on the roll, and a committee was appointed to report at the next adjourned meet- ing whether his relations to the Catholic Apostolic Church are compatible with his good and regular standing in Presbytery.
The Potts Memorial church was recommended for aid from the Board of Home Missions for $500 for the coming year.
For the visitation of our churches the following plan was adopted :
1. Each pastor is to share in the work ; and the several com- mittees, who are to be appointed by the Committee of Visita- tion, are to consist of two ministers and one elder.
2. The length of service is left to be fixed by each congrega- tion, who are to meet the traveling expenses of their committee.
Presbytery endorsed the request of the church at North New York for leave to apply to our pastors to ask them to appeal to those in their congregations who may be willing to contribute towards raising the sum of $600 to enable this new enterprise to .complete their chapel.
Adjourned to meet Nov. 17th.
22
ABSTRACTS.
No. 2. New York, Nov. 17, 1873. i Present — 26 ministers and 10 elders.
The pastoral relation between Eev. Mr. Steele and the church of White Plains was dissolved.
Rev. H. F. Lee was released from the pastorate of the church of. Thompsonville, and dismissed to the Presbytery of Phila- delphia North.
Rev. Mr. Mundy was appointed Moderator of the Session of White Plains, and Rev. Mr. Hodge for that of Thompsonville.
The committee appointed in the matter of Rev. E. Bailey Smith reported, and Presbytery took the following action :
That his relation to the so-called Catholic Apostolic Church is incompatible with, and antagonistic to, his good and regular standing as a Presbyterian minister, and that a committee be appointed to table charges against him for judicial process.
This committee are : Ministers Mudge, Hodge, and T. R. Smith ; Elders Wells, Corning, and Petrie.
Adjourned to meet Dec. 9th.
No. 3. New York, Deo. 9, 1873.
Present — 9 ministers and 3 elders.
The pastoral relation between Rev. H. H. Stebbins and the church of Riverdale was dissolved, and he was dismissed to the Presbytery of Syracuse.
Rev. Mr. Mudge was appointed Moderator of the Session of this church.
A charge with four specifications was reported by the com- mittee, appointed at the last meeting, declaring that E. Bailey Smith is guilty of holding heretical and schismatical views in- compatible with' his standing as a Presbyterian minister, and antagonistic to the standards of our church — these views em- bracing such doctrines as the possibility of the loss of the regen- erate, that the writings of the so-called apostles are of co-ordinate authority with the Word of God, that Christ assumed the fallen nature of Adam, etc., etc.
Presbytery took formal action required to proceed with the trial of Mr. Smith in accordance with our Discipline.
The call of the church of New Haven was renewed, and^it was ordered that the pastor and church of Darien be cited to
ABSTRACTS. 23
appear at our next meeting to show cause, if any they have, why their pastoral relation should not be dissolved. Adjourned to meet Jan. 20th.
No. 4. New York, Jam,. 20, 1874.
Present — 25 ministers and 10 elders.
Peter M. Macdonald was taken under our care as a candi- date for the ministry.
The Rev. J. W. Coleman was released from the pastorate of the church of Darien, and having accepted the call of the church of New Haven, a committee was appointed to report arrangements for his installation.
The church of White Plains presented a call for the services of Rev. E. L. Heermance, of the Reformed Church, and leave was given them to prosecute the call.
Presbytery proceeded with the judicial process against Rev. E. Bailey Smith.
The case was conducted by the Committee of Prosecution (p. 22) for the Presbytery, and the defence by Mr. Smith, assisted by Rev. Mr. Davison.
Pending the trial, Presbytery adjourned to meet on the 26th.
No. 5. New York, Jan. 26, 1874.
Present — 21 ministers and 6 elders.
The judicial case was resumed, and both sides having been fully heard, Presbytery gave its decision by calling the roll.
The vote is as follows :
To sustain the charge as a whole — Ministers, Lathrop, Phra- ner, C. W. Baird, Demarest, Mundy,' Sawyer, Hazeltine, Niven, Nesbitt, Potts, Freeman, Steele ; Elders, Belden, Wood, and Knapp — 17. Absent at the time of calling the roll — Ministers, Hinsdale, Coleman, and Fletcher — 3. Not voting — Ministers, Mudge, Hodge, T. R. Smith ; Elders, Wells, Corning, and Petrie, the Committee of Prosecution, and Rev. Mr. Davison, counsel for Mr. Smith — 7.
Presbytery resolved, That E. B. Smith be admonished of the errors of which he stands convicted, and that he be deposed from the ministry.
The sentence was immediately pronounced, accompanied with admonition and prayer.
24 ABSTRACTS.
Rev. D. M. Halliday was dismissed to the Presbytery of New Brunswick.
SPECIAL MEETING.
Riverdale, March 5, 1874.
Present — 12 ministers and 2 elders.
Rev. Edgar L. Heermance was received from the Classis ot Rensselaer of the Reformed Church.
Mr. Charles H. Burr, Jr., was received as a licentiate from the Presbytery of Nassau, and having accepted the call of the church of Riverdale, he was examined for ordination.
Mr. Burr was ordained and installed pastor of the church of Riverdale.
STATED SPRING MEETING.
Stamford, Conn., April 21, 18T4.
Present — 38 ministers and 25 elders.
Rev. L. W. Mudge was chosen Moderator.
Rev. Y. A. Lewis was dismissed to the Presbytery of Cayuga.
Mr. E. B. Smith's notice of his intention to appeal to the Synod of New York, from the decision of Presbytery, Jan. 26, ult., deposing him from the ministry, was read, and the Com- mittee of Prosecution were appointed to defend our action.
Arrangements were made for the installation of Rev. E. L. Heermance (page 23), pastor of the church of White Plains, May 13th.
Messrs. Israel N. Terry and P. M. Macdonald were licensed to preach.
The following were elected as Commissioners to the General Assembly :
MINISTERS. ELDERS. CHURCHES.
R. A. Davison, T. G. Ritch, Stamford.
E. F. Mundy, S. R. Knapp, Peekskill, 1st.
C. C. Wallace, E. Wells,* Peekskill, 2d.
The pastoral relation between Rev. J. Beers and the united churches of Somers and Croton Falls was dissolved.
W. H. Foster, of Gilead, attended as Mr. Wells' alternate.
ABSTRACTS.
25
On report of the Committee of Church Extension, the follow- ing were passed :
1. That our churches be recommended to make collections to lift the debt on the chapel at North New York.
2. That each congregation be requested hereafter to make an annual collection for this Committee.
3. That the financial year of the Committee be understood to begin with the first of April, and that the names of churches contributing, and not contributing, be reported, with the amounts given, at our Spring meetings.
The church of Katonah is requested to call Rev. Mr. Hazel- tine, and with North Salem form one pastorate, and the amount of salary be $1,200 per annum. The following churches were recommended to the Board of Home Missions :
New Haven, for five hundred dollars for six months ; North Salem, for three hundred dollars for one year ; South East for two hundred dollars for one year.
The name of the South Presbyterian church of Greenburgh was changed to Greenburgh.
By voluntary contributions from ministers and churches, the amount required to free the North New York chapel from debt was raised.
The salary of the Stated Clerk was fixed at $100 per annum.
Rev. Frederick S. Barnum was received from -the New York Conference of the M. E. Church.
Peekskill First church was appointed as the place for holding the next stated meeting.
Moderators of Sessions were appointed ; for Somers, Rev. Mr. Wallace ; for Croton Falls, Rev. Mr. Sahler.
The churches of Thompsonville and Darien were permitted to supply their own pulpits until the next stated meeting, and the supply of Somers and Croton Falls was referred to the Com- mittee of Church Extension. Rev. Messrs. Macoubrey, Smith, Hodge, and Elders Milne and Wells were appointed a committee to report a paper containing plans for bringing our Sessions into more consistent and effective relations to the baptized children of our Church.
An overture to the General Assembly was adopted, request- ing the Assembly —
1. To determine how the limitation contained in the action
26 ABSTRACTS.
of the Assembly of 1872 (see Digest, p. 401,) is to apply to those licensed prior to that action.
2. To determine the meaning of the words "extraordinary cases" in the action of the Assembly of 1873 on this subject.
3. To make an explicit deliverance as to the powers of the General Assembly over the functions of the Presbytery in grant- ing and continuing licenses.
Also an overture asking the Assembly to appoint a committee to prepare formulas for the reception of members into the church, for baptism, marriage, and funeral occasions.
The Treasurer reported that it would be necessary for the Presbytery to raise a larger sum to meet its expenses. A com- mittee was appointed to report an increased assessment on our churches (p. 30).
SPECIAL MEETING.
Thompsonville, Conn., July 20, 1874.
Present — 8 ministers and 4 elders.
The call of the church of Thompsonville to the Rev. F. S. Barnum to become their pastor was approved, and arrange- ments were made for his installation this evening.
Rev. J. Demarest resigned charge of the Second church of Peekskill, and was dismissed to the Classis of Kingston. The Session of this church have leave to supply their own pulpit, and Rev. Mr. Freeman is appointed their Moderator.
STATED FALL MEETING.
Peekskill (First Church), N. Y., Oct. 6, 1874.
Present — 31 ministers and 26 ruling elders.
Rev. A. R. Macoubrey was elected Moderator.
The Stated Clerk reported that be had given licentiate W. R. Terrett a letter of dismission to the Presbytery of North River, and "William Smith to the New York Central Congregational Association.
In addition to the Committees on Sessional Records, the Mod- erator announced the following committees :
To Examine the Minutes of the General Assembly — Messrs. "Wallace, Mundy, and Davison.
ABSTRACTS. 27
On Bills and Overtures — Messrs. Smith, Burkhalter, Yan Slyke, and Elders Soars and Bouton.
To Examine tlie Accounts of the Treasurer — Elders Parsons and Beach.
On the Reorganization of the Standing Committees — Messrs. Mudge, Heroy, Johnston, and Elders Cowdrey and Clark.
Committees reported the installation of Rev. Mr. Ileermance at White Plains, and of Rev. Mr. Barn urn at Thompson ville.
On the report of the committee, the attention of the Presbytery is called to the Minutes of the General Assembly, as follows :
On pp. 44, 45, to the consolidation of the Boards ; p. 44, to pledges to liquidate the joint debt of Home Missions and Sus tentation ; p. 51, to resolution relating to Foreign Board ; p. 61, overture on the eldership ; p. 66, resolution on temperance, and to action on woman's right to speak and pray in the prayer- meeting; p. 79, to Sabbath observance; p. 80, resolution as to the formation of woman's mission circles ; p. 81, action on over- ture No. 2, from the Presbytery of Newton ; No. 3, from this Presbytery; pp. 82, 83, 84, 85, overtures Nos. 14, 15, 21, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30 ; p. 85, resolution on worldly conformity, and on the mortality of our ministers ; p. 90, on the observance of the week of prayer and prayer for colleges. Special attention is called to the "Narrative," pp. 93-97; also, to the Reports on Consolidation, on the Final Court of Appeals, and on Voluntary Societies, pp. 161-167.
The Presbytery, by a vote of ayes 24, noes 31, rejected the overture on the eldership.
Messrs. Barnum, Heroy, and Elder Wood were appointed to consider the subject of the observance of the Sabbath.
On their report, it was ordered that pastors and stated supplies preach upon this subject, on or before the first Sabbath in De- cember, and the Sessions of our churches are enjoined to give special attention to the duty of elevating the standard of Sabbath observance.
licentiate C. B. Whitcomb was granted a dismission to the New Haven West Association.
The Stated Clerk was directed to notify Church Sessions to re- tain the names of members on the roll until informed of their reception by the return certificate ; also, to send to each Session
28 ABSTRACTS.
a copy of the rules for their guidance in the keeping of their records.
These Rules are as follows :
1. Record the fact and place of meeting, and in the margin put the full date — day, month, and year.
2. Record the names of the Moderator and Elders who are present, and also the names of the absentees.
3. Record the opening and the closing of the meeting with prayer, and the reading and approval of the minutes of the last meeting.
4. Unless otherwise ordered by the Session, record only the motions that are carried.
5. Make no entry in the record of a meeting of any matter not embraced in the transactions of that meeting, except by special order of the Session, of which order record should be made.
6. The annual statistical report to the General Assembly is to be recorded in the minutes by order of the Session, and a record of the administration of the Lord's Supper is to be made.
7. In recording the names of applicants received into membership, state the fact of examination ; in each case enter the full name, and if wife or widow, the Christian name of husband.
8. Dismissions are to be regularly reported and recorded.
9. In cases of discipline, every step in the process, as provided by the Book of Discipline, is to be distinctly recorded, and also the testimony given by the respective witnesses.
10. When reference is made in any minute to previous action of the Session, the page or pages on which it is recorded should be distinctly noted.
11. The record of each meeting is to be duly attested by the signature of the Clerk or Moderator.
12. The records are to be carefully paged, and kept with as much neat- ness as possible, without erasures or interlineations.
13. The Book is to be submitted, according to the standing rule of the Presbytery (No. 18), at each stated meeting in the Fall. (See p. 14.)
The churches of Darien, Croton Falls, Somers, and Feekskill Second have leave to supply their own pulpits until the next stated meeting.
The accounts of the Treasurer were approved.
The Committee on Presbyterial Visitation (Rev. A. R. Macou- brey, Chairman,) recommended that it be performed triennially, but that such churches as may request it, have preaching serv- ices conducted by committees during the coming Winter.
New Rochelle was chosen as the place for the next stated
ABSTRACTS. 29
meeting, and Rev. Mr. Salilcr is appointed to draft the " Narra- tive." Presbytery also decided to hold regular intermediate meetings on the third Tuesdays of January and June. The Standing Committees are as follows :
I. — FOR EXAMINATION.
1. On Religious Experience and Views in Seeking the Minis- istry : The Moderator.
2. On Languages: Revs. Hinsdale, Burkhalter, and Mudge.
3. On Church History, Government, and Sacraments : Revs. C. W. Baird, Davison, and Hancock.
4. On Systematic Theology : Revs. Hodge, Sahler, and Heroy
5. On Philosophy, Astronomy, and Rhetoric : Revs. Nixon, Burr, and Heermance.
To the Committee on Languages is to be assigned the Latin pieces of candidates ; and their critical exercises, lectures, and sermons to the Committee on Philosophy, etc.
U. — STANDING COMMITTEES.
1. Church Extension : Revs. C. W. Baird, Phraner. Macou- brey, Potts, Smith, Sawyer, Van Slyke, Elders Sarles, Petrie, and Wells.
2. Foreign Missions : Revs. Coleman, Gray, and Elder Foote.
3. Education : Revs. Niven, Sawyer, and Elder Brown.
4. Ministerial Relief: Revs. Hazeltine, Patterson, and Elder Parsons.
5. Benevolence and Finance : Revs. Wallace, Johnston, Elder Sours, and the Stated Clerk, ex-officio Secretary.
6. On Manses : Elders S. G. Howe, Wilde, and Milne.
7. On Freedmen : Revs. Freeman, Allen, and Elder Cham- berlin.
8. Sabbath-schools and Colportage : Revs. Mudge, Barnum, Nesbitt, and Elders Knapp and J. J. Wood.
9. Presbyterial Visitation : Revs. Macoubrey, Sawyer, C. W. Baird, and Elders Crosby and Cruikshank.
The "Narrative" makes special mention of revivals in Thompson ville, Westminster (Youkers), and Port Ciie.-ter ; of quiet gatherings-in of the young at Hartford, Yonkers First, Sing Sing, and North Salem ; of encouraging mission work by the churches of Yonkers, Hartford, Sing Sing, and Irvington.
30
ABSTRACTS.
Bridgeport and Port Chester report the building of chapels for Sunday-school and other purposes, and. Katonah the near com- pletion of a new church.
Candidates Johnston, Frederick, Scotland, Gallagher, Terry, and Macdonald were recommended to the Board of Education.
The church of New Haven was commended to receive aid from the Board of Home Missions to the amount of $500 for six months, from August 1, 1874:. The church of Katonah re- ceived the sanction of Presbytery to send among our churches, with the consent of the pastors, a committee to solicit aid in the erection of their new church.
The Committee on Print tinned.
By order of Presbytery upon the churches Bedford, . Bridgeport, . Croton Falls, Darien, . Gilead,
Greenburgb, . Hartford. . Irvington, Katonah, . Mount Kisco, . New Rochelle, . North New York, . North Salem, Paterson, Peekskill, 1st, 2d, Port Chester, Potts Memorial, Poundridge,
Total,
ng reported progress, and were con-
the following sums are assessed
$12 Mahopac Falls, . 18 Riverdale,
7 Rye, .
5 Sing Sing, 12 Somers, 25 South East, . 20 South East Centre, 40 South Salem, .
2 Stamford, . 12 Tbompsonvflle, 16 Tbrog's Neck, .
Tremont, West Farms, White Plains, Youkers, 1st, Y. Westminster, Yorktown, . New Haven, .
$12 25 30 30 6 7 14 14 30 15 10 20 18 16 50 18 10 ' 3
$580
Also, ministers employed in teaching, or as pastors of Con- gregational churches, are to pay annually to the Presbytery the sum of one dollar each — all these amounts to be paid at the Spring meeting.
The Committee on Sabbath-schools (No. 8) are authorized to have under their care a missionary for colportage work,. if one should be commissioned by the Board of Publication.
The Presbytery decided that the term of elders elected for an unlimited number of years, cannot be altered, except with their consent, or resignation ; and that Sessions have the right to record the late attendance of members.
ABSTRACTS. 31
The Committees on Church Extension and Presbyterial Visit- ation asked leave to report at the adjourned meeting to he held during the intervals of Synod.
The roll was called before the adjournment, and the Clerk was directed to record the names of members who have absented themselves without permission.
ADJOURNED MEETING.
Boston, Oct. 22, 1874.
Present — 21 ministers and 12 elders.
The application of Rev. R. J. Cone was deferred until the next stated meeting.
Synod is requested to transfer Narragansett Pier, R. I., to our boundB.
The Committee of Church Extension received discretionary power to act with reference to the afiairs of the churches of Katonah, Somers, and Croton Falls, until the next meeting of Presbytery.
Churches which have not taken collections for the work of the above committee are urged to do so before the first of January.
Adjourned to meet in West Farms the third Tuesday of Jan- nary, 1875.
INTERMEDIATE MEETING.
West Farms, N. Y., Jan. 19, 1875.
Opened with devotional exercises.
There were present 22 jninisters and 14 elders.
The Stated Clerk reported the death of Rev. A. Nesbitt, which occurred Jan. 7, 1875, and Revs. Nixon, Wallace, and Elder Baxter were appointed to bring in a minute expressive of the sense of Presbytery in view of this bereavement.
Rev. J. Beers was dismissed to the Presbytery of Nassau, and Rev. EL S. Newcomb to the Presbytery of Lehigh.
The church of Tretnont obtained leave to supply their own pulpit until the next stated meeting, and Rev. Mr. Nixon was appointed the Moderator of that Session.
Rev. Mr. Mudge and Elder E. Wood were appointed to solicit pledges from the churches which had not contributed to the
32 ABSTEACTS.
funds of the Church Extension Committee during the present year.
Rev. Revilo J. Cone, of the Presbytery of Baltimore, was re- ceived.
The church of North Salem having asked Presbytery to re- lease them from the obligation to pay a certain proportion of the amount pledged for the support of their pastor, on the ground that one of the congregation declined to pay his sub- scription, the Presbytery declined to take any action, but re- ferred the matter to the church, with the recommendation that prompt measures be taken by them to meet their obligation to their pastor.
Their request for a reduction of the amount hereafter to be paid annually to their pastor was referred to the Church Exten- sion Committee.
The church of New Haven was disbanded, to date from March 1st ensuing, until which time the Session are to continue to dismiss members to other churches, and after that date the records are to be placed in the possession of the Stated Clerk,, who shall have power to grant letters of dismission to such mem- bers as may thereafter apply for them.
The Presbytery passed a resolution sustaining the course of Rev. J. "W". Coleman, the pastor elect of the above church.
An appropriate minute was adopted in relation to the decease of Rev. A. Nesbitt.
The thanks of Presbytery were tendered to Mr. F. A. Pal- mer for his liberality to the church at Katonah.
STATED SPRING MEETING.
New Rochelle, N. Y., April 20-22, 1875.
Present — 36 ministers and 24 elders.
On the first evening a service in the interests of Sabbath- schools was held, and on the second evening a conference and prayer-meeting.
Rev. R. A. Blackford, of the Presbytery of "West Virginia, was received.
Rev. W. H. Smith's application for admission was laid over until his appearance in Presbytery.
Revs. T. R. Smith, C. W. Baird, and Elder Milne were ap-
AB8TEACTS. 33
pointed to consider and recommend what action, if any, is required in view of a communication received from members of the church of Hartford.
It was subsequently reported and recommended that a com- mission, consisting of ministers Smith, C. W. Baird, Hinsdale, Elders Wells, Milne, and Gibson, be appointed, with power, to visit and confer with that congregation on the matters embodied in said communication ;
And further, that the Jnne intermediate meeting be held in Hartford.
Both recommendations were adopted.
Reports from the Standing Committees as follows :
Church Extension reported, and it was ordered that churches which have failed to contribute to this work, be recommended to send their gifts as soon as possible ; also, that the sum of $1,500 be apportioned among the churches, on the basis of ministers' salaries, for the work of this committee this year ; and that Messrs. Macoubrey, Mudge, and Sours be appointed to secure the liquidation 0f the present debt of this committee.
On Sabbath-schools — Reported the performance of duty con- nected with these sessions of Presbytery.
On Visitation — That only one application for such committee had been received.
On Ministerial Relief — One application for relief, and the committee are authorized to sanction the application.
The church of Greenburgh is chosen as the place for the Fall meeting, and its Session and that of Irviugton are appointed the Committee of Arrangements.
Rev. G. Nixon, Rev. E. L. Heermance, alternate, are ap- pointed to draft the Narrative.
Rev. Mr. Sahler is appointed to fill the place of Brother Nes- bitt, in the Committee on Sabbath-schools.
The pastoral relation of Rev. Mr. Fletcher to the church at North JSew York was dissolved, and Mr. F. was dismissed to the Presbytery of Detroit.
Darien, Croton Falls, Peekskill Second, Tremont, and North New York have leave to supply their own pulpits until the Fall meeting.
Rev. A. Potts is appointed Moderator for the Session of North New York.
34 ABSTRACTS.
The Commissioners to the General Assembly are :
MINISTERS. ELDERS. CHURCHES.
D. D. Sahler, George H. Petrie,* Riverdale. George Nixon, J. E. Corning,t Rye.
E. R. Burkhalter, S. G. Howe, Sing Sing.
The subject of the " Relation of baptized children to the church'' was considered, and it was ordered —
1. That the paper of the committee be distributed in connec- tion with the printed abstracts.
2. That Messrs. Phraner, Sawyer, and Hancock prepare a paper on this subject, and report at the next intermediate meeting.
Rev. Mr. Sahler read the Narrative of the state of religion, which mentions the death of Rev. A. Nesbitt ; the depressing effects of the times on our ecclesiastical and benevolent work ; and the damaging influence of intemperance in some parts of our bounds. A few churches speak of spiritual dearth ; about one-third report special influences of the Spirit. Patterson church reports a remarkable revival as still in progress.
Over 250 additions to our churches on profession. The study of the international series of lessons seems to be producing good results.
The large church edifice at Bridgeport, with its new chapel and organ, has been destroyed by fire.
Thursday.
A letter from Rev. Mr. Wood, missionary, was read, to which the Stated Clerk was directed to reply.
Church of North Salem recommended to the Board of Mis- sions for $300, and South East for $200 each per annum.
Rev. Messrs. Freeman, Phraner, and Sawyer are appointed to .ascertain and report the methods of collection and disburse- ment of the moneys entrusted by our churches to the Board of Foreign Missions; also, concerning the propriety of churches selecting specific Mission Stations and persons to whom their contributions are to be given.
Compliance with Rule No. 28 was omitted.
* Not in attendance.
f E. Crosby, M.D., of Maliopac Falls, present as alternate.
ABSTRACTS. 35
INTERMEDIATE MEETING.
Hartford, June 15, 1875.
Present — 20 ministers and 9 elders.
A call from the church of Katonah for the ministerial services of Mr. J. H. Eastman was approved, and after his reception as a licentiate from the Presbytery of Binghamton, the call was placed in his hands and accepted.
Mr. Eastman was then examined for ordination, and his ex- amination was sustained ; and Presbytery resolved to meet in Katonah on July 8th, at 11 o'clock a. m., to ordain and install him, if the way be clear, pastor of that church.
The following appointments were made for these services :
To preside and offer the ordaining prayer, the Moderator.
To preach the sermon ;
Rev. Mr. MAeorBREY, Alternate, Rev. Mr. Gray.
To charge the pastor ;
Rev. Mr. Wallace, Alternate, Rev. Mr. Allen.
To charge the people ;
Rev. Mr. Hazeltine, Alternate, Rev. Mr. Heroy.
The report on the Relation of Baptized Children to the Church was postponed until the Fall meeting.
The report of the commission to visit the church in Hartford was read, and its decisions were unanimously approved.
It is ordered that committees shall present, in connection with their reports, brief abstracts of the same, which are to be spread upon the records of Presbytery.
The call from the church of Tremont for the pastoral services of Rev. G. Nixon was approved, and he expressed his desire to accept it.
It was thereupon ordered that his pastorate at "West Farms shall terminate July 1st, next ensuing, and Rev. Mr. Hazeltine is appointed to preach in that church on the first Sabbath in July, and declare the pulpit vacant.
Rev. Mr. Potts is appointed the Moderator of its Session, and
36 ABSTRACTS.
they have leave to supply their own pulpit until the next stated meeting of Presbytery. «
Arrangements were made for the installation of Brother Nixon at Tremont, on Thursday, July 8th.
The church of Katonah is recommended to the Board of Mis- sions for aid to the amount of $500 per annum.
Vacant churches and unemployed ministers are referred to the Committee of Church Extension.
Rev. W. H. Smith was received from the Presbytery of Schuyler.
On the petition of certain persons connected with the church in Hartford, the Presbytery made the following decision :
That all books and papers pertaining to the financial affairs of the church should be placed in the hands of its Treasurer.
Presbytery directed that abstracts of intermediate meetings be printed.
ADJOURNED MEETING.
Katonah, N. Y., July 8, 1875. Present — 9 ministers and 5 elders.
Mr. John H. Eastman was ordained and installed pastor of this church.
SPECIAL MEETING.
New York City, Sept. 9, 1875.
Present — 19 ministers and 5 elders.
Rev. A. Potts was released from the church at Morrisania (Potts Memorial) and dismissed to the Presbytery of Utica.
Rev. C. W. Baird was appointed Moderator of the Session of this church.
STATED FALL MEETING.
Gkeenbuegh, N. Y., Oct 5-7, 1875.
Present — 29 ministers and 25 elders.
Rev. F. S. Barnum was elected Moderator.
On the first evening a meeting in the interest of Sabbath-
ABSTRACTS. 37
schools was held, and Messrs. Freeman, Sahler, and Burr de- livered addresses.
Kev. W. II. Smith was dismissed to the Classis of Bergen, and licentiate P. M. Macdonald to the Presbytery of Boston.
The committee to soliet funds for the new church at Katonah reported that a statement of particulars had been given to the Church Extension Committee, and to them churches were re- quested to send their donations.
The pastoral relations between Rev. J. W. Johnston and the church of Yorktown, and Rev. E. Van Slyke and the church of Stamford, were dissolved.
Resolutions of regret at parting with these brethren were passed.
The Stated Clerk is empowered to dismiss Mr. Johnston during the interval between the meetings of Presbytery.
The committee appointed to apportion the arrears of the Church Extension Committee upon delinquent churches reported that the apportionments had been sent to those churches, and a list of amounts and churches forwarded to the above committee.
The Committee on Education reported favorably concerning the progress in study of candidates Scotland, Gallagher, John- ston, and Frederick, and their recommendation to the Board was renewed.
Trial pieces were assigned to Mr. Scotland.
The " narrative" of the state of religion makes mention of the large number of vacancies (eight), of the general expectation of an outpouring of the Spirit, and of the financial stringency of the times affecting seriously the prosperity of our churches. Bridge- port is completing a new edifice of worship ; Thompsonville have adopted plans for enlarging ; Mahopac Falls is about to enlarge their church ; and a neat chapel for mission work has been donated to Irvington. Favorable mention is made of the use of the Inter- national Sabbath -school Lessons, and of increased attention to the study of the catechism.
Sessional records were examined, and the accounts of the Treasurer approved. Received, including balance last year, six hundred and fifteen dollars and twenty-seven cents ; expended, five hundred and eighty-nine dollars and twenty cents. Balance to new account, twenty-six dollars and seven cents.
Tho report of the Committee on Baptized Children ("Abstracts,"
38 ABSTRACTS.
April 20th, p. 34) was presented, and after discussion, it was ordered that the report be printed with these abstracts, and its consideration be postponed until the intermediate meeting.
Rev. Dr. Hodge reported the names of persons elected as trustees of the congregation at Karragansett Pier, R. I., whose election, according to the charter recently obtained from the State, Presbytery is asked to approve ; and it was done.
On report of the Committee to Examine the Minutes of the General Assembly, special attention is called to the following items :
Minutes, p. 474 ; Resolution 4, the "Wants of the Freed men's Cause ; p. 499, Resolutions Three and Four, as to the formation of societies auxiliary to the Woman's Board of Foreign Missions, and enlisting our Sabbath-schools in a deeper interest in the foreign work ; p. 504, Infant Baptism ; p. 515, Resolution 2, Temperance ; p. 525, Overture on Representation : p. 527, Mile- age ; p. 533, Change in statistical tables, viz., only donations to the Boards to be reported in the columns representing these ob- jects, other charities to be put under "Miscellaneous."
The committee appointed at the Spring meeting to confer with the Board of Foreign Missions (page 34) reported that, after careful inquiry, they found no reason to doubt the wisdom or fidelity of the Board in collecting and disbursing their funds. While granting the privilege of making gifts to specific objects, the Board claim the right to regulate all matters of detail. It is recommended — 1. That churches and Sabbath-schools be kept well posted in mission work, and trained to give chiefly out of love to Christ and His cause. 2. That special gifts should not be made at the expense of the general fund, and so far as possible be sent through the channels and within the limits fixed by the Board.
The Committee on Benevolence and Finance reported, calling attention of pastors and churches to discrepancies in reports of con- tributions, between the amounts published in the tables and in the reports of the Boards, for which the explanation is, (1) amounts are given to the same objects outside of the several Boards ; (2) in some instances contributions were made to these Boards after the close of their fiscal year.
Presbytery adopted the following resolutions :
ABSTRACTS. 39
1. That in view of the present financial stringency, our church- es be urged to enlarge their gifts to the Boards.
2. Sessions are to see that their congregations have opportunity to contribute to them, and pastors are to educate their people as to the particular work of these Boards.
This Committee is directed to report an overture to the General Assembly, respecting the change in the (see Minutes 1875, p. 533, Res. 5) columns of contributions of moneys given to objects embraced by the Boards.
To draft the narrative for next meeting, Rev. Mr. Ileermauce ; alternate, Rev. Mr. Eastman.
The Stated Clerk read the following summary statement of the acts and proceedings of the Presbytery since its organization, and it was ordered that it be spread upon our records.
The Presbytery of Westchester, organized by order of the Synod of New York, after the reunion, held its first meeting October, 1870, in the church of Sing Sing. It then consisted of 55 ministers"-' and 35 churches. Of the ministers, 22 had previously belonged to the Presbytery of Connecticut ; 3 to the Presbytery of New York ; 6 to New York Second ; 5 to New York Third ; 5 to New York Fourth ; and 1 from each of the Presbyteries of North River, Elizabethtown, Philadelphia Second, Nassau, Watertown, Steuben, Burlington, Buffalo City, Tioga, Troy, Londonderry, Harrisburgh, Long Island of the Synod of New York, and Long Island of the Synod of New York and New Jersey.
Of the churches,19 had previously belonged to the Presbytery of Connecticut ; 2 to New York ; 5 to New York Second ; 5 to New York Third ; 3 to New York Fourth ; 1 to North River.
Geographically it embraced all the Presbyterian ministers and churches in the comities of AVestchester and Putnam of the State of New York, excepting the church at Cold Spring, and all in the State of Connecticut.
By act of Synod in i 874, that part of Rhode Island called Narragansett Pier wTas placed under the care of this Presbytery ; and although by act of the New York Legislature a portion of the southern part of Westchester County is now annexed to the
This number includes 8 names enrolled April, 1871. (See p. 6.)
40 ABSTRACTS.
city and County of New York, the churches in that portion still remain in our jurisdiction.'
Since its organization 13 ministers have been received from Presbyteries ; 3 from Classes of the Reformed (Dutch) Church : one from the Episcopal Church ; one from the Methodist Church ; and one from the Congregationalists.
Twenty-one have been dismissed ; one has been deposed ; and 3 have died. Two churches have been organized ; one dissolved ; and one church, received from the Classis of New York, has also been disbanded. Presbytery has held 38 meetings, viz. : 10 stated meetings ; 15 adjourned ; 11 special; and 2 intermediate meetings.
It has had under its care 17 licentiates ; of these, 7 have been ordained ; 6 have been dismissed ; and 4 remain.
Fourteen candidates have been taken under its care ; of these, 8 have been licensed ; one has been dropped from the roll ; one has died ; and 4 remain.
Presbytery has ordained 7 ministers ; it has constituted 17 pastoral relations ; and 13 have been dissolved.
The number of communicants reported for 1871 was 4,538 ; for 1875, it was 5,010 ; increase, 472.
The largest number of additions on profession was 316, reported in 1874 ; the smallest was 163, reported in 1873 ; the average yearly addition for the five years is 272.
The largest number present at one meeting has been 65, and this number has been present twice, viz. : at Stamford in April, 1871, there were present 38 ministers and 27 elders, and at Rye in April, 1873, present 40 ministers and 25 elders. The largest number of ministers present at one time has been 40, viz., at Rye in 1873 ; the1 largest number of elders present at one meeting was 29, at Sing Sing in Oct., 1870. The average attendance at stated meetings has been 33 ministers and 24 elders ; total, 57 members.
The whole number of ministers who have been on the roll is 80. The number now on the roll is 56, and the number of churches, 36. Number of elders in the Presbytery about 150.
Revs. T. R. Smith, C. "W. Baird, and Elder Mathews were appointed to confer with Rev. Dr. Cox, in respect to his proposal to donate a portion of his library to this Presbytery.
ABSTRACTS. 41
Yonkers (First Church) was selected as the place for the next stated meeting, and Tremont for the next intermediate meeting. Moderators of vacant church Sessions are as follows :
Peekskill, 2d
Somers
Yorktown
Stamford and Darien -
"West Farms and North New York
Potts Memorial -
Pastors are enjoined to instruct their congregations as to the nature and needs of the mission field within the bounds of our Presbytery, and urge liberal collections for this object.
Action on the overture on Representation is deferred until the Spring meeting ; and Rev. Mr. Mudge is appointed to present reasons for, and Rev. Dr. Smith those against, its adoption.
Number present at close, 23 ministers and 11 elders.
Adjourned to meet during the intervals of Synod.
|
Rev. |
Mr. |
Freeman. |
|
a |
a |
Blackfokd, |
|
u |
a |
Wallace. |
|
u |
a |
Hinsdale. |
|
it |
a |
Davison. |
|
a |
a |
Baird. |
ADJOURNED MEETING.
Poughkeepsie, N. Y., Oct. 20, 1875.
Present — 22 ministers and 18 elders.
A call of the Second church of Peekskill for the services of Mr. Roderick Terry was approved, and Mr. Terry having been received as a licentiate, by letter of dismission from the Andover Association, Mass., the following arrangements were provided for his ordination and installation :
That it take place on Tuesday, Nov. 9th, at 7.30 oclock p. m. ; the Rev. Dr. Hall be invited to preach the sermon; Rev. Mr. Phraner, his alternate ; to charge the pastor, Rev. Dr. Sawyer ; his alternate, Rev. Mr. Freeman; to charge the people, Rev. Dr. Smith ; his alternate, Rev. Mr. Niven.
The Standing Committee on Visitations is empowered to make arrangements for the visitation of our churches by committees during the coming winter.
Adjourned to meet in Peekskill, N. Y., Nov. 9th.
42 ABSTRACTS.
ADJOURNED MEETING.
Peekskill, N. Y.5 Nod. 9, 1875.
Present — 9 ministers and 5 elders.
Mr. Roderick Terry was examined for ordination, and his ex- amination was sustained.
Rev. Gordon Mitchell was received from the Presbytery of Philadelphia, and arrangements were made for his installation at North New York, November 11th.
Rev. Lawrence P. Cummings was received from the Presby- tery of New York, and arrangements were made for his install- ation as pastor of the Potts Memorial church, November 30th.
A minute was adopted expressing sympathy with the church at Throg's Neck, in view of the loss of their house of worship, and cordially commending them to the liberality of our churches and those of the Synod in the vicinity, suggesting that pastors give from their pulpits a statement of the case with a fraternal commendation of aid.
In the evening Mr. Terry was ordained and installed pastor of the Second church of Peekskill, the sermon being preached by Rev. W. Phraner, in the absence of Dr. Hall, (p. 4L).
Adjourned to meet in Tremont, N. Y., Jan. 18, 1876.
INTERMEDIATE MEETING.
Tremont, N. Y., Jan. 18, 1876.
Present — 23 ministers and 12 elders.
At the request of the pastor, the church consenting, the pas- toral relation of Rev. Mr. Freeman to the First church of Peeks- kill was dissolved, and Mr. Freeman was dismissed to the Presbytery of Niagara.
Rev. Mr. Macoubrey was appointed to declare the pulpit of the above church vacant on Sabbath, January 23d ; Rev. Mr. Terry is appointed Moderator of its Session, and they have leave to supply their own pnlpit until the Spring meeting.
Rev. James Morton was received by letter from the Presby- tery of New York, and the Rev. James W. Coleman was dis- missed to the Presbytery of East Florida.
Mr. Arthur G. Rogers, a student in Union Theological Semi- nary, was taken under our care and recommended to the Board of Education for the usual appropriation. His pastor, Mr.
ABSTRACTS. 43
Nixon, is appointed to have supervision of his studies, and trial pieces were assigned to Mr. Rogers.
At their request the name of the church of North New York was changed to the "Bethany Presbyterian Church," and they were recommended to the Board of Home Missions for aid to the amount of $500 for one year.
At the request of both parties, the pastoral relation between Rev. T. M. Gray and the church of South Salem was dissolved, to take effect March loth next, and Rev. Mr. Dye is appointed to preach in that church the next Sabbath thereafter and declare the pulpit vacant. This church obtained leave to supply its own pulpit until the Spring meeting of Presbytery, and Rev. Mr. Patterson is appointed Mod.rator of the Session.
The application of the church of North Salem for aid from the Board of Home Missions to the amount of $300 per annum was sanctioned.
A call of the church of West Farms for the pastoral services of Rev. C. "W. Adams was read and put on the docket until Mr. Adams is able to obtain his letter of dismission from the Presby- tery of Utica.
The Church Extension Committee is authorized to engage, if they see tit, Rev. Mr. Hazel tine for general missionary work in the northern section of "Westchester County, for one-half of his time.
The reports on the relation of baptized children to the Church were considered, and the following is the minute adopted :
I. Presbytery hereby enjoins upon its pastors —
1st. That they shall frequently preach, both directly and in- cidentally,
a. Upon the duty and privilege of Christian parents presenting their children early for baptism ;
o. To Christian parents and the baptized youth, urging the motives growing out of the covenant relation and its seal, es- pecially instructing the baptized children in their duty to ratify their baptismal vows, by an early profession of faith and attend- ance at the Lord's table, and an active participation in Church work and the other duties of the Christian life.
2d. That in the administration of the ordinance of baptism to
44 ABSTRACTS.
children, they shall so address the parents as to impress them with the solemnity and spiritual significance of the rite ; and the con- gregation, that they shall know that these children are thereafter under the inspection and government of the Church through the Session.
3d. That in the public profession of individual faith, those who have not been baptized in childhood shall be admitted to membership in the Church, while those baptized in childhood, as already members of the Church, shall be admitted to the Lord's supper.
4th. That pastors gather the youth of their congregations into catechetical classes for instruction in the spiritual life, seeking to win them early to the Saviour, and especially enforcing upon baptized youth the peculiar and solemn obligations which are upon them growing out of their covenant relations to God and to His Church, and urging them with all fidelity to walk con- sistently and orderly in the house of God.
II. The Sessions of our churches are instructed to see that through the family, or the Sabbath-school, or in some appropriate way, the youth of our congregations, and especially the baptized children of our churches, are " taught to read and repeat the cat- echism, the Apostles' creed, and the Lord's Prayer ; that they are taught to pray, to abhor sin, to fear God, and to obey the Lord Jesus Christ."
III. Presbytery shall inquire of its pastors at the Spring meeting of each alternate year, as to the fulfillment of these re- quirements.
The committees to install Rev. Messrs. Mitchell and Cum- mings reported the fulfillment of these duties, (p. 42).
Adjourned to meet in the First Presbyterian church of Yonkers on the third Tuesday of April.
E. F. MOTDY, Stated Clerk.
STATED SPRING MEETING. Voxkkks (First Church), April 18-20, 1876.
Present — 36 ministers and 27 elders.
Rev. E. F. Mundy was elected Moderator, and Revs. .Xixon and Mudge clerks, the latter to act as Stated Clerk pro tempore.
The sermon of Rev. F. S. Barnum, the retiring Moderate!-. was preached on the first evening, and a praise and prayer meet- ing was held on the second evening.
A communication from the Board of Church Erection was referred to the Committee" of Church Extension, and a commu- nication from the Presbyterian Historical Society was referred to a special committee, consisting of Revs. C. W. Baird, Hins- dale, and Elder Lee.
The Moderator appointed the following committees :
To examine the Minutes of Synod — Revs. Heroy, Hodge, and Elder Teller.
( )n Bills and Overtures — Revs. Barnum, Burkhalter, and Elder Williamson.
Rev. C. W. Adams was received from the Presbytery of Ctica-j and Rev. Richard P. H. Vail from the Presbytery of Troy.
Arrangements were made to install Rev. Mr. Adams at West Farms, May 2d, and Rev. Mr. Vail at Stamford, May 11th.
An overture, requesting the General Assembly to return to the former mode of reporting contributions to the benevolent work of the church, was adopted.
The narrative, which was adopted and ordered to be sent to the General Assembly, speaks of unusual religious interest in most of our churche8, additions on profession reported to lie over 400, <>f two congregations (Thompsonville and Mahopac Falls) enlarging their buildings, and one (Bridgeport) having a new edifice nearly completed, of the prosperous condition of our Sabbath-schools, and of good effected by the several Committees of Visitation.
The Committee on Ministerial Relief reported that two per- sons, one an aged minister, the other the widow of a minister, had received aid the past year; and their application for aid for the coiniiiii' vear was endorsed.
46
Katonahwas appointed as the place for the June intermediate meeting, and Mahopac Falls for the stated Fall meeting. Eev. Mr. Eastman, and Rev. Mr. Allen, alternate, are appointed to draft the narrative.
A call of the First church of Peekskill, tor the services of Mr. J. Ritchie Smith, was approved and put on the docket.
The pastoral relation of Rev. Mr. Hazeltine to the church of North Salem was dissolved, to take effect on the last Sabbath of April, and Mr. Hazeltine is to declare the pulpit vacant.
A committee, consisting of Revs. Smith, Mudge, the Stated Clerk, and Elder Rockwell, were appointed to confer with those members of Presbytery resident without our bounds, and those who are pastors of Congregational churches, who never or seldom attend our meetings, with reference to their future relation to Presbytery.
It is recommended that pastors preach sermons, embracing the history of their churches, on or near to the first Sabbath of July, and send copies of these discourses to the Presbyterian Historical Society ; and that churches contribute towards provid- ing a fire-proof building for the safe keeping of the property of this Society ; and also, Rev. Charles W. Baird is appointed to preach at the next stated meeting, a sermon embracing a histor- ical account of Presbyterianism in this country, especially in the territory covered by Presbytery.
Trial pieces were assigned to candidate Frederick.
Moderators were appointed for vacant church Sessions as follows :
Yorktown, - - - Rev. Mr. WalLxVce.
South Salem, - - " " Patterson.
Darien, - " " Vail.
North Salem, - - _..««• Macoubkey.
Somers, - - - - « " Blackford.
These churches have leave to supply their own pulpits until the next stated meeting.
The Commissioners to the next General Assembly are as follows :
MINISTERS. ELDERS. CHURCHES.
W. Phraner, H. A. Lee, Potts Memorial.
T. M. Gray, W. A. Gibson, First Yonkers.
S. H. Cox, James Wilde, Jr. Greenburgh.
47
ALTERNATES.
J. II. Eastman, A. Trowbridge, Bethany.
T. M. Niven, Jr., C. T. Pudney, Patterson.
James Baird, J. H. Badeau, Mahopac Falls.
The report of the Church Extension Committee was adopted, renewing the application of the Bethany church for aid from the Board of Home Missions (p. 43), recommending the church of Katonah to same Board for $300 per year, and also recom- mending- that Presbytery proceed to provide for the immediate payment of the indebtedness of this committee.
The churches which had wholly or partially failed to contribute to this committee were called upon, and gave pledges to con- tribute, in whole or in part, the amounts asked of them, and churches not represented are to report to the above committee before the meeting of the General Assembly.
The following papers were adopted :
1. Presbytery, by resolution passed April, 1872 (Records, p. 98), requested the Board of Missions to respect the recommen- dations made in behalf ot' our churches, yet that since that time some of our applications have not been granted; therefore, Pres- bytery does now insist upon its right to expect the Board to grant the amounts asked, without unnecessary modification.
2. That the Church Extension Committee, in its expenditures and in its incurring obligations, has acted as the agent of Pres- bytery, and in its name, and has a right to expect that the churches will provide the money to meet these obligations, as of their own creation, and not that of the committee.
The Presbytery authorizes this committee to promise all the money that may be necessary lor its work during the coming year, and Revs. C. W. Baird, Mudge, Burkhalter, Elders Lee and Parsons, are to report at the intermediate meeting the be>t means for securing funds for its use.
The Potts Memorial church was recommended to the Board of Missions for s:;m> for one year.
The overture on Synodical Representation was answered in the negative — Ayes, 7; Noes, 2'.» ; Nbn liquet, 1.
On report of the ( ommitteeon Bills and < )\ ertures. Presbytery made the following decisions :
1. That if a member has been found guilty of drunkenness,
48
but upon his coming before Session, has been simply admonished ; if he afterward continues his habits of intemperance, the Session may proceed to suspend or excommunicate him, without a new trial.
2. That the name of a church-member cannot be simply dropped from the roll. See Rule in Digest, p. 625.
3. That it is the duty of Session, in the case of members who are habitually non-attendant upon divine worship, if kind and patient labor with them does not avail, to proceed to discipline them by formal complaint and trial.
Number present at the close — 24 ministers and 11 elders. Adjourned to meet in Katonah, N. Y., on the third Tuesday in June.
E. F. MUJSTDY, Stated Clerk.
ABSTRACTS. 53
STATED FALL MEETING. Mahopao Falls, N. Y., Oct. 3 and 4, 1876. Present — 30 ministers and 25 elders. Rev. Mr. Sahler elected Moderator.
On the first evening a prayer and praise meeting was held, and on the second evening Rev. Dr. Baird preached, by pre- vious appointment (Abstracts p. 46), a Presbyterial historical discourse, and it was requested for publication. Reports were made of our candidates as follows : That Messrs. Scotland, Gallagher, and Frederick were dili- gently prosecuting their theological course, and they were re- commended to the Board of Education ; Mr. Johnston was temporarily engaged in teaching ; Mr. Rogers was pursuing his studies in Union Seminary, and, permission being asked that he might, during his studies, supply the Darien church, a com- mittee consisting of Revs. Vail, Niven, and Nixon was appointed to confer with Mr. Rogers and report to Presbytery.
Mr. James Fitzpatrick was received as a candidate on dismis- sion from the Presbytery of Picton, Canada, and his pastor, Rev. Mr. Mudge, was appointed to supervise his studies, and to report trial pieces for Messrs. Gallagher and Fitzpatrick, which was done.
The Overtures sent down from the General Assembly (Min- utes, pp. 69 and 73) were both answered in the negative.
Presbytery having been petitioned to organize a church at Pelham Manor, N. Y., appointed Revs. C. W. Baird, T. R. Smith, Mtindy, Davison, Lindsley, and Mudge to organize a church there if the way be clear.
The death of Rev. George W. Tomlinson was reported, and Messrs. Hodge and Barnum were appointed to bring in a suit- able minute.
The accounts of the Treasurer were approved. Received, in- cluding balance on hand last year, $627.07 ; expended 591.55 ; Leaving balance on hand ,s:'>."i.52.
The report of the special committee, postponed from the June meeting, on a plan to secure funds for the work of church ex- tension (p. 49) was adopted, and is as follows:
1st. Greater fidelity on the part of our pastors in keeping this Presby- terial work before ilie minds of their people. The simple call for a collec- tion is not enough. Our people should he made familiar with the work, so that they feel themselves to be identified with it.
54 ABSTRACTS.
2d. There is another aspect of this subject which it devolves upon our pastors and elders to impress upon the people of their several charges. The Church Extension Commi'tee is only the agent of the Presbytery in doing its al'otted work. Whatever responsibilities and obligations, there- fore, are incurred by the committee in doing the work which the Presby- tery authorizes it to do, ret not upon the committee, but upon the Presbytery, and when we say the Presbytery, we mean, of course, the churches which compose the Presbytery. It is for these churches to meet these responsibilities which they have laid upon the shoulders of their committee. We recommend, therefore, greater fidelity on the part of our pastors and elders in presenting to their people the sense of their obliga- tions
3d. And more specifically as a pi in of action for the future, we recom- mend that at the Spring meeting Presbytery shall decide how much money will be needed to prosecute the work in the ensuing year, and that a sub-committee of the Church Extension Committee shall confer with the representatives of each church in the Presbytery, during the interval between the Spring and Fall meetings, and sh ill agree with them as to the amount which may be expected from their churches during the Church year, which then ojjens. At the Fall meeting this report shall be received, and the aggregate of these amounts shall form the basis for that committee's work during the ensuing year.
The Church Extension Committee is directed to confer with the Sessions of the churches, and the amounts definitely prom- ised, and the encouragements given, shall form the basis for their work this year.
The Commissioners to the last General Assembly reported their attendance, and their fidelity wTas approved.
Revs. D wight M. Seward was dismissed to the Presbytery of New York, Daniel S. Gregory to the Presbytery of Wooster, A. B. Bullions to the Litchfield North Association of Connecticut, and E. Van Slyke to the Classis of Cayuga.
The Stated Clerk reported that he had dismissed licentiate I. N. Terry to the care of the Presbytery of Utica, and this act was approved.
On report of the Committee of Benevolence and Finance is was ordered : 1. That our churches carefully attend to the recommendations of the last Assembly (Minutes, p. 87), and pas- tors and elders shall see that the claims of our Boards are not neglected. 2. That in view of the state of the times our churches ought to practice self-denial, and make sacrifices to increase their gifts. 3. Ministers and elders are urged to increased faithfulness, both in precept and example, in this department of church work.
Our Sessions are directed to appoint one of their number a committee to be in correspondence with the Committee of Pres- bytery, and report his name to the latter committee.
ABSTRACTS. 55
The Chairman of each of our Committees on the Boards of the Church is directed to correspond with every non-contribut- ing: church, and use diligent efforts to secure a collection for the cause be represents.
The Standing Committees were reconstructed, and are as fol- lows :
STANDING COMMITTEES.
I.—FOR EXAMINATION.
1. On Religious Experience and Views in seeking the Ministry : The Moderator.
2. On Languages : Rev.-:. Mudge, C. W. Baird, and Heermance.
3. On Church History: Revs. Hodge, Davison, and Barnum.
4. On Systematic Theology : Revs. Phraner, Wallace, and Vail.
5. On Philosophy, Astronomy, and Rhetoric : Revs. Burr, Cummings, and Eastman.
6. On Constitution, Government, and Discipline of the Presbyterian Church : Revs. T. R. Smith. Sawyer, an 1 Sahler.
To the Committee on Languages is to be assigned the Latin piec3s of candidates; and to the Committee on Philosophy, etc., their critical exer- cises, lectures, and sermons.
II.— STANDING COMMITTEES.
1. Church Extension : Revs. C. W. Baird, Phraner, Macoubrey, Vail, Dr. Smith, Sawyer, Mudge : Elders, Sarles, Petrie, and Wells.
2. Foreign Missions : Revs. Niven. Heermance, and Elder Knapp.
3. Education : Hodge, Camming, and Elder Skinner.
4. Ministerial Relief: Heroy, Adams, and Elder J. J. Wood.
5. Benevolence and Finance : Wallace. Sahler, and Elder Sours.
6. Manses : Elders Wells, Elder, and Cowdrey.
7. Freedmen : Revs. Allen, Perry, and Elder Curtice.
8. Sabbath - schools and Colportage : Revs. Mudge, Davison. Barnum, and Elders Petrie, and H. A. Lee.
9. Presbyterial Visitation : Revs. Macoubrey, Cummings, Mitchell, and Elders Trowbridge, and Baxter.
10. On Minutes of General Assembly and Synod : the delegates to the Assembly for each year.
These committees are to report in writing at each stated meeting, and confer with churches which do not contribute to the Boards.
Moderators of vacant Church Sessions are as follows :
For Darien, Eev. Mr. Vail.
" Mount Kisco, " " Eastman.
" South Salem, .... " " Patterson.
" North Salem, " " Gray.
11 Somers, " " Blackford.
" New Rochelle, . . . . " " Lindsley.
These Sessions have leave to supply their pulpits until our Spring Meeting.
Rev. Messrs. Wallace, Cumming, and Elder George Elder
56 ABSTRACTS.
were appointed a committee to report whether the church of Somers should be disbanded.
The installations of Mr. Adams at West Farms, N. Y., and of Mr. Vail at Stamford, Conn., were reported ; and Rev. Mr. Mundy reported that he had preached in the church of Mount Kisco and declared the pulpit vacant, and Rev. C. "W. Bnird that he had performed a similar duty at New Rochelle, both on the day appointed.
The Narrative of the state of religion was adopted.
The Presbytery approved a call of the church of New Roch- elle for the pastoral services of Rev. A. R Macoubrey, pastor of the church of South East Centre, and ordered that the min- ister and his congregation be cited to appear at the next meeting.
The Committees on Sessional Records in those cases in which no book had been put into their hands were continued for a further report.
Churches desiring a Committee of Visitation are directed to apply to the Committee of Presbytery.
Communications were received from Hartford and Port Ches- ter, which were referred to committees.
Revs. Messrs. Mudge, Hodge, and Mauoubrey aie appointed to report an Overture to the General Assembly on the subject contained in Overture 5, found on p. 74 of the printed Minutes of the last Assembly.
The following Overture to the General Assembly was adopted :
Is the action taken by the Assembly of 1874, p. 84, Overture 25, to be interpreted as directing that the serving of the ele- ments at the Lord's Supper belongs indifferently to the elders and deacons ?
The application of the Bethany church to the Board of Home Missions for the sum of $400 for one year from date was sanc- tioned.
The next Intermediate Meeting is appointed to be held in the Potts Memorial Church, and the Stated Spring Meeting at Bridgeport, and the Sessions of these churches are to be respect- ively the Committee of Arrangements.
Rev. Mr. Allen, and Rev. Mr. Vail, alternate, are appointed to draft the Annual Narrative for the Spring Meeting.
Minutes approved.
Present at the last calling of the roll, 24 ministers and 16 elders- Adjourned to meet during the intervals of Synod.
ABSTRACTS. 57
ADJOURNED MEETING.
Sing Sing, N. Y., Oct. 18, 1876.
Present — 24 ministers and 17 elders.
Mr. William K. Eddy, a member of the church of Sing Sing was taken under care as a candidate for the ministry, and his pastor was appointed to supervise his studies.
The committee appointed (p. 53) to organize a church at Pel- ham Manor, N. Y., reported that they had organized a church at that place, to be called " The First Presbyterian Huguenot Memorial Forest Church."
Commissioners from the church of South East Centre appeared and gave their reasons against the dissolution of their pastoral relation.
After deliberation, Presbytery resolved that this pastoral re- lation be dissolved, and that Rev. Mr. Gray preach in that church on the first Sabbath in December, and declare the pulpit vacant.
Rev. Mr. Sahler is appointed Moderator of the Se-sion, and they have leave to supply their own pulpit until our next stated meeting.
Revs. C. W. Baird, Macoubrey, and the Session of the church of New Rochelle, were appointed to report arrangements for the installation of Mr. Macoubrey.
In relation to the transfer of Rev. Mr. Macoubrey, Presbytery passed a minute stating that they deemed it most for the peace and edification of the church that the transfer of this brother be made, and that we do most highly appreciate the motives of an attached people in seeking to prevent the removal of their pastor. Presbytery would assure the church of South East Centre that we have sought, in this action, the best interests of the three parties affected by it — Rev. Mr. Macoubrey and the churches of South East Centre and New Rochelle.
Rev. Mr. AVallace was appointed to communicate this minute to the church of South East Centre next Sabbath.
Presbytery then adjourned to meet in Morrisania. N. V.. Jan. 16. 1877.
58 ABSTRACTS .
INTERMEDIATE MEETING.
Mokkisania, N. Y., Jon. 16, 18?7.
Opened with devotional exercises.
Present — 24 ministers and 12 elders.
Rev. J. B. Bonar was dismissed to the Litchfield South Asso ciation.
The election of certain persons as Trustees at Narragansett Pier, R. I., was approved.
A communication received from the church of South East Centre was referred to Messrs. Phraner, Nixon, and elder Wells.
A communication from the Second Church of Peekskill was referred to Messrs. Mudge, T. R. Smith, and elder Corning.
The Presbytery decided that the congregation of Port Chester were bound to pay their pastor the amount of the salary prom- ised in his call, and the rental of the house occupied by the pastor in lieu of a parsonage.
The following minute was passed :
Presbytery hereby distinctly announces as the established law of our Presbyterian polity, that congregations having the services of regularly installed pastors, are holden by the terms of their calls, pledging temporal support to their pastor, until released therefrom by the action of Presbytery.
Candidate Rogers was recommended to the Board of Educa- tion to the amount of $50 for the present year.
The assessment on the church of West Farms was reduced to twelve dollars.
The matter of the payment of the assessment due from the Somers Church was referred to the committee on that church.
Rev. Mr. Mundy having asked leave to resign his pastoral charge, it was ordered that the congregation of Port Chester be cited to appear at our next meeting.
The committee to consider the communication from the Second Church of Peekskill, made their report, which was adopted, and is in substance as follows:
1 . The matters noted were first reported as exceptions to your records, but Presbytery, in view of your misunderstanding of the new rule of term eldership, deemed it better to communicate through the Stated Clerk.
JJJ8TRAOTS 59
2. Presbytery acknowledges the evident confusion in the ap- plication of the new rule, and appointed a committee to draft an Overture to the Assembly to deiine it more explicitly.
3. Presbytery understands that there were clerical omissions in your records of the resignation of the old Session and of their reelection, which removes the main difficulty and error that were before Presbytery at the time of its action.
!. Under the term service, the elders are to be classified for one, two, and three years at the time of their election. • In reply to questions, Presbytery answers :
1. A> to the di visit n of elders into classes, Presbytery contiders division by lot not advisable.
2. The ordination of the elders elected is valid. (See Digest, p. 342. Pi, a.)
3. Church may rescind its action to adopt term eldership, and the same elders ; reordination not necessary.
f. Presbytery appreciates the difficulties in the case, and ex- pects these difficulties to be set forth in the Overture, but these difficulties rendered it all the more necessary that Presbytery should give its decision.
Adjourned to meet in New York city Jan. 29, at 2 p.m.
ADJOURNED MEETING.
Nkw Yokk City, Jan. 29, 1877.
Present — 19 ministers and 5 elders.
( 'ommissioners fronj the congregation of Port Chester appeared and stated that the church agreed to unite with their pastor in asking for a dissolution of the pastoral relation.
Presbytery decided that this relation shall terminate on the Last day of March next, and that Rev. Mr. Lindsley preach in that church on the first Sabbath of April, and declare the pulpit vacant.
Rev. C. W. Baird is appointed Moderator of the Session, and leave is given them to supply their pulpit until the next stated meeting.
60 ABSTRACTS.
Revs. C. W. Baird, Sawyer, T. R. Smith, Phraner, and elders Cowdrey and Cady, are appointed to draft a minute expressive of the sense of Presbytery in view of the above dissolution.
The Committee on Manses are directed to report the condition of Manses in the bounds of Presbytery.
Arrangements were reported for the installation of Rev. Mr. Macoubrey at New Rochelle, February 1st ; the Moderator to preside ; Rev. Dr. Hall by invitation preach the sermon, Rev. Dr. Sawyer, alternate; Rev. Dr. 0. W. Baird give the charge to the pastor, and Rev. Dr. T. R. Smith the charge to the people.
Adjourned, with prayer and the benediction.
E. F. MUNDY,
Stated Clerk.
ABSTRACTS. 61
STATED SPRING MEETING.
Bridgeport, Conn., April 17-19, 1877.
Present — 38 ministers and 24 elders.
Rev. Mr. Nixon elected Moderator.
On the first evening the Sabbath-school work was considered, and on the second evening a prayer and conference meeting was held.
The following committees were appointed :
Bills and Overtures — Revs. Saliler, T. R. Smith, dim- ming, Elders Parsons, and Gary.
On the death of Rev. Mr. Steele — Revs. Wallace, Barnum, and Elder Clark.
The committee on the Somers chnrch reported that for two years services have been discontinued in consequence of a divi- sion among the membership, springing out of the continuance of a stated supply, and the purchase of a building for worship at Purdy's Station involving a debt of two thousand dollars. Their church and manse are without debt. The report was accepted, and the committee was continued with a view to advise with the church in order to settle these difficulties ; and, being recon- structed, the committee now is as follows : Revs. Wallace, Cumming, Saliler, and Elders Wood and Eggleston.
The following minute was adopted in answer to a late com- munication from the church of South East Centre : That in view of the great excellence of the mode prescribed in our Constitu- tion for the translation of pastors, and also of the difficulty of devising and securing the adoption of a wiser plan, Presbytery does not feel called to overture the General Assembly on this subject; and secondly, That Presbytery sought, in releasing the pastor of this church, to secure the greatest good, and to sub- serve the highest interests of all the parties concerned.
The pastoral relation between Rev. Mr. Mudge and the West- minster church of Yonkers, was dissolved to go into effect on the 6th of May next; Rev. Mr. Mundy was appointed to preach in that church the following Sabbath, and declare the pulpit vacant.
Delegates to the Assembly are as follows :
Ministers. Elders. Git arches.
P. B. Hekoy, Alvah Trowbridge, Bethany.
J. H. Eastman, Uriah Hil,l, Jit., Peekskill 1st.
F. 8. Barnum, Stanton Cady, Sing Sing.
62 ABSTRACTS.
ALTERNATES.
C. H. Borr, E. Eotjton, South Salem.
J. Baird, G. A. Chamberlin, Irvingtcn.
E. L. Heekmance, C. B. Gary, Trernont.
Revs. J. H. Frazee, of the Presbytery of Monmouth, and S. G. Law, of the Presbytery of Nassau, were received.
Mr. Frazee accepted the call of the church of Mount Kisco, and arrangements were made for his installation on Wednesdaj'', June 20th, at 10.30 o'clock a.m., by the following committee:
To preside etc., The Moderator.
To preach, Rev. C. W. Baird.
Alternate, Rev. R. A. Sawyer,
To charge the pastor, Rev. C. W. Adams.
Alternate, Rev. C. C. Wallace.
To charge the people, Rev. T. R, Smith.
Alternate, Rev. D. D. Sahler.
Minutes were passed in reference to work among our German people and the training of pastors to labor among them, and in view of the deaths of two of our ministers, Revs. Tomlinson and Steele.
The Stated Clerk is empowered to dismiss Rev. Mr. Hazeltinc to the Congregational Association of Berkshire South, and Rev. Mr. Mndge to the Presbytery of New Brunswick.
Inquiry was made as to pastors preparing the histories of their churches, and as to collections to aid the Presbyterian Historical Society to erect a fire-proof building.
The standing committees reported as follows: Church Extension. That $800 had been pledged by the churches, of which $300 are received ; that the committee are able, for want of sufficient funds, only to continue to aid enter- prizes already begun, and cannot enlarge their wrork at points which seem to demand it.
Churches recommended to receive, aid from the Board of Missions are, North Salem (200), Potts Memorial (200), Kato- nah (300).
Foreign Missions. That only three of our churches failed to contribute last year ; each church is urged to give to this cause, and pastors to preach upon the subject, before taking collec- tions.
Ministerial Relief. That great demands were made upon this Board, and the receipts were small. An aged minister, and
ABSTRACTS. 63
an aged widow of a deceased minister, were recommended for relief.
Freedmcn. That our non-contributing churches had been written to, among which were some of our largest and most liberal ones, and that there was a great falling off in the amount given by this Presbytery as compared with previous years.
Mantes. That 32 of our 37 churches had reported, of which 20 have Manses, 11 of them have from one to sixteen acres of land attached, in all 79 acres.
Estima'cd Value of Manse?, $97.038 00
': " Land, 43,200 CO
Indebtedness, 27,400 00
Amount of Insurance, 62,200 00
Two other of the churches have the use of houses for their ministers, while ten are without them.
tfalbaiJi-schools and CoVportagc. Had arranged for a meet- ing in the interests of Sabbath-schools at these sessions of Pres- bytery.
Education. To report at the Intermediate meeting. An Overture was adopted asking the Assembly for an inter- pretation of the law relating to the election and service of elders who are to serve for terms of years.
En answer to Overture from the Session of the church of Mount Kisco on the subject of dancing, Presbytery referred them to the deliverances of the General Assembly.
The narrative referred to the financial stringency of the times as affecting some departments of church work, but it had not interfered with the general spiritual prosperity of our churches, rather in a few instances had promoted it ; the churches of Thompsonville, Stamford, South Salem, Croton Falls, Green- burgh, and Bethany have been revived. Two new churches, (Bridgeport and Throgg's Neck) have been built, and old debts have been cancelled in two or three instances.
Rev. Mr. Adams, and Rev. Mr. Davison alternate, were appointed to draft the narrative for the fall meeting.
A minute was passed counseling our churches to follow tho mode laid down in our Constitution to obtain the dissolution of the pastorate, and to exercise forbearance, and advising that any official action on the part of the congregation to compel the
|
ev |
Mr. |
Gray. |
|
<i |
u |
Patterson. |
|
" |
U |
Sahler. |
|
it |
(i (1 |
Blackford 11 |
|
t< |
CI |
Lord. |
|
■ i |
il |
Baird. |
|
«i |
u |
Smith. |
|
u |
14 |
Vail. |
64 ABSTRACTS.
resignation of the pastor by any such method as the reduction of his salary is entirely unnecessary and inexpedient.
The next stated meeting is to be held at White Plains, and the June Intermediate meeting in the church of Croton Falls.
Moderators for Sessions of vacant churches are as follows :
For North Salem, .
" South Salem,
41 South E. Centre,
" Croton Falls,
" Somers, .
" Huguenot M.,
" Port Chester, ■
" Westminster,
" Darien, ,
The churches of Darien, South Salem, and Westminster obtained leave to supply their own pulpits until next stated meeting.
To supply pulpit of Rev. Mr. Eastman during his absence at the General Assembly,
May 20th, Rev. Mr. Mudge ; May 27th, Rav. Mr. Burr ; June 3d, Rev. Prof. Baird.
The assessment on the church of Somers was reduced to two dollars, and that on the church of Hartford to ten dollars.
A motion was made that the time of our Spring meeting be changed from the 3d to the 1st Tuesday in April, which lies on the table until the next meeting.
Revs. T. R. Smith, Phraner, and Elder Cowdrey are appointed to report whether any change in the method of examinations is advisable, and, if so, to propose a plan for adoption.
The churches are required to pay the full assessment levied upon them by the Presbytery.
Adjourned to meet in New York city, on Wednesday, April 25th.
Closed with singing, prayer, and the benediction.
E. F. MUNDY,
Stated Clerk.
ABSTRACTS. 65
ADJOURNED MEETING.
New York City, April 25, 1877.
Present — 13 ministers and 2 elders.
Rev. George A. Bowman was dismissed to the Hartford Union Association.
Messrs. A. Scotland, G. W. Gallagher, and J. Fitzpatrick were examined, and licensed to preach the Gospel.
Mr. Eddy was also examined in the branches of learning re- quired by our Form of Government, and received permission to engage in mis-ion work during his vacation.
The vote at the last meeting, to recommend the church of North Salem to the Board of Home Missions, was reconsidered, and the amount asked for was reduced to two hundred dollars.
A minute expressing the views of Presbytery on the dissolution of Mr. fudge's pastoral relation was unanimously passed.
The assessment on the Hartford church was reduced to ten dollars.
Adjourned to meet in Croton Falls in June.
( Hosed with prayer.
INTERMEDIATE MEETING.
Croton Falls, N. Y., June 19, 1877.
Opened with devotional exercises. Present — 22 ministers and 15 elders.
66 ABSTRACTS.
Elder Trowbridge having stated that his pastor was, by reason of serious illness, prevented from his duties, Messrs. Wallace, Davison, and elder Hill were appointed to confer with him in regard to the supply of the pulpit.
The committee subsequently reported, and recommended that members of Presbytery volunteer to supply the pulpit. The re- port was adopted.
The complaints of Messrs. R. and A. Harbison against the Session of the church of Hartford for suspending Mr. Hugh Har- bison for contumacy, were presented, and referred to a com- mittee, consisting of Revs. Phraner, Adams, and elder Wells.
On report of this committee these complaints were referred to the next meeting of Presbytery.
In place of Rev. Mr. Mudge, Rev. Mr. Frazee was put on the Committee of Church Extension ; and Rev. Mr. Hinsdale was added to the Committee on Sabbath-schools and Colportage ; and Rev. Mr. Vail was added to the Committee on Languages.
(See Abstracts, p. 55).
The Standing Committee on Education (p. 63) reported that seven students have been under our care during the past year ; that the Board was compelled to borrow funds to meet the March appropriations, and to decline those due in May. Thir- teen of our churches failed to contribute last year.
It was resolved —
1. Our pastors are requested to present the claims of this Board to their people, and urge them to increase their contribu- tions.
2. Delinquent churches are urged to unite with the rest of Presbytery in the support of this cause.
3. That it is the duty of Sessions to give their congregations an opportunity to contribute to this Board.
Mr. William K. Eddy (p. 65) was licensed to preach. Candidate Augustus Frederick was dismissed to the care of the Presbytery of Cayuga.
ABSTRACTS. 67
Rev. R. A. Sawyer was appointed to present the salutations of Presbytery to the church of Mount Kisco at the celebration of its twenty-fifth anniversary.
The committee on the church of Somers (p. 61) reported that they were unable to reconcile its difficulties, and were discharged ; and Revs. Heermance, Sahler, and Nixon were appointed to con- fer with the Session in reference to the holding of religious ser- vices.
The minutes were read and approved.
Adjourned to meet in White Plains on the first Tuesday of October.
E. F. MUNDY,
Stated Cleric.
68
ABSTRACTS.
The Presbytery of Westchester was organized October, 1870, with 55 ministers and 36 churches. Since that time 39 ministers have been received, and 33 dismissed. Five have died, and one has been deposed. Four churches have been organized, and three have been dissolved.
The following table presents the statistical reports of Pres- bytery during the seven years of its existence.
! ! I
1871 1872 1873 1874 1875 1876 1877
Number of Ministers 57
" "Churches 35
" " Licentiates 6
" ' Candidates 6
" "Licensures 2
" "Ordinations 1
" "Installations 3
Pastoral Relations Dissolved . . .,.. 2
Added on Examination 310
Added on Certificate 234
Total of Members 4,E38
Baptized Adults 113
Infants 164
Sabbarh-school Membership 4,660
Contributed to Home Missions 8,036
" " Foreign Missions 6,4T3
" " Education 4,942
" " Publication 615
" " Church Erection ... 745
" Ministerial Relief. ... 1,160
" " Preedmen 536
" " Sustentation
Presbytery, Syuod, and Assembly. . . 387
Congregational Expenses 103,1155
Miscellaneous Objects 11,189
58
34
5
8
2
2
4
1
293
•215
4,740
114
180
4,703
7,629
7,077
2,394
793
2,339
1,156
691
54S
59
36
7
6
2
1
4
1
1S3
1S2
4,895
42
K9
5,081
7,901
5,882
4,363
914
3,467
1,131
574
859
560
58!
37 j T 5
2i
41 316!
■115,459 181,020-
4
0 0 2 3
277
208 126
I 5,015; 5,010
82 108
ISO I 16S
i 5,460! 4,833
, 9,008 9,S02
8,199 7,745
4,212 3,C46
802, 2,649
2,574 6,254
1,154 1,340
632 7S5
853 ' 67S
Ii04 615
V 2,227 108,516
13,491 1 2,153
36 3
5
0
2
5
7
438
218
5,276
131
175
54
37
5
4
3
2
5
5
458
183
5,327
139
148
5,203 5,560
3,555 8,681
5,153 7,908
667 1,311
490 752
C80 685 401 477 627
852 8 2 639 481 £96
136.518 1C0,291 2:,016 10,094
ABSTRACTS. 69
STATED FALL MEETING.
White Plains, N. Y., October 2-4, 1877.
Present — 35 ministers and 30 elders.
Rev. Mr. Davison elected Moderator.
On the first evening topics relating to Sabbath-school work, and on the second evening topics relating to the Christian's Re- lationship, were considered.
Rev. John Dixon was received from the Presbytery of Bos- ton, and arrangements made for his installation over the West- minster church, October 11th, by the following Committee :
The Moderator to preside ; to preach the sermon, Rev. T. R. Smith; alternate, Rev. R. A. Sawyer; to charge the pastor. Rev. S. T. Carter ; alternate, Rev. Mr. JSfiven ; to charge the people, Rev. Mr. Mudge; alternate. Rev. Mr. Phraner.
Installation of Rev. Mr. Blackford, at Croton Falls, Octoler 11th. by the following:
To preside, the Moderator ; to preach the sermon, Rev. Mr. Wallace; alternate, Rev. Mr. Gray; to charge the pastor. Rev. Mr. Cray; alternate, Rev. Mr. Wallace; to charge the people, Rev. Mr. Eastman; alternate. Rev. Mr. Sahler.
The pastoral relation between Rev. A. R. Maeoubrey and the church of New Rochelle was dissolved, and Rev. T. R. Smith was appointed to preach in that church, and declare the pulpit vacant.
Also, between Uev. II . (I. Hinsdale and the church of Bridge- port, November 1st. and Mr. Hinsdale appointed to declare the pulpit vacant.
COMMITTEES APPOINTED.
On Bill* and Overtures — Revs. Nixon. Phraner, Niven, and Elder Wells.
Judicial Committee — Revs. T. R. Smith, Phraner, and Elder Wells.
70 ABSTRACTS.
On Accounts of Treasurer — Elders Teller and Crosby.
W. H. Sybrandt was taken under care of Presbytery, his trial pieces assigned, and his pastor appointed to have supervision of his studies.
The Treasurer reported money received, . . $598 52 Expended, 507 03
Balance on hand, .... $91 49
The accounts were approved.
The complaints of Messrs. Harbison against the church of Hartford for suspending Mr. Hugh Harbison, were not sus- tained, by vote of 23 not sustain, 13 sustain in part, 2 excused from voting.
The Eev. Mr. Johnston was dismissed to the Presbytery of Colorado, Rev. C. E. Lord to Brooklyn, Rev. Mr. Hinsdale to New Brunswick, and licentiate Scotland to the care of West Jersey.
The Session of Bethany church were referred to the Commit- tee of Church Extension for counsel in view of the illness of their pastor.
Resolutions, promising encouragement to the Huguenot Me- morial church, and thanking Mr. Silas H. Witherbee for his in- terest in this church, were passed.
The churches of New Rochelle, S. E. Centre, South Salem, Darien, Port Chester, North Salem, and Bridgeport received permission to supply their own pulpits.
The Narrative of the state of religion mentions the steady progress of the churches notwithstanding the " hard times ; " the dedication free of debt of the church at Throg's Neck ; the enlargement of the church at Stamford, and the removal of the debt on the Katonah church ; the prosperity of Sabbath-school work, and of continued interest of the churches in the causes of benevolence.
Standing Committees reported as follows :
Church Extension: Recommended Croton Falls to the Board
of Sustentation for $350 ; Bethany for $400 ; and North Salem $100 additional from Home Missions.
ABSTRACTS. 71
Education : Recommended candidates Johnston, Gallagher, and Sybrandt to the Board of Education.
Benevolence and -Finance : 1. Churches urged to give liberally to all the Boards ;
2. Generous self-sacrifice on the part of our churches, that the further prosecution of the work be not imperiled by curtailment ;
3. Sessions to heed the injunctions of General Assembly as to the regular presentation of the various causes ;
4. Greater interest in the development of Ladies' Boards, and in enlisting Sabbath-schools in making contributions.
Minutes of Assembly : Calling attention to printed minutes us follows : Page 506, Observance of Week of Prayer and day of prayer for colleges; p. 507, Pastors to send historical sermons to libraries of Theological seminaries ; pp. 516 and 548, Replies to overtures from this Presbytery; p. 548, Narrative to be read from the pulpit; p. 549, Ministers must unite with the Pres- bytery to which they are dismissed; p. 517, Annual collections for Bible Society recommended ; p. 522, Ministers and elders to present cause of Foreign Missions to their churches, and Pres- byteries to require of churches written reasons for failing to contribute to Home and Foreign Missions, and record them ; p. 528, Commends the literature of the Board of Publication: p. 535, Recommends Presbyteries to require candidates to commit the Assembly's Catechism, more careful attention in the re- ception and recommendation of candidates, the necessity of in- creased contributions, and churches to state whether an opportu- nity has been given to contribute to this cause; p. 542, Recom- mendation as to communion wine; pp. 545 and 57'), Assessment of two cents per member for an Entertainment Fund; p. 5.;7, As to historical discourses and collections for Library building; p. ">47, Commends the Board of Church Erection, and collec- tions from all our churches; p. 552, To the two overtures; p. 558, Resolutions on temperance, liquor venders to be excluded from church membership; |>. 575, Not to omit closing church courts with prayer; p. 689, Commends anew German Theolog- ical Seminaries.
On report of Committee on Bills and Overtures, Presbytery
decided, that the Session has no original or direct control over
the management and distribution of the" Poor Fund," but ma\
72 ABSTRACTS.
advise respecting it. The church alone at a regularly constituted meeting can require a report from the deacons.— Digest, p. 119.
The next Intermediate Meeting is to be held in the West- minster church.
The items of business unfinished postponed until that meeting.
(Among: these are : Place for Spring Meeting, change of time for that meet- ing, Overtures as to Representation, fix assessments, etc.)
Present at the close — ministers, 23; elders, 11. Adjourned to meet at Newburgh on call of the Moderator.
E. F. MUNDY,
/Stated Clerk.
ABSTRACTS. 73
ADJOURNED MEETINGS.
No. 1. Newburgr, N. Y., Oct. 17, 1877.
Present — 24 ministers and 17 elders.
The letter dismissing Kev. C. H. Riggs from the Presbytery of Boston was laid on the table until his appearance in Presby- tery.
Candidate Rogers was recommended for aid to the Board of Education.
On reference from the Session of the church of Hartford. Presbytery decided that the apology ottered by Mr. Harbison tc that body is not sufficient.
The Trustees elected by the church enterprise at Narragan- sett Pier, R. I., were approved.
The application of the Huguenot Memorial Church for aid from the Board of Sustentation was approved.
The Committee on Foreign Missions reported that only two of our churches had failed, owing to heavy financial burdens, to contribute to this cause last year. The cause is heartily com- mended to our churches and Sabbath-schools.
The Stated Clerk is directed to send printed notices of the stated meetings to members of Presbytery, advising them that these meetings will probably continue three days, and urging members to come prepared to stay until the close.
Adjourned to meet at Pelham Manor, N. Y., at such time as may be designated by the Church Extension Committee.
No. 2. Pelham Manok, N. Y., Dec. 1, 1877.
Present— 7 ministers and 3 elders.
Rev. Henry R. Waite was received by dismission from the Black River and St. Lawrence Association.
The call of the Huguenot Memorial Church, being approved, was accepted by Mr. Waite, and the following arrangements were made for his installation :
74 ABSTRACTS.
Time — to-day, at a quarter to 2 o'clock p.m.
To preside, the Moderator.
To preach the sermon, by invitation, Rev. W. J. Tucker, D. D.
To charge the pastor, Rev. W. Phraner.
To charge the people, Rev. R. A. Sawyer.
Recess was taken until a quarter to 2 o'clock, when Presbytery ittended to the services of installation. Closed with prayer.
INTERMEDIATE MEETING.
Yonkees, N. Y., Jan. 15, 1878.
Present — 25 ministers and 12 elders.
Rev. J. H. Eastman was appointed temporary clerk.
Rev. Thomas S. Childs was received from the Hartford Union Association, and Rev. Henry A. Davenport from the Fairfield ^est Association.
The death of Rev. William Tracy was announced, and Revs. Ohilds and Phraner were appointed a committee to report a suitable minute.
Presbytery decided not to change the time of the stated spring meeting, p. 64.
The committee appointed (p. 67) with reference to holding services at Somers, reported, recommending that the church be dissolved. The congregation is therefore cited to appear at the next stated meeting, and the committee is continued, to whom the church may refer for counsel.
The call of the First Presbyterian church of Bridgeport was accepted by Rev. Mr. Davenport, and the following arrange- ments are made for his installation :
Time — second Thursday of February, at 7 o'clock p.m. To preside, the Moderator.
Alternate, Rev. C. W. Adams. To preach the sermon, by invitation, Rev. John Hall, D.D.
Alternate, Rev. T. R. Smith.
ABSTRACTS .
75
To charge the pastor, Rev. R. P. H. Vail.
Alternate, Rev. C. H. Burr. To charge the people, by invitation, Rev. H. G. Hinsdale.
Alternate, Rev. C. W. Adams.
In view of the illness of Rev. Mr. Frazee, supplies were ap- pointed for the church of Mount Kisco as follows :
Feb. 3d, ------- Rev. Mr. Eastman.
" 10th, ------- « " Wallace.
'* 17th, ------- " " Cumming.
« 24th, ------- " « J. R. Smith.
The Committee on Education called attention to the present pressing needs of that cause.
The following apportionment of money for the expenses of Presbytery, Synod, and General Assembly was approved :
|
From the church of |
|||
|
Bedford, . . . |
$.12. |
Potts Memorial, |
$12. |
|
Bethany, . . . |
5. |
Poundridge, |
6. |
|
Bridgeport, . . |
18. |
Riverdale, . |
25. |
|
Croton Falls, . . |
— |
Rye, .... |
35. |
|
Darien, . |
5. |
Sing Sing, . |
30. |
|
Gilead, . . . |
12. |
Somers, . . . |
2. |
|
Greenburgh, . . |
25. |
South East, . . |
7. |
|
Huguenot, . . . |
2. |
S. E. Centre, . |
14. |
|
Hartford, . . . |
12. |
South Salem, . |
11. |
|
Irvington, . . |
40. |
Stamford, . |
35. |
|
Katonah, |
4. |
Thompson ville, |
15. |
|
Mahopac Falls, |
12. |
Throg's Neck, . |
10. |
|
Mount Kisco, . |
12. |
Tremont, . . |
L5. |
|
New Rochelle, . |
20. |
West Farms, . |
12. |
|
North Salem, . |
5. |
White Plains, . |
i<;. |
|
Patterson, . . |
12. |
Yonkers, 1st, . |
50. |
|
Peekskill, 1st. . |
. is. |
Westminster, . |
15. |
|
2d, . |
14. |
Yorktown, . |
L2. |
|
Port Chester, . |
10. |
||
|
Total. |
$570. |
76 ABSTRACTS.
The Second church of Peekskill was chosen for holding the spring meeting, and the Sessions of the First and Second churches are the Committee of Arrangements. Rev. Mr. Niven is appointed to draft the narrative, and Rev. J. R. Smith, alternate.
Mr. Arthur G. Rogers was examined and licensed to preach the Gospel.
The report of the committee to report on method of exami- nations (p. 64) and action on the General Assembly's Overtures were deferred until next meeting:.
Adjourned, with prayer.
E. F. MUNDY,
Stated Cleric.
(N.B. — The attention of committees is called to the order passed June, 1875, with reference to preparing brief abstracts of reports for record. See p. 35. )
tap33 These Abstracts are printed for distribution to pastors and elders. Clerks of Sessions are requested to file a copy for preserva- tion and reference. The Stated Clerk can supply back numbers.
ABSTRACTS. 77
STATED SPRING MEETING.
Peekskill, N. Y., (Second Churcii) April 16-18, 1878.
Present — 32 ministers and 27 elders.
Rev. E. L. Heermance elected Moderator.
On the first evening, a meeting was held in the Second Church when the subject of Church Mission work was considered, and on the second evening in the First Church the subject of Sab- bath-school work was discussed.
Dr. Todd of the Classis of Westchester appeared and pre- sented the fraternal salutations of that body, and the Moderator responded.
Rev. E. T. Broomfield was dismissed to the Presbytery of New York.
A call of the Church of Port Chester to Rev. W. W. Dowd was placed on the docket, and Presbytery resolved that when it adjourn, it be to meet in that Church, on May 8th, at 7 o'clock, P. M., and the following arrangements were made to install the pastor elect if the way be clear :
Time— May 8th, at 1% V. M.
To preside, Thr Moderator.
To preach the sermon, Rkv. Mr. Vail.
To charge the pastor, Rkv. Mh. PBCRANER.
To charge the people, Rev. C. W. Baird.
A communication was received from Mr. Hugh Harbison, and the following, on report of Committee, was passed :
They find nothing which calls for the action of Presbytery at the present stage of affairs, expecting that the Hartford Church will prosecute the case with all possible diligence, and with due consideration to Mr. Harbison's wishes and convenience.
To the communication of Rev. Frank A. Wood, the Stated Clerk and Mr. Phraner were appointed to respond.
The following Committees were appointed :
On Bills ami Overtures — Revs. Davison, T. R. Smith, Heroy, Elders, Garey and Knapp.
On the death of the Rev. Gordon Mitchell — Revs. Nixon, Da- venport, and Elder Trowbridge.
78 ABSTRACTS.
On Vacant Churches and Unemployed Ministers. — Revs. Perry, Davenport, Law, Elders Chaiuberlin, and Hollister.
The Stated Clerk, Revs. Waite, Adams and Elder Willis were appointed to prepare for the use of Presbytery a list of bio- graphical questions, to be printed, and answered by each of our ministers.
Revs. C. W. Baird, Wallace, and Elder Teller, to examine the condition of the Church of North Salem.
Presbytery negatived the first Overture of the General As- sembly on Representation, by a vote of 11 Ayes, 31 Noes, and the second, by a unanimous vote.
Delegates to the Assembly are as follows : Ministers. Elders.
T. R. Smith, H. Teller, of Mount Kisco.
R. Tkhby, C. E. Gakky, " Tremont.
R. A. Blackford, J. G. Clark, " Bedford.
ALTERNATES.
T. M. Niden, S. R. Knapp, of Peekskill 1st.
R. P. H. Vail, *G. P. Rkevs, " Yonkers 1st.
D. W. Lathrop, E. "W. Lou.nsbury, " Mahopoc Falls.
Thomsonville was chosen as the place for the next Stated meeting, and Throg's Neck Church for the next Intermediate meeting.
Rev. J. R. Smith, and Rev. Mr. Burr, alternate, are appointed to draft the narrative.
The consideration of the dissolution of Somers Church, p. 74, is deferred until the June Intermediate meeting, and the Chair- man of the Committee, to which Rev. Mr. Heroy and Elder Mathews are added, p. 67, is appointed to preach there, on a convenient Sabbath, and cite the congregation to appear.
The Committee to report on Method of Examinations, p. 64, presented a plan. It was ordered that a synopsis of it be printed, and it be considered at the next stated meeting.
Minutes, expressive of the sense of Presbytery in view of the deaths of Revs. William Tracy, and Gordon Mitchell, were adopted.
* Attended in place of Mr. Garey,
ABSTRACTS. 79
Reports of Standing Committees are as follows :
Frcerfmen : — Number of our churches contributing and amount greater than last year. Attention is called,
1st. To the success of the work : — ministers engaged 48 ; catechists, 23; churches, 123 ; communicants, 9,8S9 ; added on examination, SS6 ; average to each minister, 18 ; average in whole church, only 8.
2d. To the wants of the field ; enlargement hindered ; two- thirds of churches fail to contribute.
3d. To the work of Romanism among them : spends yearly $600,000 ; lias 150 in her schools ; nearly 10,000 young men in her higher schools ; 500,000 in lower schools. The formative period among Freed men rapidly passing.
Ministerial Relief: — Committee have corresponded with delin- quent churches; have endorsed applications of Mrs. Steele for $200, Mrs. Green for $150, and Rev. Mr. Gibbs for $125.
Church Extension : — Recommended Potts Memorial Church for $200, and Katonah for $300; approved by Presbytery.
Verbal reports from Committees on Education, Sabbath Schools and Benevolence and Finance.
Mr. W. H. Sybrandt was examined and licensed to preach.
Resolutions of sympathy for Brother Macoubrey were adopted, and Revs Sahler, Terry, Baird of Rye, Davison, Heermance, and Nixon, were appointed to supply his pulpit from April 21st to May 2Gth, inclusive.
The Narrative speaks of earnest work, and steady growth, al- though no general revival has occurred. Eleven churches report a quiet work of grace, only two of large ingatherings of souls. Prayer meeting interest is spoken of, and increasingly good re- sults from Sabbath-school labors. One Church has paid a debt of §28,000 ; another Church costing $15,000, all paid for at the time of dedication, another has $1500 as a building fund, and another enlarged at an outlay of $10,000 all paid for.
Contributions in most Churches regular, in some cases an in- crease of gifts.
80 ABSTRACTS.
Moderators for Sessions of vacant Churches as follows i
For North Salem, .... Rev. Mr. Blackford,
" South Salem, - - - - " " Patterson.
" Darien, - - - - . « « Vail.
" New Rochelle, - - - - » " " Lindsley.
" S. E. Centro, * " " Macoubrey.
" Somers, - - - ■« - * " " Heermance.
" Bethany, - - - - '" " Cummings.
The dissolution of the pastoral relation between Rev, James Baird and the Church of Paterson is to go into effect within one year from this time.
Subjects for trial pieces were assigned to candidate Johnston.
The following additional rule, proposed., is laid over until the next stated meeting :
At each stated Spring meeting, all ministers of this Presbytery who are not pastors of Churches under our care, shall make re- port of their labors during the past year.
General Assembly mileage and entertainment quotas were or- dered to be paid.
Present at adjournment, 29 ministers and 16 elders*
E. F, MUNDY,
Stated Clerk,
ABSTRACTS. 81
SPECIAL MEETING.
Yonkkks (Westminster Church), May 6, 1378.
Present — 6 ministers and 4 elders.
Mr. George "W. Gallagher, a licentiate under our care, was, after examination, ordained as an Evangelist.
The sermon was preached by Rev. T. Ralston Smith, and the charge was delivered, by invitation of Presbytery, by Rev. Lewis \V. Mudge, of the Presbytery of New Brunswick.
Adjourned sine die.
ADJOURNED MEETING.
Port Chester. N. Y., May 8, 1878.
Present — 7 ministers and 2 elders.
Rev. Messrs. Willis W. Dowd, of the Presbytery of Troy, Spencer L. Finney and Charles H. Riggs, of the Presbytery of Boston, were received.
The call of the church of Port (1 tester was approved, and ac- cepted by Rev. Mr. Dowd. and he was installed pastor, agreeably to the previous arrangement (p. 77).
Adjourned to meet in the church of Throg's Xeck, June 18th.
INTERMEDIATE MEETING.
Westchester, N. Y., June 18, 1878.
Present — 21 ministers and 1<» elders.
The subject of the dissolution of the Somers church (pp. 74, 78) was considered.
Rev. Messrs. William J. Cumniing, T. Ralston Smith, and Elder Edward Welle were appointed a committee to confer with the
82 ABSTRACTS.
trustees of the church, to investigate all the legal points that may be affected by the dissolution of the church, and report at our next stated meeting;.
Rev. Robert A. Blackford is appointed to hold occasional services at Somers.
On report of the Church Extension Committee, the Bethany church is recommended to receive an appropriation of one thousand dollars from the Board of Church Erection, and from the Board of Home Missions five hundred dollars, for the pres- ent year, in aid of the support of their pastor-elect.
Rev. Wilson Phraner is appointed to confer with the latter Board to obtain in full this appropriation.
Candidate Erederick Johnston obtained leave to " exercise his gifts " during his present vacation.
Licentiate William K. Eddy, under appointment of the Board of Foreign Missions, was examined with a view to his ordination.
It was ordered that Presbytery ordain him, in the church of Sing Sing, N. Y., July 11th, at 7.15 p.m., and the following- appointments are made for this service:
To preside, etc., the Moderator. To preach the sermon, Rev. J. Ritchie Smith. To deliver the charge, Rev. Wilson Phraner. To offer prayer, Rev. R. A. Sawyer. Alternate, Rev. T. M. Niven, Jr.
The Presbytery directed that the pastoral relation between Rev. Charles H. Burr and the church of Riverdale be dissolved the first of August next, and appointed Rev. E. F. Mundy to preach in that church and declare the pulpit vacant.
Rev. T. Ralston Smith is appointed Moderator of the Session, and Rev. R. A. Blackford, in place of Rev. E. L. Heermance, resigned, for that of Somers.
A resolution was passed that pastors be instructed to urge the formation among the ladies of their congregations, of societies in aid of the work of spreading the Gospel in home and foreign lands.
Adjourned to meet in Sing Sing, N. Y., July 11th.
ABSTRACTS. "s3
ADJOURNED MEETING.
Sing Sing, N. Y., July 11, 18Y8. Present — 8 ministers and 3 elders.
Mr. William K. Eddy was ordained as Evangelist, according to previous arrangement.
In view of the illness of Rev. Mr. Herov, Rev. J. II. Frazee was appointed to preach at Bedford next Sabbath, and adminis- ter the Lord's Supper.
Adjourned.
E. F. MITNDY,
Stated Clerk.
A Table showing the summation of the statistical report of Presbytery as compared with the highest, lowest, and average of previous reports. (See p. 68).
Number of ministers " churches
" licentiates.
" candidates
" licensures.
" ordinations.
" installations.
Pastoral relations dissolved. Added on examination.
" certificate Total of members Adults baptized Infants "
Sabbath-school membership. Given to Home Missions . " Foreign " Education. " Publication. " Church Erection. " Ministerial Relief. " Freedmen's Cause ,
" Sustentation
Presbyter}', Synod, and Assembly
Congregational expenses , 133,852
Miscellaneous objects j 8,876
ABSTRACTS. *>;j
STATED FALL MEETING.
Thompsonville, Ct., October 1-4, 1878. Present — 27 ministers and 18 elders.
Rev. T. Ralston Smith elected Moderator.
Rev. George W. F. Birch, of the Presbytery of Indianapolis, was received.
On the first evening the Moderator's sermon was preached, and public religious services were held on the second and third evening's.
Rev. Messrs. Nixon, Adams, Mundy, and Elders Curtice and Bouton, were appointed to draft a minute on the death of Rev. Frank A. Wood.
Rev. Mr. Mundy is appointed to declare the pulpit of Patter- son vacant at the termination of the pastoral relation.
Committees were appointed as follows :
On Bills and Overtures — Revs. Heermance, Wallace, Phra- ner, Dixon ; Elders Wells, Corning, and Cady.
Judicial Committee — Revs. C. W. Baird, Davison, Sahler, J. R. Smith ; Elders Rockwell, Trowbridge, and Knapp.
Accounts of Treasurer — Elders Garey and John Clark.
Special Cmnmittee on Minutes of General Assembly — Revs. Eastman, Cumming, and Elder John G. Clark.
The report of the Treasurer was accepted and referred to the Auditing Committee. Amount received, including balance, $651.49. Disbursed, $591.82. Balance on hand, $62.67. Due from Churches, $7.00; Stated Clerk's bill for stationery, postage, etc., $14.14.
Report was approved.
Method for Examination, p. 78, was considered and referred to the Committee, to whom were added Revs. Wallace, Waite, and Elder Wells.
The Narrative of the state of Religion speaks of few revivals or large additions the past year; of the illness of several pastors as interfering
86 ABSTRACTS.
with their labors; of increased attendance on worship in many places; of greater interest in prayer-meetings and Sabbath-schools; of the times as affecting contributions, in one case causing dissolution, of pastoral rela- tion ; of the enlargement and prosperity of the Stamford church ; of addi- tions to membership at Hartford ; of good effected by the temperance re- form ; and of new churches to be erected by Bethany and Westminster..
The January Intermediate meeting is to be held in the Beth- any church, the spring meeting at Stamford, and Rev. Mr. Gumming and Rev. Mr. Davenport, alternate, are appointed to draft the Narrative.
The Stated Clerk is authorized to print a list of questions to be used in collecting biographical information concerning the- ministers of this Presbytery.
In view of the illness of Rev. Mr. Heroy, supplies were ap- pointed for his pulpit as follows :
October Oth, Rev. C. W. Baird ; 13th, Rev. Mr. Dixon ; 20th, Rev. Mr. Cumming; 27th, Rev. Mr. Sahler; November 3d, Rev. Mr. Dowd; 10th, Rev. Mr. Macoubrey ; 24th, Rev. Mr. Wallace.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES.
On Minutes of Qei>erul Assembly — Calling attention to p. 19, Observance of day and week of prayer; pp. 25, 26, Resolutions 1 to 6„ relating to Board of Education ; p. 29, Third Sabbath of each June, day of special services for Sabbath-schools ; p. 30, Overture No. 8, in regard to contribu- tions for church at Jacksonville ; p. 35, Collection for missionary fund of Board of Publication ; p. 39, Resolution 3, Presbyteries enjoined to exer- cise greater care in recommending churches to the Board of Church Erec- tion ; p. 42, Answer to Overture 5, as to use of Lesson Leaves ; p. 56, An- swers to Overtures 12 and 13, relating to contributions to the Boards and observance of Sabbath ; p. 57, Overture 4, Clerks to report number of El- ders and Deacons ; p. 65, Overture on Reduced Representation ; p. 68, Resolutions as to contribuiions to the Commissioners and contingent funds; p. 69, Answer to Overture 14, as to representation of elders in Presbytery and Synod; p. 72, Resolution in regard to collections for Sua- tentation Pastorates; pp. 95, 96, 97, Pastoral letter as to Sabbath-schools and training of youth ; p. Ill, Resolution 4, in regard to Home Missions,
Freedmen — Churches transferred back to this Committee, and churches urged to increase their contributions to this cause.
ABSTRACTS. 87
Foreign Missions — Three non-contributing churches, same as last year; 13 have increased, and 20 have decreased their collections as compared with previous year ; total increase, $738 ; larger amount given by Sabbath-schools. Increase of deaths among missionaries.
Education — One licentiate, Mr. Sybrandt, and one candidate, Mr. Johnston, pursuing their studies. Both recommended to the Board.
Benevolence and Finance — Following the Assembly's Minutes, -we find that the amount contributed by our churches under the head of benevo- lence, is $-27,149, or about five dollars per member.
From the annual reports of the several Boards, we learn that the amount received by the Boards from the Presbytery is $10,905, or a little less than two dollars per member. This shows a decrease over last year of $950. And tlds decrea-e is mainly in contributions to the most prominent ob- jects. The falling off to Home Missions is $74G ; to Foreign Missions is S239; to Education is $113. To several other of the Boards there was a slight increase.
The following indicates the number out of our thirty -seven churches which made no contributions to the respective Boards : To Home Missions. 6; Foreign Missions, 5 ; Education, 13 ; Publication. 12; Church Erec- tion, 15; Ministerial Relief, 12; Freedmen, 15; Sustentation, 16. Mak- ing a total of 94 omissions as against 10:5 last year. Following the Assem- bly's Minutes, we find that 16 churches contributed to all the Boards.
In conclusion, presuming that the Standing Committees or the several Boards will press their individual needs, we make no recommendations at this time.
We regret that no method has yet been devised which will secure an offering from each of our churches to the several Boards. Recommenda- tions have been made in previous reports, but they have not secured the end. Attention is called to the large number of churches which neglect contributions to the several Boards.
[t is recommended that this report be printed in the abstract of .the minutes, as furnishing data for comparative estimates in future reports, and providing our churches with a brief summary of their benevolent, work.
It was ordered that Sessional Records not in the house be sent up for examination at the next Intermediate meeting. Moderators for the Sessions of vacant churches are as follow? :
North Salem Rev. Mr. Blackford.
88 ABSTRACTS.
Somers Rev. Mr. Blackford.
South Salem '' Patterson.
South East Centre " Macoubrey.
Darien " Vail.
Riverdale " T. R. Smith.
New Rochelle >k Lindsley.
, Bethany " Birch.
The Sessions of South Salem, Darien, and Riverdale have leave to supply their pulpits until the next Stated meeting, sub- ject to the following action :
That all the vacant churches confer with the Church Exten- sion Committee in reference to the supply of their pulpits; said Committee is authorized to supply the pulpits of these churches for four Sabbaths between this and the next stated meeting, if the way be clear ; and of this action the Committee is to inform these churches.
Presbytery declined to entertain the complaints of Messrs. R. and A. Harbison against the action of the Hartford Session ; also the request of that Session referring to Presbytery the de- cision in the trial of H. Harbison, and instructed the Session to issue the case without unnecessary delay.
The appeal of Hugh Harbison from a decision of the Hart- ford Session was put on the docket.
Rev. T. S. Childs gave notice of complaint to the Synod against the action of Presbytery declining to entertain the complaints of the Messrs. Harbison, and the Rev. T. R. Smith and Elder Wells were appointed to defend our action.
Rev. Messrs. Phraner, Mundy, Wallace, T. R. Smith, Elders Wells and Garey, were appointed to revise Rules for the keep- ing of Sessional Records, p. 28.
The following Standing Rule was adopted :
Ministers of this Presbytery who are not pastors of churches under our care shall make report, at each Stated Spring meeting, of their labors during the past year.
Action on the Overture on Reduced Representation, inquiries as to the reasons why churches have failed to contribute to Home and Foreign Missions, and the appointment of Trustees, was
ABSTRACTS. 89
postponed until the Intermediate meeting, and action on the report of the Committee on Somers church, p. 81, was postponed until the Spring meeting.
Standing Committees were reappointed as follows:
I. — On Missionary and Benevolent Work.
1 . Church Extension— -Revs. T. R. Smith, C. W. Baird, Phra- ner, Macoubrev, Vail, Sawyer, F razee; Elders Sarles, Petrie, and Wells.
2. Foreign Missions — Revs. Niven, Heermance, and Elder Knapp.
3. Education — Revs. Hodge, Cummings, Dixon, and Elder Skinner.
4. Ministerial Relief — Revs. Heroy, Adams, Davenport, and Elder Cady.
5. Benevolence and Finance — Revs. Wallace, Sahler, and Elder Sours.
6. Freedmen — Revs. Allen, Perry, and Elder Curtice.
7. Sabbath-schools and Colportage — Revs. Davison, Barnum, Eastman ; Elders Petrie, and Corning.
8. Presbyterial Visitation— Revs. Macoubrey, Dowd, Terry ; Elders Trowbridge, and Horton.
0. Manses — Elders Wells, Elder, and Cowdrey.
10. Minutes of General Assembly and Synod — Delegates to the Assembly for that year.
These Committees to report in writing at the Stated Fall meeting, and at such other meetings as their business may require.
IT. — For Examination.
1. Religious Experience and Views m Seeking the Ministry — The Moderator.
2. Languages — Revs. J. R. Smith, Heermance, dimming, and Prof. Baird.
3. Philosophy, Astronomy, and Rhetoric — Revs. Waite, Cum- ming, and Eastman.
90 ABSTRACTS.
4. Systematic Theology — Revs. Phraner, Wallace, and Vail.
5. Church History, Government, and Sacraments — Revs. Hodge, Davison, and Childs.
6. Constitution, Government, and Discipline of the Pi^esby- terian Church — Revs. T. R. Smith, Sawyer, and Sahler.
To the Committee on Languages are to be assigned the Latin Exegeses and Critical Exercises of candidates, and their Lectures and Sermons to the Committee on Philosophy, Astronomy, and Rhetoric.
Adjourned to meet on call of the Moderator during the meet- ing of Synod.
E. F. MUNDY,
Stated Clerk.
ABSTRACTS. 91
ADJOURNED MEETING.
New York City, October 16, 1878. Present — 33 ministers and 18 elders.
The license of Arthur G. Rogers was recalled.
The church of Croton Falls was recommended to the Board of Sustentation for $300 for the current year.
The election of Trustees of the church enterprise at Narragan- sett Pier, R. L, was approved.
The appeal of Mr. Harbison, p. 88, was postponed until the Intermediate meeting.
A minute expressive of the sense of Presbytery in view of the death of brother Heroy, was adopted, and a committee was appointed to attend his funeral.
Adjourned to meet in the Bethany church, January 21, 1879.
SPECIAL MEETING.
New Rochelle, N". Y., Nov. 21, 1878. Present — 15 ministers and 5 elders.
Rev. R. Randall Hoes was received from the Presbytery of Monmouth.
The call of the church of New Rochelle was accepted by Mr. Hoes, and the following arrangements made for his installation this evening:
The Moderator to preside, etc. ;
To preach the sermon, by invitation, Rev. James McCosh, D.D., of the Presbytery of New Brunswick ;
To give charge to the pastor, Rev. C. W. Baird ;
To give charge to the people, Rev. Mr. Heermance;
To read the Scriptures, Rev. Mr. Lindslev :
To offer the prayer of Installation, Rev. J. C. F. Hoes, D.D., of the Classis of Kingston, by invitation.
92 ABSTRACTS.
Agreeably to these arrangements, Rev. R. Randall Hoes was installed pastor of the church of New Rochelle.
Adjourned.
INTERMEDIATE MEETING.
North New York, January 21, 1879. Present — 25 ministers and 15 elders.
A minute in reference to the death of Rev. Frank A. Wood was adopted.
Arrangements were made for the installation of Rev. Mr. Birch, pastor of the Bethany church, February 5th, as follows :
To preside and preach the sermon, the Moderator ;
Alternate, Rev. Mr. Adams ; To charge the pastor, " " Wallace ;
Alternate, " " Eastman ; To charge the people, " " Dixon ;
Alternate, " " Cummings.
The application of the Huguenot Memorial church to the Board of Sustentation for $300 per annum.
Record was made of the reasons why delinquent churches failed to contribute last year to the Boards of Home and Foreign Missions, p. 71.
Rev. Mr. Yail was elected to fill the vacancy in the Board of the Trustees of Presbytery.
The call of the church of South Salem to the Rev. George M. McCampbell was approved.
The Session of the church of Bedford obtained leave to supply their pulpit until our next stated meeting, and Rev. Mr. East- man was appointed their Moderator.
The Committee on Vacant Churches and Unemployed Minis- ters presented a report, and its consideration was deferred until the next stated meeting.
ABSTRACTS. 93
The records of Church Sessions, which had not been sent up to the Fall meeting, were examined.
The Committee on the Condition of the Church of North Sa- lem, p. 78, reported progress, and, at their request, Eev. Mr. Macoubrey was placed on this committee.
The apportionment, p. 75, on this church is reduced to three dollars.
The Judicial Committee reported, recommending that the Appeal of Mr. Harbison be now heard in the mode prescribed in our book of Discipline. The report was accepted, and action on it was postponed until the next stated meeting.
Action on the Overture on Representation was also postponed.
Adjourned to meet on call of the Moderator.
ADJOURNED MEETING.
New York City, February 25, 1879.
Met on call of the Moderator.
Present — 25 ministers and 13 elders.
Rev. George M. McCampbell received from the Presbytery of New York, and arrangements were made for his installation at South Salem, March 1 2th, at 2 p.m., as follows :
To preside, etc., The Moderator;
To preach the sermon, Rev. Mr. Birch;
Alternate, To charge the pastor,
Alternate, To charge the people.
Alternate,
The Committee on the Church of Somers, p. 81, presented a verbal report and were continued.
The Presbytery directed that the pastoral relation of Rev. T. lialston Smith to the First church of Yonkers shall terminate on the last day of next March.
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Wallace ; |
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Patterson ; |
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Frazee ; |
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Macoubrey ; |
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Davison. |
94 ABSTRACTS.
Rev. C. W. Baird is appointed to preach in that church on the following Sabbath and declare the pulpit vacant.
Rev. Messrs. Wallace, Nixon, Law, and Elder Rich were ap- pointed to prepare a minute in view of the above action and of the removal of Dr. Smith to another field of labor.
The Committee of Church Extension were directed to commu- nicate with the Board, and endeavor to secure the full amount voted in aid of the Huguenot Memorial church from the Susten- tation department, p. 92.
Records of Mount Kisco were approved.
Adjourned to meet in Stamford on the third Tuesday of April.
E. F. MUNDY,
Stated Clerk.
A MS' I WAITS.
STATED SPRING MEETING.
Stamford, Ct., April 15-17, 1879, Present — 38 ministers and 28 elders.
Rev. C. C. Wallace was elected Moderator.
Rev. T. Ralston Smith, retiring Moderator, preached on the first evening ; and a meeting in the interest of Sabbath-schools was held on the second evening.
Committee on Bills and Overtures. — Revs. T. Ralston Smith, Phraner, and Frazee ; Elders Milne and Cady.
The Overture on Reduced Representation was unanimously rejected.
The Stated Clerk reported that Licentiate Sybrandt (p. 79") had been dismissed to the care of the Presbytery of Boston.
Rev. La Fayette Dudley was dismissed to the Presbytery of Osage, Rev. Sidney G. Law to New York, and Rev. T. Ralston Smith to Buffalo.
The Stated Clerk was empowered to [dismiss Rev. T. C. Perry to the Presbytery of Montreal.
The appeal of Mr. Harbison (pp. 88, 91,93) was taken up, and after consideration, it was recommended by Presbytery that the Session of the church of HartforTS give Mr. Harbison a let- ter of dismission to another church ; and the parties consenting to this, the prosecution of the appeal was dropped.
Commissioners to the Assembly are :
Ministers. Elders.
R. P. II. Vail, E. Wells, of Peekskill, 2d.
T. M. Niven, 1). F. Kollister, of Bridgeport.
W. Phraner, A. Trowbridge, of Bethany.
Alternates.
E. L. Ilcermance, M. R. Baxter, of Throg's Neck. G. Nixon, W. C. Foote, of Yonkers, 1st.
E. V. Mundy, C. E. Lee, M.D., of Croton Falls.
96 ABSTRACTS.
Rye was selected as the place for the next Stated meeting, and Riverdale for the next Intermediate meeting.
Rev. Messrs. Davenport, and Birch as alternate, are appointed to draft the Narrative.
Licentiate William R. Lord was received from the Presby- tery of Newark, and examined for ordination.
The call of the church of Riverdale for the pastoral services of Mr. Lord was approved, and the following arrangements were made for ordination :
Time, Wednesday, April 30th, at 2 p.m. The Moderator to preside and offer the ordaining prayer :
To preach the sermon, Rev. Dr. Dnryea ;
Alternate, " " Tucker; Charge to the pastor, " Mr. Burr ;
Alternate, " " Davenport; Charge to the people, " " Adams ;
Alternate, " " Eastman.
The pastoral relation of Rev. R. A. Saw}rer to the church at Irvington was dissolved, and Rev. W. Pliraner was appointed to preach in that church next Sabbath, and declare the pulpit vacant.
The time for declaring the Patterson pulpit vacant was changed from the third Sabbath in April until the first Sabbath in May.
Minutes were adopted in view of the release of Rev. R. A. Sawyer, and the removal of Rev. T. Ralston Smith to a distant field.
Moderators for vacant Church Sessions are as follows :
Irvington, ----- Rev. Phraner,
Yonkers, 1st, - - - - Prof. Baird,
North Salem, - - - - Rev. Gray,
Riverdale, ----- " Dixon,
i Bedford, ----- " Eastman,
Somers, ------ " Blackford,
Darien, ------ " Vail,
ABSTRACTS. 9?
South E. Centre, - - - Rev. Macoubrey, Patterson, ----- « "
Patterson, Yonkers 1st, Irvington, Bedford, North Salem, and Darien received permission to supply their pulpits until the next Stated meeting, subject to the Rule adopted at Thompson ville (see p. 88).
The Rev. Mr. Gallagher presented the work of Home Mis- sions in Utah, and he was cordially commended to our churches.
The Committees appointed to install Rev. Mr. Birch (p. 92), and Rev. Mr. McCampbell (p. 93), reported the discharge of these duties.
The Committee on Bills and Overtures reported two papers : One asking the Assembly to carry out the consolidation of the work of the Freedmen's Committee with the Board of Home Missions, and reverse the action of the last Assembly, p. 81 ; the second asking Presbytery to overture the General Assembly to a] 'point a Committee to report on the propriety of having the temporalities of churches in the care of the officers who manage their spiritual affiiirs.
The Committee recommend, as to both of these papers, no action be adopted, and it was so ordered.
Repokts of Standing Committees.
On Minutes of Synod. — Calling attention to action on pp. 10, 1 1, as to Unemployed Ministers; to pp. 11, 12, 14, 15, to action on Historical Papers ; pp. L6 and 22, commending the Histori- cal Society ; to p. 20, report of the Committee on the Benevo- lent Work of the Church, which bears witness to the fidelity of our churches, and we urge upon them to seek a yet higher standard; to the appointment of the Committee to represent Woman's work in the bounds of Synod in the interest of Mis- sions ; also, to the fact that a number of the members of this Presbytery left Synod without permission ; that fourteen minis- ters were absent, and eight churches not represented ; and it is recommended that Presbytery urge its ministers to punctually attend Synod, and its churches to send a ruling elder.
The report was adopted.
98 ABSTRACTS.
Church Extension. — Culled attention to the lack of funds for its work, and reported an application of the church of Katonah for aid from the Board of Home Missions for $250 per year, which was endorsed.
Ministerial Relief. — On report of the Committee the follow- ing; persons were recommended for aid : Mrs. T. C. Steele, $200 ; Rev. D. Gibbs, $125; Mrs. J. Green, $100; Mrs. Wood- ruff, $150.
Attention is called to the fact that the amounts thus voted are in excess of the sum contributed.
The following; was put on the docket :
Resolved, That in future no person shall be recommended for aid from Ministerial Relief who does not reside in our bounds, excepting those who are now recommended.
Sabhath-Sehools. — Reported the printing and distribution throughout Presbytery of a table embracing statistics of our Sabbath-schools.
Education. — Reported in relation to the candidates who had been under our care during the year.
The Narrative reports no general outpouring of the Spirit? but a few additions to most of the churches ; while the churches of Sing Sing, Westminster, Hartford, Bridgeport, Port Chester, and Katonah, speak of special works of grace. In a few cases full prayer-meetings are reported, and nearly all our Sabbath- schools are in a prosperous condition.
In most of the churches there has been a decline in contri- butions.
Mr. Allan D. Draper was received as a candidate for the ministry from the Presbytery of Waterloo, and, after examina- tion, Messrs. Frederick Johnston and Draper were licensed to preach.
The Committee to Revise Rules for the keeping of Sessional Records (p. 88), reported that Rule V. be amended by striking out all after the word " Session," and insert the words, " which
ABSTRACTS. 99
order shall be recorded as the authority for that particular minute."
That the following new rule be adopted :
That Sessions keep and record in a separate book from their own records the proceedings of Church and Congregational meetings.
These changes were adopted.
The consideration of the following rules was deferred until the Intermediate meeting :
1. That an abstract of the reports to Presbytery on the state of religion be entered on the records of Sessions ;
2. The application of parents for the baptism of their chil- dren shall be acted on by the Session, and recorded.
The consideration of the report on Unemployed Ministers, etc., reports of ministers not pastors of Presbyterian churches ; in- quiry as to pastors preaching on Infant Baptism, etc., and the consideration of the following resolution, were deferred until the Intermediate meeting:
Resohed, That the several Committees for examination be re- quired to prepare a list of questions to be put to candidates, which shall be printed under direction of the Stated Clerk.
The Committees on the Churches of Somers (p. 93) and North Salem (p. 93) presented verbal reports and were continued.
Rev. C. W. Baird was appointed Chairman of the Committee on Church Extension, in place of Rev. T. Ralston Smith, removed to another Presbytery ; Rev. Mr. Birch was added to the Commit- tee on Ministerial Relief; and Rev. J. A. Hodge, transferred from the Committee to Examine on Church History, etc., to rill the place of Rev. T. Ralston Smith on the Committee to Examine on the Constitution, Government, and Discipline of the Presby- terian Church.
Adjourned to meet in Riverdale, April 30th, at 10 o'clock a.m.
E. F. MUNDY,
Stated Clerk.
100 ABSTRACTS.
ADJOURNED MEETING.
Riverdale, N. Y.j April 30, 1879. Present — 9 ministers and 3 elders.
The Church Extension Committee reported that in virtue of the authority committed to them by Presbytery at its last meeting, they had organized a church in the city of Yonkers, composed of 94 members, to be called the Day Spring Presby- terian Church, and ordained three deacons, and three elders, viz. : Messrs. William Bates, Thomas Moore, and Hugh H. Ferguson.
The report was accepted, the name of the Day Spring Church was put on the roll, and Elder Ferguson being present, took his seat in Presbytery.
Mr. Charles E. Allison was received as a licentiate from the Presbytery of Hudson.
The call of the Day Spring Church was accepted by him, and after he had been examined, it was ordered that Presbytery meet this evening in Yonkers, for the purpose of ordaining and installing him, and that the order of service be as follows :
The Moderator to preside, etc.
To preach the sermon, Rev. T. Ralston Smith ;
Alternate, " W. Phraner ; To offer the ordaining prayer, Rev. Mr. Dixon ; To charge the pastor, Rev. R. A. Sawyer ; To charge the people, " J. R. Smith.
Presbytery took a recess until two o'clock this afternoon, at which time Mr. William R. Lord was ordained and installed pastor of the church of Riverdale.
Adjourned to meet in the First Presbyterian Church of Yonkers this evening, at a quarter to eight o'clock.
ABSTRACTS. 101
SECOND ADJOURNED MEETING.
Yonkers (First Church), April 30, 1879.
Present — 8 ministers and 3 elders.
Mr. Charles E. Allison was ordained, and installed pastor of the Day Spring Presbyterian Church.
Adjourned to meet in Riverdale, N. Y., on the third Tuesday of June.
INTERMEDIATE MEETING.
Eiverdale, N. Y., June 17, 1870.
Present — 22 ministers and 9 elders.
Mr. Hugh Harbison presented a communication, stating that the Session of the Hartford Church, in sending him his letter of dismission, anuexed to it a copy of their record, to which he objected. See Abstracts, page 95.
It was referred to the following Judicial Committee: Rev. Messrs. Macoubrey, Birch, Phraner ; Elders Fowler and Crosby.
The Committee subsequently reported, and the following minute was adopted :
That the paper of Mr. Harbison be returned as informal and out of order. But in view of all the circumstances, and in the hope of avoiding controversy, it be recommended that the Session so amend their record, that after the incorporation of the resolution of Presbytery, it read as follows : Session accept- ing this advice of Presbytery, and in view of the reasons given by Presbytery, we hereby remove the sentence of suspension from Mr. Harbison, and direct the Clerk to give him a certificate of dismission, in the form advised by Presbytery.
102 ABSTRACTS.
The following Standing Rule was proposed :
Examinations for licensure and ordination, at the stated meet- ings of Presbytery, shall be the first order on the second day of the sessions.
This item, and the resolution on page 98, in relation to aid from the Relief Fund, proposed changes in the rules for the keeping of sessional records, the report on Unemployed Minis- ters and vacant churches, Inquiry as to pastors preaching on Infant Baptism (see Abstracts, pages 43, 44), and the resolution on page 99, were postponed until the next stated meeting.
Reports were heard from ministers not in charge of Presby- terian churches.
Mr. James Jamieson, of the church of Port Chester, was re- ceived as a candidate for the ministry, and his pastor and Rev. C. W. Baird were appointed to have supervision of his studies, and to assign him subjects for trial exercises.
The Committees appointed to declare the pulpits of Irvington and Patterson vacant, reported that the service had been dis- charged.
The Bethany Church was recommended to the Board of Home Missions for $500 for the ensuing year.
Adjourned te meet in Rye on the first Tuesday of October.
E. F. MUNDY,
Stated Clerk.
ABSTRACTS. 103
The following is the summation of the Statistical Report of
Presbytery for this year. For comparison, see Abstracts, page 84.
Number of Ministers 58
" Churches 88
" organized 1
' ' Licentiates 4
Candidates 0
Licensures . 2
Ordinations 3
" Installations 5
Pastoral relations dissolved 4
Added on Examination 229
Certificate 159
Total membership 5,683
Adults baptized 72
Infants " 180
Sabbath School membership 5,648
Given to Home Missions $6,647
Foreign " 5,529
" Education 705
Publication 413
Church Erection , . 582
" Ministerial relief 609
" Freedmen's cause 460
" Sustentation 371
Presbytery, Synod, and Assembly 562
" Congregational expenses 91,973
Miscellaneous objects 11,403
ABSTRACTS. 104
STATED FALL MEETING.
Eye, N. ¥.; October 7-9, 1879.
Present — 37 ministers and 28 elders.
Rev. Mr. Smith was elected Moderator.
Rev. James IT. Hoyt was received from the Classis of Westches- ter, and Rev. C. B. Dye wras dismissed to the Presbytery of Albany.
A request for the organization of a church at Pleasantville, JSf. Y., was referred, with power, to the Church Extension Com- mittee.
The Stated Clerk reported that dismissions had been given to Rev. Henry M. Hazeltine, to the Berkshire South Association, and to licentiates Johnston and Draper, to place themselves re- spectively under the care of the Presbyteries of Kearney and Lyons.
The name of licentiate James Fitzpatriek, who had bee,n or- dained by a Presbytery in Nova Scotia, was dropped from the roll.
The following addition wras made to Rule 6 of Rules for the keeping of Records of Sessions, viz. : " That an abstract of the reports to Presbytery, on the state of religion, be entered on the minutes.''
Committees were appointed as follows :
On Bills and Overtures, Revs. Wallace, Barnum, Dixon, Elders Wells, and Cady.
On Accounts of Treasurer, Elders Foster and Cragin.
Revs. Sahler, C. W. Baird, and Waite were appointed to report a plan by which Presbytery may aid vacant churches to obtain pastors.
The pastoral relation of Rev. C. W. Adams to the Church of West Farms is to cease on the 30th Oct., and the pastor is ap- pointed to declare the pulpit vacant.
Rev. Mr. Terry is released from the Second Church of Peek- skill, Nov. 17th, and Rev. Mr. Vail is to declare the pulpit vacant.
Rev. Mr. Blackford's pastorate is to close Jan. 1, 1880, and Mr. Sahler is appointed to declare the pulpit vacant.
The following was put on the docket :
Resolved: That in forming the Standing Committees, new chairmen shall be elected for two years from those, if possible,
105 ABSTRACTS.
who Lave served at least one year on the committee, and one- third of each committee is to be retired, and their places filled by other members of Presbytery.
The Treasurer presented his report, showing cash received, $621.67; paid out, $604.19; balance on hand, $20.48.
Revs. Mundy, Lord, and Elder Knapp are a Committee to bring in a report in relation to the finances of Presbytery.
The call of the church of Bedford was returned to the church as unconstitutional, and Rev. Mr. Macoubrey was appointed to explain to the church the grounds of this action.
In answer to a request from the Bethany Church, to be trans- ferred to the Presbytery of New York, Presbytery would state that this power belongs to the Synod, and would express their strong desire to have the church remain with us.
It was ordered that the following Sessions send their records to the, next intermediate meeting, viz.: Croton Falls, Huguenot Memorial, Irvington, New Rochelle, Somers, and South East Centre.
The church of Tremont was commended to the sister churches of this and New York Presbyteries, for aid in the liquidation of its debt.
REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES :
Chu?'ch Extension. — Received from the churches, $367.83 ; paid to Katonah, $100, to Huguenot Memorial, $250. Balance; deducting expenses, $14.58.
Many churches have failed to contribute, while some have not redeemed their pledges. Churches are to inform the Committee between the spring and fall meetings of the amounts they will give.
Foreign Missions. — Only one chinch has failed to contribute ; aggregate smaller than last year ; churches urged to use means to increase their gifts, and to observe the Monthly Concert.
Sabbath-schools. — Report speaks of the desirability of holding among the churches Sabbath-school conventions; 2d Sabbath of May, day of special prayer and services for Sunday-schools ; pub- lications of our Board commended; statistics to be gathered by this Committee, and pastors and superintendents are to promptly fill up and return blanks sent for this purpose.
Visilation—Fvesbyterial visitation of churches to be carried out during the coming six months.
ABSTRACTS. 106
Benevolence.— According to tables in the Assembly's Minutes, our churches have given to the Boards five thousand dollars more than is credited in the several reports, and to miscellane- ous objects over $1,000 more than to our own Boards, although three of the Boards (Home, Foreign, Education), began the year with a debt. Ordered that the following part of the report be printed entire :
Following the Minutes of the Assembly our churches have contributed to benevo- lence of all kinds $26,718, being at the rate of $4.77 per member.
The contributions given directly to our Boards are $10,303.43, being a decrease of $603 over the last year, and of $1,553 over the report of two years ago. Must we continue to decline from year to year? Are the churches growing poorer, or is the spirit of benevolence decaying?
On the other hand, there are one or two encouraging facts — twenty-two out of our thirty-six contributing churches have filled up all the blanks. Last year, 76 collec- tion'; went by default, this year only 49. A less number than we have ever before readied.
It is stated in Assembly's Minutes for this year, p. 621, " That in the list of our 38 Synods, New York stands first, giving $6.68 for each church-member." In the last Minutes of Synod, p. 20, it is stated that our Presbytery " bears off the palm " for showing the fewest deficiencies in the benvolent columns of auy Presbytery in the Synod. Forming a part of the most liberal Synod in our denomination, and having gained such favorable commendation, shall we not be stimulated to do still greater things for the honor of the Master, and to maintain the distinction we have so hon- orably achieved?
In order to this, we recommend to the churches that each one adopt some proper Scriptural system of giving, and that a contribution be taken for all the Boards.
Inasmuch, as in many instances, when churches become vacant, contributions for Benevolence are discontinued, and this is one cause which leads to so many blanks in our columns, resolved that the Sessions are urged to do their duty in continuing the benevolent contributions at such times.
Aud we call especial attention to the last two resolutions of the General Assembly as embraced in the Assembly's Committee on Benevolence, on p. 623 of the Minutes.
Resolved, That in view of the fact that so many of our churches fail to contribute to all the Boards of our Church, in the judgment of this Assembly, the members of all our congregations have a right to an opportunity to contribute, at least, once a year, to each of the Boards, as required by the highest authority of the Church, and the Sessions of the churches have no right to withhold the opportunity.
Resolved, That it is the duty of each minister in charge to give information, set forth the privilege of giving, and urge the claims of each Board in connection with the annual collection.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
On Minutes of Assembly. — Call attention to the following- items :
Page 559, Literature of our Board ; p. 563, To care in recom- mendation of candidates, and as to securing for them remuner- ative employment during vacation ; pp. 573, 585, Observance of Monthly Concert; pp. 574, 575, Resolutions 1, 2, 5, 6 ; p. 604, Resolutions as to Board of Education ; p. 618, Day of prayer and
107 ABSTRACTS.
services for Sabbath-schools ; p. 625, Minute relative to the the- atre ; p. 627, Observance of the Sabbath; p. 627, In relation to the reading of secular papers on the Sabbath by church members.
The call of the First Church of Yonkers, to the Rev. John Reid was approved, and retained until Mr. Reid's reception.
Revs. Hodge, Dowd, and Macoubrey were appointed to confer with candidate Jamieson.
Presbytery took action to co-operate with the plans proposed by the last General Assembly's Committee on Systematic Bene- ficence, and Revs. Niven, Dowd, and Elder Cady are to nomin- ate persons to serve on our Committee of Benevolence.
Moderators for sessions of vacant churches :
For IrvingtoD Rev. Phraner,
" North Salem " Gray,
" Bedford " Hoyt,
" Soiners " Blackford,
" Darien " Vail,
" West Farms " C. W. Baird,
" Crotou Falls " Sahler,
" Peekskill Secoud " Smith,
" South E. Centre " Macoubrey,
" Patterson " "
The churches of West Farms, Peekskill Second, Croton Falls, Patterson, North Salem, and Darien have leave to supply their own pulpit?, subject to action of Presbytery (Abstracts, p. 88), until the next Stated Meeting.
The next Stated Meeting is to be held at Bridgeport, and the Intermediate Meeting, in the Huguenot Memorial Church.
Rev. Mr. Birch, with Rev. Mr. Dixon as alternate, are to draft the Narrative.
The appeal of Mr. Harbison, p. 95, was dismissed from the docket.
The Narrative speaks of regular, faithful ministrations, good attendance, and hopeful attention. The majority of the churches report absence of spiritual enthusiasm, only a few seasons of re- freshing. Need of, and ardent desire for, a revival keenly felt.
Inquiry as to pastors preaching on infant baptism, p. 44, was postponed until the spring meeting.
Adjourned, to meet at Middletown, N". Y., during the meeting of Synod. E. F. MUNDY,
Stated Clerk.
ABSTRACTS. 108
ADJOURNED MEETING.
Middletotvn, N. Y., October 21, 1879.
Present — 21 ministers and 9 elders.
The pastoral relation between Rev. J. Hatfield Frazee and the church of Mount Kisco was dissolved, to take effect Nov. 1st, and Mr. Frazee was dismissed to the Oneida, Chenango, and Delaware Association.
Rev. Mr. Eastman is appointed Moderator of the Session of Mount Kisco church.
The Rev. Dwight M. Seward having returned the certificate ■dismissing him to the Presbytery of NewT York, p. 54, obtained a dismission to the Presbytery of Elizabeth.
Mr. James Jamieson, p. 102, obtained leave to have his name dropped from the roll of candidates.
On report of the Committee on Presbyterial Visitation, it was ordered that before the work of the several Committees is com- menced, there be observed —
1st. A day of special prayer as pastors in our homes ; and
2d. A day when the pastors shall meet in devotional confer- ence and prayer in fervent supplication for the gift of the Holy Spirit on our churches.
The Committee were empowered to arrange for these days.
Rev. John Reid wTas received from the Presbytery of Jersey City.
The call of the First Church of Yonkers, p. 107, was accepted by him, and arrangements were made for his installation as fol- lows :
Time, Thursday, Nov. 6, at 7.30 p.m.
To preside, etc. The Moderator.
To preach the sermon, Rev. T. Ralston Smith.
Alternate, " Charles W. Baird.
To charge the pastor, " J. Dixon.
Alternate, " T. M. Niven.
To charge the people, " D. M. Seward.
Alternate, " W. Phraner.
The election of certain persons as Trustees of the enterprise at Narragansett Pier, R. I., was approved.
The following persons were chosen as a Committee on Benev- olence in place of the one previously appointed, p. 89 :
109
|
ABSTRACTS. |
||||
|
Kev. |
Mr |
Wallace, |
Chairman. |
|
|
u |
a |
Niven, |
To |
represent Foreign Missions. |
|
tt |
a |
Pliraner, |
" Home Missions. |
|
|
a |
a |
Hodge, |
" Education. |
|
|
u |
a |
Childs, |
" Church Erection. |
|
|
u |
a |
Adams, |
" Ministerial Relief. |
|
|
(t |
u |
Allen, |
" Freedmen. |
|
|
a |
a |
Sahler, |
" Publication. |
|
|
u |
b< |
Davenport, |
" Sustentation. |
It was resolved to appoint a Standing Committee on Home Missions, p. 110.
The application of the Huguenot Memorial Church for aid from Home Missions for $500 per annum was approved.
Adjourned to meet at Pelham Manor, N. Y., Jan. 20, 1880.
INTERMEDIATE MEETING.
Pelham Manok, N. Y., Jan. 20, 1880.
Present — 27 ministers and 14 elders.
Rev. Washington Choate was received from the Manhattan Congregational Association, and Rev. Willard Scott from the Presbytery of Jersey City.
Arrangements were made for the installation of Mr. Scott at West Farms, as follows :
Time, January 26, at 7.45 p.m.
|
To preside, etc. |
The Moderator. |
|
To preach the sermon, |
Rev. Charles W. Baird |
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Alternate, |
" Mr. Yail. |
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To charge the pastor, |
" " Macoubrey. |
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Alternate, |
" " Terry. |
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To charge the people, |
" " Adams. |
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Alternate, |
" " Reid. |
Arrangements were made to install Rev. James H. pastor of the Bedford Church, pp. 104, 105, as follows : To preside, etc., The Moderator.
To preach the sermon, Rev. J. D. Wilson
(of the Presbytery of New York be invited). Alternate, Rev. Mr. Davison.
To charge the pastor, " " Dixon.
Alternate, " " Wallace.
Hoyt
ABSTRACTS. 110
To charge the people, Rev. Mr. Phraner.
Alternate, " " Heermance.
The following persons were appointed a Committee to co-oper- ate with the church of Bedford in preparing for the celebra- tion of their Two Hundredth Anniversary : Rev. Messrs. C. W. Baird, Eastman, Wallace, Phraner, and Elders Foster and Pudney.
It was also resolved that a Committee (to consist of those members of Presbytery who are present) be appointed to attend the above anniversary services, as representative of the inter- est of Presbytery in said church.
The following were appointed to serve as a Standing Com- mittee on Home Missions: Rev. Messrs. Phraner, Allison, and Elder Brown.
The organization of a church at Pleasantville, K. Y., by the Committee of Church Extension, p. 104, was approved.
Rev. Messrs. Phraner, Baird, and Terry are appointed to con- fer with the Board of Home Missions as to granting in full the application of the Bethany Church, p. 109.
The attention of the Home Mission Committee is called to the nature of the composition of the Board of Home Missions? and to the proposal to have some of the rural Presbyteries of this Synod represented in said Board.
The Committee on Ministerial Relief were instructed to con- sider and report upon the plans of the Clergy and Teachers' Provident Society.
The Stated Clerk was directed to correspond with Rev. James Baird with reference to his ecclesiastical relations.
The apportionment of money due from the church of South East is reduced from seven to five dollars.
The church of Somers is excused from the payment of the sums due from them for the last two years.
The amount annually required to meet the expenses of the Presbytery, Synod, and General Assembly, is apportioned among the several churches as follows, these sums to be paid in at the Spring Meeting:
Bedford, $20 ! Darien, $6
Bethany, 10! Day Spring, 5
Bridgeport, 30 , Gilead, 12
Croton Falls, 7 | Greenburgh, 25
Ill
ABSTRACTS.
Sing Sing, Somers,
.... $35
.... 2
South East, 5
South E. Center, ... 15
South Salem, 18
Stamford, 45
Thompson ville, .... 20
Throgg's Neck, . . . . 12
Tremont, 12
West Farms, 12
White Plains, .... 16
Westminster, 20
Yonkers, 1st, 45
14
Hartford $22
Huguenot, 3
Irvington, 30
Katonah, 6
Mahopac Falls, .... 14 Mount Kisco, . . . . 15 New Rochelle, .... 25 North Salem, .... 3
Patterson, 12
Peekskill, 1st, .... 22 Peekskill, 2d, .... 12 Port Chester, .... 12 Potts Memorial, .... 12
Poundridge, 8 Yorktown,
Riverdale, 22
Eye, 45 Total, $649
The Sessions of our churches are directed to carefully revise their rolls of members at least once a year ; to keep on a separate list the names of those who have been absent for more than two years, and whose residence is unknown, and to omit names thus recorded from their statistical reports. (See Digest, pp. 627, 628).
It was also ordered that the time to be included in these statistical reports shall be from the first day of April of one year until the first day of April of the next year, and Sessions are instructed to complete their reports and to hand them in at or before the Spring Meeting of Presbytery.
It was resolved that the records of churches dissolved by Presbytery be placed in the possession of the Stated Clerk.
The Committee to propose a plan to aid vacant churches to secure pastors, p. 104, reported progress and are continued.
The resolution offered at the last Stated Meeting, p. 104, as to the formation of the Standing Committees, was deferred until the next Stated Meeting.
Adjourned to meet in Bridgeport on the third Tuesday of April. E. F. MUNDY,
Stated Clerk.
N. B. — The following rule was adopted at the last Stated Meeting :
Examinations for licensure and ordination, at the Stated Meet- ings, shall be the first order on the second day of the sessions.
ABSTRACTS. 113
STATED SPRING MEETING.
Bridgeport, Conn., April 20-22, 1880.
Present — 85 ministers and 20 elders.
Rev. Mr. Dixon was elected Moderator.
A communication from the Synod of Pittsburgh in relation to the Board of Home Missions, was referred to the Committee on Home Missions, and on the recommendation of this Commit- tee, no action was taken upon it.
Attention was called to the importance of securing a wider circulation of the foreign, Missionary.
The Stated Clerk presented the correspondence of Bev. James Baird. See Abstracts, p. 110. It was subsequently ordered that in view of his having applied for orders in the Protestant Epis- copal Church, his name be dropped from our roll.
The following Committees were appointed :
On Bills and Overtures — Messrs. Hodge, Eastman, and Elder Fowler.
Judicial Committee — Messrs. Wallace, Allison, and Elder J. H. Trowbridge.
The Committee on Home Missions reported that the Board had consented to increase the appropriation to the Huguenot Memorial Church to $100. Abstracts, pp. 109-110.*
The Committees appointed to install Rev. Messrs. Scott and Hoyt, p. 109, reported that the duty had been performed.
Yorktown was selected for the Stated Fall Meeting, and Rev. Mr. Dixon, with Rev. Mr. Scott as alternate, was appointed to draft the Annual Narrative for Synod.
The Westminster Church of Yonkers was chosen for the next Intermediate Meeting. It was resolved that this meeting con- tinue two days, and in connection with it there be held a Sab- bath-school Convention, beginning on the evening of the first day. The Standing Committee on Sabbath-schools, and the pastors of the three churches in Yonkers, are to make arrange- ments for this convention.
* Erratum.— On page 110, line 19 from top, for "Bethany," read "Huguenot Memorial."
114 ABSTRACTS.
Inquiry was made of pastors as to preaching on Infant Baptism, p. 44.
The Commissioners to the General Assembly are :
Ministers. Elders.
H. A. Davenport. A. Chamberlin, of Croton Falls.
J. R. Smith. J. O. Eggleston, of North Salem.
C. W. Adams. S. R. Knapp, of Peekskill, 1st.
Alternates.
R. A. Sawyer. E. Bon ton, of South Salem.
A. R. Maeoubrey. H. A. Lee, of Potts Memorial.
D. D. Sahler. W. H. Foster, of GKlead.
It was resolved,
That in the conviction of the increasing value of the devo- tional services at the regular meetings of Presbytery, a Commit- tee consisting of Messrs. Maeoubrey, Davenport, and Elder Mathews, be appointed to report if any greater advantage can be secured in this regard.
The following minute was also adopted :
1. In view of the importance of prompt action for the estab- lishment of Presbyterian service at Brewster's, it is enjoined upon the church at South East Centre to take immediate steps for the occupation of that field.
2. That it is the judgment of Presbytery that the removal of South East Centre church to the station would be eminently wise, and we recommend that they endeavor to accomplish this removal.
3. That a Commission of three ministers, Messrs. Sawyer, Baird, and Phraner, and two elders, Messrs. Wells and Ma- thews, be appointed to convey these resolutions to the above church with power to act.
The subject of the transfer of the Bethany Church, Minutes of Synod, 1879, p. 22, was referred to the Standing Committee on the Minutes of Synod.
Reports were received from ministers not in charge of Presby- terian churches, in regard to their labors during the past year.
The Narrative of the state of religion was presented, showing that the ordinances have been regularly maintained, churches
ABSTRACTS. 115
are united, the Sabbath-school work prosperous, but lamenting the absence of the power of the Holy Ghost in the degree that was so greatly desired, and which alone can make church ma- chinery effective for the end for which God hath ordained it.
The General Assembly is overtured to require Presbyteries to report annually —
1. The number of vacant churches, and how many of these are dependent on the Board of Home Missions.
2. The number of ministers without charge who are able and willing to engage in the active work of the ministry.
Rev. Robert A. Blackford was dismissed to the Presbytery of Hudson, and Rev. Spencer L. Finney to the Presbytery of Red- stone.
The call of the church of Croton Falls for the services of Mr. Finney was returned.
Rev. George W. Morrill was received from the Protestant Episcopal Church.
Moderators for the Sessions of vacant churches are as follows : For Croton Falls, Rev. Sahler.
" Irvington, " Choate.
" North Salem, " Gray.
" Soiners, " Cumming.
" Darien, " Vail.
" Peekskill, 2d, " Smith.
" South E. Centre, " Macoubrey.
" Patterson, " "
" Mount Kisco, " Eastman.
" Pleasantville, « Mundy.
The churches of Mount Kisco, Irvington, Patterson, and Peekskill, 2d, received permission to supply their pulpits until the next stated meeting, subject to the action passed at Thompson- ville, October, 1878.
The Committee on Church Extension reported, recommend- ing that the church at Katonah receive aid from the Board of Home Missions to the amount of $200, and this recommenda- tion was approved. The Committee urges a more liberal sup- port from the churches, only about one-third of which have con- tributed to this work of Church Extension in our own bounds.
116 ABSTRACTS.
The Committee on Education reported the tact that at present we have no candidates for the ministry on our roll, that the Board was in pressing need of funds, and that several of our churches did not contribute to this cause the past year.
The Stated Clerk was appointed Committee on Supplies for the pulpits of Commissioners to the General Assembly.
Present at the close — 27 ministers and 15 elders.
Adjourned to meet in Westminster Church, June 15th.
E. F. MUNDY,
Stated Clerk.
The following is the summation of the Statistical Report of
Presbytery for this year. For comparison, see Abstracts, pp. 84 and 103.
Number of Ministers 55
Churches 39
" " Organized 1
" Licentiates 2
" Candidates 0
" Licensures 0
" Ordinations 0
" Installations 3
" Pastoral relations dissolved 4
Added on Examination 216
Certificate 211
Total Membership 5,753
Adults baptized 70
Infants " . .- 169
Sabbath-school membership 6,118
Given to Home Missions $6,940
" Foreign " 5,550
" Education .' 615
" Publication 519
" Church Erection 592
" Ministerial relief 873
" Freedmen's cause 561
" Sustentatlon 378
" Presbytery, Synod, and Assembly 647
" Congregational expenses 95,661
" Miscellaneous objects 9,273
ABSTRACTS. 117
INTERMEDIATE MEETING. Fonkers, N. Y. (Westminster Church), June 15, 16, 1880.
Present — 27 ministers and 17 elders.
Rev. James W. Johnston was received from the Presbytery of Colorado, and Rev. Lewis II. Reid from the Presbytery of Chicago.
The Standing Committee on Sabbath-schools reported a pro- gramme of exercises for the Sabbath-school Convention, which was adopted.
Arrangements were made for the installation of Mr. Johnston at Mount Kisco, as follows:
Time — Tuesday, June 29th, 7§ p.m.
To preside, The Moderator.
To preach, Rev. Mr. dimming.
Alternate, " " Heermance.
To charge the pastor, " " Wallace.
Alternate, " " Macoubrey.
To charge the people, " " Eastman.
Alternate, " " Hoyt.
Miss Fanny A. Lee, a member of the church of Thompson- ville, was recommended as a suitable person to be employed in the mission work of the Ladies' Executive Committee of Home Missions.
A minute was adopted expressing approval of the formation of Women's Missionary Societies in our churches, and Revs. John Reid and Thornton A. Niven were appointed to express to the ladies at their proposed meeting for organization in the fall, the interest and approval of Presbytery.
The call of the church of Pleasant vi lie for the services of Licentiate M. P. Welcher was approved, and is retained by Presbytery, awaiting his dismission from the Presbytery of Lyons.
Addresses were delivered by Rev. Willard Parsons, on the Fresh Air Fund for the benefit of the poor children of New
118 ABSTRACTS.
York, and by Riv. Antonio Arrighi, on the work of the Free Christian Church of Italy.
The Bethany church was recommended to the Board of Home Missions for aid to the amount of $500.
The matter of the transfer of this church to the Presbytery of New York, was committed to the Trustees of Presbytery, p. 114.
Rev. Charles W. Baird and Elder Mathews were appointed to examine the records of the church of New Rochelle.
The Sabbath-school Convention was held, agreeably to previ- ous order, pp. 113, 117.
A minute expressing approval of the action of the General Assembly, in appointing Rev. J. A. Worden Secretary of the Sabbath-school Department was unanimously adopted.
Adjourned to meet in Yorktown, October 5th.
E. F. MUNDY,
Stated Clerk. ,
ABSTRACTS. 119
Decennial Statement of the Work of the Presbytery Pre- pared by Tns Stated Clerk. See p. 39.
The Presbytery of Westchester was organized October, 1870. It then embraced 55 ministers and 35 churches.
It has since received 61 ministers, organized 6 churches, dis- missed 59 ministers, and disbanded 2 churches.
One minister lias been deposed, the name of one dropped from the roll, and 9 have died.
It has constituted 14 ordinations, 40 installations, licensed 16 candidates, and dissolved 33 pastoral relations.
It has held 76 meetings, of which 20 were stated, 31 adjourned, 12 intermediate, and 13 special meetings.
The number of communicants reported in 1S71 was 4,538, and the number in 18S0 was 5,753.
The present number of ministers on the roll is 57, churches 39, and the total eldership in these churches is about 155.
The stated meetings of Presbytery have been held by invita- tion in the following churches: Sing Sing, Stamford (1871"), Peekskill 2d (1871), Mount Kisco, Thompsonville (1872), Eye (1873), Bedford, Stamford (1874), Peekskill 1st, New Eochel'le, Greenburgh, Yonkers 1st, Mabopae Falls, Bridgeport (1877), White Plains, Peekskill 2d (1878), Thompsonville (1878), Stam- ford (1879), Eye (1879), and Bridgeport (1880).
The intermediate meetings, instituted in 1875, in the follow- ing churches : West Farms, Hartford, Tremont, Katonah, Potts Memorial, Croton Falls, Westminster (1878), Throgg's Neck,
120 ABSTRACTS.
Bethany, Riverdale, Huguenot Memorial, and Westminster (1880).
The Moderators of Presbytery have been Messrs. C. W. Baird, Lathrop, Phraner, Hinsdale, T. It. Smith, Hancock, Wallace, Sawyer, Mudge, Macoubrey, Hodge, Barnum, Mundy, Sahler, Nixon, Davison, Heermance, T. R. Smith, Wallace, J. R. Smith, and Dixon.
The Presbytery was incorporated May 11, 1872. Its Trus- tees are Messrs. C. W. Baird, Sawyer, Macoubrey, Yail, and. Elders Eliphalet Wood, Sarles, Joseph Banks, Wells, and Hill.
ABSTRACTS. 121
STATED FALL MEETING.
Yokktown, K Y., Oct. 5-6, 1880.
Present — 32 ministers and 24 eldeis.
Rev. Mr. Eastman was elected Moderator.
Rev. Julius L. Danner was received from the Presbytery of Morris and Orange, and Licentiate Manfred P. Welcher from the Presbytery of Lyons.
The death of Rev. Samuel II. Cox was announced, and a suitable minute was adopted; and at the hour of his funeral Presbytery spent a season in devotional and memorial services.
The Moderator appointed the following committees:
On Bills and Overtures — Ministers Dixon, Jolmstoiij and Elder Decatur.
Judicial Committee — Ministers Yail, J. Reid, and Elder Parsons.
Auditing Committee — Elders White and Milne.
To nominate the Standing Committees — Ministers Mundy, Smith, and Elder Otis.
The Treasurer reported as follows :
Amount received, $672.48. Amount disbursed, $629.86. Balance on hand, Oct. 1st, $42.62.
White Plains was chosen as the place for the next Intermedi- ate meeting, and Sing Sing for the next Stated meeting.
Rev. Mr. Scott and Rev. Mr. Mc Campbell, alternate, are ap- pointed to draft the Narrative.
Attention was given to Rule 29, and the Stated Clerk was di- rected to correspond with the churches which are delinquent as to pastors' salaries, and with those not responding, and report at the next Intermediate meeting.
On Tuesday evening the retiring Moderator preached his ser- mon, and on Wednesday evening the subject of Systematic Be- nevolence was considered.
122 ABSTRACTS.
It was ordered that Sessional records not in the house be pre- sented at the Intermediate meeting.
It was announced that a Ladies' Missionary Society had been formed within our bounds, and Rev. Mr. Yail was appointed to express to the ladies, at their meeting in Stamford next spring, the interest and approval of Presbytery.
The following action was taken in relation to the Somers Church :
1st. That the Union Church of Somers be dissolved from this date.
2d. That the records of the church be placed in the hands of the Stated Clerk, who has power to dismiss the remaining mem- bers.
3d. The disposition of the church edifice is referred to the Trustees of Presbytery to make such arrangements with the So- ciety as may be deemed best, and to take such control of the property as they may be authorized by law to do.
Presbytery adopted a minute recording their sense of gratitude to God for His goodness as manifested toward its ministers and churches during the first ten years of its history.
The work of Protestant evangelization in France and other parts of Europe was noticed, and the Rev. W. W. Newell, Jr., who represents this movement, was commended to the favor of our churches.
REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES.
I Church Extension — Twenty-two churches have contributed during the year, and for the year now beginning, pledges of money have been received from sixteen churches. The application of the church of South East for aid from the Board of Home Missions for $200 per annum from June 1st was approved.
Foreign Missions — Only four churches have failed to contribute, one of which is now dissolved, one has been recently organized, and one has faithfully prom- ised a contribution this year.
Attention of pastors and churches is earnestly called to the great opening in foreign lands, and to the pressing need of funds for enlargement.
Ministerial Relief- -Contributed, $704 ; amount drawn out, $42o. Number of churches contributing, 28 ; non-contributing, 10.
Minutes of Assembly — Attention is called, in addition to the Reorganization
ABSTRACTS. 1 23
of Synods, p. 73; p. 23, to action on the Overture from this Presbytery ; p. 27, to the minute requiring Presbyteries to assign a portion of time to the con- sideration of the Sabbath-school work, ami commending to churches the publi- cations of our own Board ; p. 51, to list of topics for week of prayer and the observance of day of prayer for colleges, etc.; p. 77, to the minute in regard to the frequent dissolution of the pastoral relation, enjoining Presbyteries to give clear and full instruction on this subject at the time of installation ; p. 85, to exercise care in the reception of ministers from other denominations, that evi- dence of thorough collegiate and theological training be required, with a par- ticular examination in Theology ; p. 173, to Recommendations 4 and 5.
Benevolence — In addition to the following abridgment, it was ordered that there be printed a sufficient number of copies of the report in full, to place one copy in each uf our families.
The Report embraces 37 churches — omits Somers and Fleasantville.
Total of contributions as taken from Assembly's minutes, $25,295, a decrease of $1,423 from last year. Contributed directly to the Boards, $11,502, an increase of $1,200 over last year, lifting us back to the ratio of 1876.
Sixteen churches contributed to every cause, viz: Sing Sing, Rye, Mahopac Falls, South East, Bethany, Thompsonville, Stamford, Huguenot Memorial, Yonkers 1st, Yonkers Westminster, Peekskill 1st, Bedford, Yorktown, River- dale, West Farms, and Darien.
Contributed to all the Boards but one : Bridgeport, Mt. Kiaco, South Salem, Patterson, and South East Centre.
To all but two : Gilead, Hartford, Pound Ridge, and New Rochelle.
Yonkers Day Spring, Katonah, Greenburg, and Croton Falls, failed to three Boards.
Potts Memorial to four.
Tremont, White Flains, Portchester, and Irvington gave only to Home and Foreign Missions.
Throgg's Neck to Home Missions alone.
Peekskill 2d and North Salem made contributions to none.
1. The report calls attention to the action of Presbytery last year, and in- quires why one-third of our churches should continue delinquent from year to year, and urges the support of all the Boards.
2. Argues the need of each church to give from system and with New Testa- ment liberality.
3. Urges the responsibility of ministers and elders to overcome difficulties and develop the churches in giving. The want of faith and courage on the part of Pastors and Sessions has often operated to hinder growth in benevolence.
4. Emphasizes the training of the young in benevolence and the appropria- tion of the missionary funds of the Sabbath-schools to our own Mission Boards.
5. Commends the formation of Women's Boards in all the churches and the good work already done.
0. In order to overcome the spirit of covetousness and avoid running into the form instead of the true spirit of Christian giving, urges a constant super- vision of methods and prayerful fidelity in instruction.
124 ABSTRACTS.
Home Missions — Only two churches have not contributed to this cause, which is c unmended to the prayerful consideration of the churches.
Education - To the fact that we have no candidates for the ministry, that the Board began the year with a debt of $900, and is now in need of funds to meet the appropriations now due.
Action on the Overture on the Reorganization of Synods was deferred until next spring.
It was ordered that the first hour of the second day of the Slated meetings be assigned to devotional exercises.
The Committee on Presbyterial Visitation is empowered to arrange for special devotional services, after the plan observed last fall. Abstracts, p. 108.
On report of the Commission, p. Ill, the following was adopted : While Presbytery would greatly prefer that the South East Centre Church would assume the conduct of service at Brewster's Station, in accordance wTith our action last spring, and the subsequent action of the congregation, yet under a tense of its own duty, and convinced that the interests of religion would suffer from further delay, Presbytery directs the Commit- tee of Church Extension to institute services at the Station, in case the Centre Church fails to initiate them by the time of our next Intermediate meeting, and Rev. C. W. Adams is appointed to communicate this action to that church.
Arrangements were made for the installation of Rev. Mr. Choate at Irvington, October 13th, as follows :
To preside, etc The Moderator.
To preach the sermon Prof. Hitchcock.
Alternate Rev. J. Reid.
To charge the pastor Rev. Mr. Terry.
Alternata Rev. Mr. Niven.
To cl arge the people Rev. Mr. Sawyer.
Alternate Rev. Mr. Phraner.
Licentiate Welcher was examined, and the following arrange- ments made for his ordination and installation at Pleasautville, December 2d (p. 117), at T o'clock p.m.
To preside, etc The Moderator.
To preach the sermon Rev. Mr. Vail.
Alternate Rev. Mr. Eastman. '
ABSTRACTS. 125
To give charge to the pastor Rev. Mr. Phraner.
Alternate Rev. Mr. Johnston.
To give charge to the people Rev. Mr. Mundy.
Alternate Rev. C. W. Baird.
Moderators for vacant Church Sessions are :
For North Salem Rev. G ray.
For Darien Rev. Vail.
For Peekskill, 2d Rev. Danner.
For South East Centre Rev. Macouhrey.
For Patterson Rev. Macoubrey.
For Croton Falls Rev. Sahler.
For Plea&antville Rev. Johnston.
North Salem is permitted to supply its own pulpit for the next six months, subject to action passed at Thompsonville, October, 1878, p. 88.
Standing Committees were appointed as follows :
I. — On Missionary and Benevolent Work.
1. Church Extension — Ministers C. W. Baird, Phraner, Macoubrey, Vail, J. Beid, Eastman ; Elders Petrie, Wells, Ban dell.
2. Home Illusions and Sustentation — Ministers Heermance Allison, Morrill, and Elder Brown.
3. Foreign Missions — Ministers Niven, Heermance, Gray, and Elder Knapp.
4. Education — Ministers Hodge, Cummings, Dixon, and Elder Skinner.
5. Publication — Ministers Sahler, Hoes, Cumming, and El- der Cady.
6. Church Erection— Ministers Hoyt, Dowd, Choate, and El- der W. II. Parsons.
7. Ministerial Relief— Ministers Adams, Davenport, Birch, and Elder Otis.
8. Freedmen — Ministers Allen, Scott, Danner, and Elder l!iggerstaff.
9. Sahlath-schools and Colportage — Ministers Davison, Bar- mim, McCampbell, and Elders Corning and White.
12G ABSTRACTS.
10. Presbyterial Visitation — Ministers Macoubrey, C. W. Baird, Lord, and Elders Willis and Milne.
11. Manses — Elders Cady, John Clark, and Wheeler.
12. Minutes of General Assembly and Synod — The delegates to the Assembly each year.
13. Benevolence — Rev. Mr. Wallace and the chairmen of Com- mittees Nos. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and. 8.
These Committees to report in writing at the Stated Fall Meeting, and at such other meetings as their business may require.
II. — Foe Examination.
1. Religious Experience and Views in Seeking the Ministry — The Moderator.
2. Zanguages—~Messr&. Smith, Cumming, and Hoes.
3. Philosophy, Astronomy, and Rhetoric — Messrs. Nixon, Allison, and Choate.
4. Systematic Theology — Messrs. Phraner, Heermance, and Vail.
5. Church History, Church Government, and Sacraments — Messrs. Hodge, Davison, and J. Reid.
6. Constitution, Government, and Discipline of the Presby- terian Church — Mundy, Sahler, and Niven.
To the Committee on Languages are to be assigned the Latin Exegeses and Critical Exercises of candidates, and their lectures and sermons to the Committee on Philosophy, Astronomy, and Rhetoric.
The committee on the North Salem Church, p. 78, is continued.
Elders W. H. Parsons, Milne, and Townsend were appointed to provide ways and. means to procure a safe for the preservation of records of Presbytery.
Present at adjournment, 2G ministers and 14 elders.
Adjourned to meet on call of the Moderator during the meet- ing of Synod.
. E. F. MUNDY, Stated Cleric.
ABSTRACTS. 127
ADJOURNED MEETING.
Peekskill, N. Y., Oct. 20th, 1880.
Present— 26 ministers and 20 elders.
Rev. Chauncey D. Rice was received from the Classis of Poughkeepsie, and Rev. Robert B. Mattice from the Presbytery of Hudson.
Application of Croton Falls for aid from the Board of Home Missions for $-50, approved.
The churches of Tremont and Potts Memorial, notified Pres- bytery of their intention to ask Synod to transfer them to the Presbytery of New York, and Presbytery respectfully declined to agree to the transfer.
Adjourned to meet at Pleasantville, N. Y., Dec. 2d, at 7 p.m.
SECOND ADJOURNED MEETING.
Pleasantville, N. Y., Dec. 2d, 1880.
Present — -1 ministers and 1 elder.
Mr. Manfred P. Welcher was ordained, and installed pastor of the church.
Adjourned to meet at White Plains, on the third Tuesday of Januarv, 1S81.
128 ABSTRACTS.
INTERMEDIATE MEETING.
White Plains, N. Y., Jan. 18th, 1881.
Present — 31 ministers and 19 elders.
Rev. Isaac L. Kip was received from the Classis of Westches- ter, and candidate William S. Kelsey from the Presbytery of Geneva.
Mr. Kelsey received permission to pursue his studies at Hart- ford Seminary, and was recommended to the Board of Education. His pastor, Rev. J. A. Hodge, was appointed to supervise his studies, and to assign him subjects for his trial exercises.
With reference to service at Brewster's Station (pp. 114, 124), the following minute was adopted:
Resolved, That Presbytery approve the report of the Church Extension Committee, and that they be directed, in connection with the Centre church, to institute services at Brewster's im- mediately, with the view of the speedy establishment of a Pres- byterian church at that village.
Rev. E. E. Mundy resigned the offices of Stated Clerk and Treasurer, and Rev. Carson W. Adams was elected to supply his place.
Rev. H. Randall Waite was released from the Huguenot Me- morial church, and he was appointed to preach and declare the pulpit vacant.
Rev. Charles C. Wallace was released from the church of Ma- hopac Falls, and Rev. C. W. Adams was appointed to preach in that church on the first Sabbath of February, and declare the pulpit vacant.
The above churches have permission to supply their own pul- pits until the next Stated meeting; and Moderators of Sessions were appointed as follows:
For Huguenot Memorial, . . Rev. Mr. Dixon. " Mahopac Falls, . . " " Sahler.
" Patterson, . . . " " Kip.
ABSTRACTS. 129
Rev. E. F. Mjndy is dismissed to the Presbytery of New Brunswick, and Rev. C. C. Wallace to that of Boston.
Adjourned to meet in Bedford on the occasion of the celebration of the two hundredth anniversary of that church, March 22d, at 11 o'clock A.M.
E. F. MITNDY, Stated Clerk.
N. B. — The following Standing "Rules, having been adopted since the Rules were printed (see Abstracts, pp. 12, 13, etc.), are here appended for information of members of Presbytery.
The page given indicates the page in the volume of Records where the Rule is engrossed.
Rule No. 1 to read as follows :
The Stated meetings of Presbytery shall be held on the third Tuesdays of April, and the first Tuesdays of October in each year, and regular Intermediate meetings on the third Tuesdays of January and June. Vol. 1, p. 862.
No. 32. — That committees in connection with their full re- ports shall present abstracts that may be entered upon the rec- ords of Presbytery as the substance of their deliverances, and a copy of all recommendations adopted shall by these committees be given to the Clerk, p. 397.
No. 33. — The Commissioners to the General Assembly each year, shall be a committee to report in writing at the Fall meet- ing on the minutes of the General Assembly, and at the Spring meeting on the minutes of Synod, p. 473.
No. 34. — Ministers not pastors of churches under our care are to make report, at each Spring meeting, of their labors during the past year. p. 664.
No. 35. — That all the vacant churches confer with the Church Extension Committee in reference to the supply of their pulpits ; and this committee is authorized to supply these pulpits for four
130 ABSTRACTS.
Sabbaths between the Stated meetings of Presbytery, if the way be clear, p. 666.
No. 36. — Examinations for licensure and for ordination at our Stated meetings, shall be the first order on the second day of the Session. Abstracts, p. 102.
Special Orders.
Inquiry as to Baptism of infants, etc., to be made at each alter- nate Spring meeting. Abstracts, p. 43.
As to the constitution of the Committee on Benevolence, and the consideration of this subject at our Stated meetings, see Ab- stracts, pp. 107, 109 ; Eecords, Yol. 2, p. 30.
Sessions are carefully to revise their roll of members at least once a year ; keep on a separate list those who have been absent for more than two years and whose residence is unknown, and to omit these names in their statistical reports. The time in- cluded in these reports to be from April 1st of one year until April 1st of the next year. Abstracts, p. 111.
Total of ministers on roll 117, of whom 59 remain. Of those who attended the first meeting at Sing Sing 1870, only 16 re- main.
E. F. MILNDY, Stated Clerk,
ABSTRACTS. 131
ADJOURNED MEETING.
Bedford, March 22, 1881.
Presbytery met according to adjournment.
Opened with prayer by Moderator.
Rev. L. II. Reid was dismissed to the Presbytery of North River.
Rev. C. W. Baird, D.D., Rev. W. Phraner, D.D., and Elder W. II. Parsons were appointed to examine the Session Book of the New Rochelle church, and report at the Spring Meeting of Presbytery.
The Presbytery adjourned to take part in the Bicentennial of the Bedford church.
C. W. Adams, Stated Clerk,
228 West 49th St., New York.
STATED SPRING MEETING.
Sing Sing, N. Y., April 10-21, 1881.
Present — 39 ministers and 20 elders.
Rev. T. M. Niven, Jr., was elected Moderator.
Rev. J. II. Eastmau, retiring Moderator, preached on the first evening, and a meeting in the interest of Sabbath-schools was held on the second evening.
Committee on Bills ami Overtures — Rev. Messrs. J. II. Eastman, E. L. Ileennance, and Elder Garey.
The Overtures sent down from the Assembly were answered in the affirmative.
Rev. A. W. Colver was received from Iowa Presbytery. Rev. ( '. -I. Collins was received from t lie Presbytery of New Brunswick.
132 ABSTRACTS.
Mr. H. R. Schenck was received from the Presbytery of Philadelphia.
Mr. E. P. Cleaveland was received from the Presbytery of Erie.
Mr. E. W. Lyttle was received from the Presbytery of Utica.
Messrs. Schenck and Cleaveland were examined with a view to ordination. The examination was unanimously sustained.
Arrangements for Ordinations and Installations were made as follows :
Rev. I. L. Kipp to be installed at Patterson 22d June, 7:30
P.M.
Rev. F. M. Kip to preach the sermon ; Rev. George Nixon to charge the pastor ; Rev. A. R. Macoubrey to charge the people.
Mr. H. P. Schenck to be ordained and installed at Mahopac Falls, 7th June, at 2 p.m.
Pev. ~W. E. Schenck, D.D., to preach the sermon; Pev. A. R. Macoubrey to charge the pastor ; Rev. C. W. Adams, D.D., to charge the people.
Mr. E. P. Cleaveland to be ordained and installed at Darien, 7th July, 8 p.m.
Rev. C. W. Baird, D.D.,to preach the sermon : Rev. R. A. Sawyer, D.D., to charge the pastor ; Rev. R. P. II. Vail, to charge the people.
The Rev. the Moderator was appointed to preside, and pro- pose the Constitutional questions at all the above ordinations and installations.
A petition was presented from thirty-one members of the Second Congregational church of Greenwich, Conn., asking to be organized into a Presbyterian church.
This petition was referred to the Church Extension Com- mittee, with power to organize a church at Greenwich, if the way be clear.
The Intermediate Meeting will be held at Port Chester on the third Tuesday of June.
ABSTRACTS. 133
The Fall Stated Meeting will be held in Hartford on the first Tuesday of October.
The Commissioners to the Assembly are :
Ministers. Elders.
J. A. Hodge, D.D., A. Milne,
A. R. Macoubrey, E. Bouton,
W. E. Lord. W. H. Foster.
Rev. George McCampell was appointed to prepare the Nar- rative for the next Stated Meeting. Rev. J. "W. Johnstone, alternate.
Rev. G. "W. F. Birch was appointed chairman of Committee of Relief in place of Dr. Adams, resigned.
Mr. Birch was also appointed chairman of Committee on Benevolence.
The Committee on Sabbath-schools presented a report full of encouragement.
Moderators of Sessions appointed as follows : Mr. Danner, Peekskill Second ; Mr. Mattice, Croton Falls ; Mr. Dixon, Huguenot Memorial.
The church at Katonah was recommended to the Board of Home Missions for $200.
The church at West Farms recommended to same Board for $400.
The committee appointed to represent the Presbytery at the bicentennial celebration of the Bedford church reported attend- ance to that duty.
The following resolution was ordered to be printed in the Abstract ; action to be taken on it at the Intermediate Meeting :
Resolved, "Presbytery shall add to the Moderator of the Sessions of vacant churches two or more ministers, any one of whom shall act in place of the Moderator in his absence, and who, together with him, representing the Presbytery, shall ap-
13 J: ABSTRACTS.
prove candidates before they are presented to the people as such, and shall Further give all aid and counsel in their power to the session and church to secure the speedy settlement of a suitable pastor, making also a report of the discharge of their duties to Presbytery."
Presbytery adjourned, to meet at Mahopac Falls Tuesday, 7th June, at 2 p.m.
C. W. Adams, Stated Clerk,
228 West 49th St., New York.
\::-TKACTS. 130
ADJOURNED MEETING.
Haelem, October 19, 1881.
Present — 22 ministers and 11 elders.
Rev. G. AY. Morrill was dismissed to the Presbytery of New York.
Rev. D. N. Freeland was received from the Presbytery of Hudson.
Mr. Freeland, having received and accepted a call from the Huguenot Memorial Church, arrangements were made for his installation, as follows: Time, Nov. 13th, at 3 o'clock r.M., the Moderator to preside and propose the constitutional questions.
Rev. ( '. W. Baird. 1 ).!>., to preach the sermon.
Rev. John Dixon to charge the Pastor.
Rev. R. A. Davison to charge the people.
The Church Extension Committee was authorized to make application to the Board of Home Missions for a sum not to ex- ceed two hundred and fifty dollars for the church at Croton Falls.
Adjourned.
C. W. Adams, Stated Clerk
SPECIAL MEETING.
Youkees, Deeerpber 12, 1S81. Present — 12 ministers and 2 elders.
Rev. William R. Lord was released from his pastoral relation to the church at Riverdale.
Rev. John Dixon was appointed Moderator of the Session of the church at Riverdale.
Adjourned.
C. W. Adams, Stated Cterk
[INTERMEDIATE MEETING. RivriiAxv Chuech, N. T., January 17, 18^*2. Present — 24 ministers and 13 ciders.
140
ABSTRACTS.
Action was taken in reference to the new Synod, and is as follows : *
1. The Presbytery of Westchester agrees that the Synod of New York he a delegated body.
2. That we consent to be represented at the ensuing meeting of the Synod, by 1 minister and 1 elder for every 10 ministers and fraction of ten exceeding one-half.
3. That the delegates of this Presbytery be authorized to ac- cept for this Presbytery the representation of 1 in 10, should the Synod of New York, when convened at Utica, see fit to adopt that as the permanent representation of the Synod.
The church at Pelham Manor was recommended to the Board of Home Missions (Sustentatiou Department) for $300. Adjourned.
C. W. Adams, Staled Clerk.
STATED SPRING MEETING.
Yoxkees (First Church), April 18-20, 1882.
Present — 11 ministers and 27 elders.
Rev. Washington Choate was chosen Moderator.
Rev. M. P. Welcher and Elder S. R. Knapp were elected temporary clerks.
Moderator appointed the following committees:
Bills and Overtures — Rev. Messrs. dimming, Baird, Dixon. Elders, Gil man and Law.
Judicial Committee — Rev. Messrs. Hodge, Ileermance, Sahler. Elders, Lewis and Hull.
Committee on Leave of Aim' nee — Rev. Messrs. Barnum, Scott, and, Elder Eggleston.
Committee on Minutes of Synod — Rev. Messrs. Davison and Niven.
Appropriations were voted to the following churches:
Katonah, $200; West Farms, $350; Pleasantville, $100.
Tuesday evening the retiring Moderator preached from .John, chapter 7, verse 17 (new version).
\i-IKA(TS. 141
Wednesday evening a meeting was held in the interests of Sabbath-schools. Addresses were made by Rev. Messrs. Bar- niini and 1 lavison.
The pastoral relation of the Rev. E. I*. Gleaveland with the church oi Darien was dissolved.
Rev. David Murdoch, D.D., was received from the Presbytery of Albany, and arrangements were made to install Dr. Murdoch pastor »»1 the Second Church, Peekskill, as follows: Time, May 2dj at 7:30 p.m.
The Rev. the Moderator to preside.
Dr. Win. M. Taylor to preach; alternate. Rev. R. P. II. Vail.
Rev. Washington Choate to charge the Pastor ; alternate, Rev. II. R. Schenck.
Rev. John Eastman to charge the people ; alternate, Rev. John Dixon.
The following were elected Commissioners to the Assembly :
Principals — Rev. Messrs. Phraner, Birch, Dixon; Elders, Wheeler, Law, Otis.
Alternates — Rev. Messrs. Dowd, Davison, McCampbell ; El- der.-, Teller, S. R. Knapp, Ammerman.
The next Intermediate Meeting will be held in Greenwich, ( t., on the third Tuesday of June.
The next Stated Meeting will bo held in Bedford on the first Tuesday in October.
Moderators of Sessions of vacant churches were appointed as follows :
New Rochelle, Dr. 0. W. Baird.
Riverdale, Rev. John Dixon.
Darien, Rev. R. P. II. Yail.
The narrative reported 'prosperity, both spiritual and financial, in the churches. Four churches report revivals, vi^., Bridgeport, Westminster (Yonkers), Yorktown, West Farms.
Licentiate Joseph F. Flindt was received from the Andov'er Association.
The following were licensed to preach the Gospel: Eugene W. Lyttle, Frank II. Hays, William S. Kebrv.
142 ABSTRACTS.
The report of the Standing Committee of Presbyterial Visita- tion was read, accepted, and made the first order of the day for the Intermediate Meeting. The following abstract is made by the Committee that the important parts of the report may be for the thought of our Sessions meanwhile :
1. The design of the Committees of Visitation to the individual churches is :
(a). By preaching and prayer-meeting services to render such aid as may be hoped shall issue, through the Divine blessing, in the conversion of souls and the increase of the Church's spiritual life.
(b). To hold conference with the Session, inquiring as to the ways wherein the elders are aiding the pastor, and taking spiritual oversight of the people; imparting any information they can to the Session as to the effective meeting of their re- sponsibilities ; conferring prayerfully upon questions that have been matters of solicitude to them, etc. This association with the Session is not to be inquisitorial, but fraternal, the imparta- tion of the advice and stimulation of Christian brethren.
It is legitimate, however, for a committee to make formally to the Session visited the suggestions as to special features of the Session's or the congregation's work or life that unanimously commend themselves to the committee's judgment. But these are only the suggestions of Christian brethren of the weight of their intrinsic importance and of the character of the brethren from whom they emanate.
It is legitimate, also, for a committee to bring any matter of importance in the community they have visited after they have conferred thereon with the Session of the church.
2. In the earlier years the committees reported of their offices to our churches at the spring meeting of Presbytery succeeding the triennial visitation. This has fallen into desuetude, and it is for Presbytery to order its observance or omission.
3. Each committee consists of two ministers and an elder se- lected from an extensive list presented by the individual church,
ABSTRACTS. 1'43
in the order of their mentioning:, following the! b'£st judgment of the Standing Committee considering the Interests df all the churches under our care. No minister, so far as it can be avoid- ed, is to serve upon more than two committees in the same year. In this delicate and important work, the committee can recog- nize no better plan than that hitherto observed.
4. We are impressed with the benefit that has accrued through the visitation in many instances ; not the least, in addition to what we would the more readily expect, that important matters have been brought to the front of the church's attention that had probably been considered in no other way. Congregations, even the smallest, have been impressed with a strong sense of the vital relation of Presbytery to its churches. Our Church, in its ecclesiastical organization, its Presbyterianism, has been made to come into clearer recognition with the people.
5. The more decidedly the official character of its committee is recognized by each church, the better. Let it be announced beforehand that the brethren are not coming in their personal re- lationships, but as the appointed representatives of Presbytery, carrying its greetings, speaking by the authority of the Church at large. Let them at the appointed time be formally received by the pastor, and the church made to feel that for the time, in subordination to the constituted authorities, the Presbytery is taking the pulpit more especially to itself. If the visit is made little of, and its official character ignored, it will quite likely issue in little.
0. Of late years there has been added to the committee's work the arrangement of a day of prayer for our Presbytery. While this is of annual appointment, yet because of the prob- able recurrence of these seasons, we ask instruction as to the method of this observance — place, hours, constituency, themes, etc.
7. In the ensuing winter occurs the period for the general visitation of all our churches. We ask, therefore, that the entire subject be now thoroughly considered by Presbytery, that if there are changes of the plan as hitherto practiced, or any new features to be suggested, they be now faithfully debated, that
ABSTRACTS.
the committee receive due authorization as to any further office Presbytery would have it fill."
Presbytery adjourned, to meet in Westminster church (Yonlc- ers), on Thursday, April 27th, at 6:30 p.m.
C. W. Adams, Stated Olerk, 625 Broadway, New York.
|
The following- is a summary of the Stat |
istical |
Report of the |
|
Presbytery for the year 1881-82. One chi |
ireh has not reported : |
|
|
Number of ministers, . |
60 |
|
|
" elders, |
151 |
|
|
" deacons, . |
50 |
|
|
il churches, . |
39 |
|
|
" licentiates, |
6 |
|
|
" candidates, |
3 |
|
|
" licensures, |
3 |
|
|
1' installations, |
2 |
|
|
" pastoral relations dissolvec |
\ |
8 |
|
Added on examination, |
339 |
|
|
" certificate, . |
. |
223 |
|
Total membership, |
6,014 |
|
|
Adults baptized, |
61 |
|
|
Infants " |
149 |
|
|
Sabbath-school membership, . |
6,219 |
|
|
Given to home missions, |
$11,882 |
|
|
u foreign " |
6,397 |
|
|
u education, |
. 12,470 |
|
|
publication, |
482 |
|
|
" church erection, |
f 1,315 |
|
|
ministerial relief, |
1,072 |
|
|
" freed men, |
541 |
|
|
" sustentation, |
378 |
|
|
Presbytery, Synod, Assembly, |
633 |
|
|
Congregational expenses, |
104,278 |
|
|
Miscellaneous, |
. 12,909 |
I I
ABSTRACTS. 145
INTERMEDIATE MEETING.
Greenwich, Ct., June 20, 1882.
Present — 22 ministers and 10 elders.
Rev. Edward T. Bromfield was received from the Presbytery of New York.
Rev. Henry C. Baskerville was (after examination) received from the Troy Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Rev. George M. McCampbell was released from his pastoral relation to the church of South Salem.
The church at Pleasantville was recommended to the Board of Church Erection for an appropriation of $800.
The church at Pleasantville was also commended to the churches of the Presbytery for aid in removing the debt from which it is at present suffering.
Adjourned.
C. W. Adams, Stated Clerk.
146 ABSTRACTS.
STATED FALL MEETING.
Bedford, K Y., October 3, 1882.
Present — 32 ministers and 27 elders.
Presbytery opened with sermon by tlie retiring Moderator upon John iii. 30.
Rev. H. A. Davenport was elected Moderator.
Rev. H. R. Schenck and Elder S. R. Knapp were chosen temporary clerks.
Moderator appointed the following committees:
Bills and Overtures — Rev. Messrs. Choate, Niven, and Elder C. G. Miller.
Judicial Committee — Rev. Messrs. Reid, Hodge, and Elder Ilollister.
Committee on Leave of Absence — Rev. Messrs. Barn um, Mat- tice, and Elder Lounsbnry.
Committee on Treasurer's Account — Elders Cady and Cragin.
On Wednesday evening a popular meeting was held in the interests of missions and benevolence. Addresses were made by Rev. Messrs. Kendall, Phraner, and Hodge.
Rev. F. V. Mills was received from the Windsor Congrega- tional Council.
Rev. H. C. Baskerville was dismissed to the Presbytery of Red River ;
Rev. E. P. Cleaveland to the Presbytery of Cleveland ;
Rev. F. Y. Mills to the Presbytery of Emgpo ;
Licentiate F. H. Hays to the Presbytery of Omaha;
Licentiate H. H. Kelsey to the Suffolk West Conference.
J. H. Hobbs was received as a candidate.
The church at Croton Falls was recommended to the Home Mission Board for $250. The. Pelham Manor' church was rec- ommended to the same Board (Sustentation department) for $250.
The church at Brewsters was recommended to the Board of Church Erection for $1,200.
Bethany Church was commended as follows : " The Presbytery expresses its sympathy with Bethany Church in its efforts to
ABSTRACTS. 147
minister to the needs of the community in which it is situated. Especially do we commend them in their. efforts to meet in- creased demands by a new and greatly enlarged church building."
The present Moderators of Sessions of vacant churches were continued.
The attention of Sessions of vacant churches is called to the order of Presbytery remitting the supervision of such churches to the Church Extension Committee.
By order of Presbytery, the special attention of church Sessions is called to the following resolutions :
1. That to ends of Christian nurture and usefulness we ask the Sessions of all our churches to endeavor to arrange to have a copy of Presbyterian Home Missions and a copy of The For- eign Missionary placed each month in each of the families under their care.
2. That where no better way of making the circulation of these organs of our Mission Boards to be commensurate with the number of our families is devised, we recommend that the Ses- sions of our churches divide their congregations into districts, and appoint canvassers, male or female, for said districts, to the end that the work of increasing the circulation of the news so important for our people to possess may be thoroughly attended to.
Standing Committees were appointed as follows:
I. — On Mission and Benevolent Work.
1. Chwch Extension — Ministers: C. W. Baird, Phraner, Ma- coubrey, Vail, Reid, Eastman ; Elders: Petrie, Wells, Randell, Hollister.
2. Ilono- Missions and Sustentation — Ministers : ITeermance, Johnston, Davenport; Elder J. H. Brown.
:'.. Foreign Missions — Ministers: Niven, Murdoch, Choate ; Elder S. R. Knapp.
4. Education — Ministers: Hodge, J. R. Smith, Dixon; Elder Skinner.
."». Piiblication — Ministers: Freeland, Sahler, Chimming ; Elder Cady.
148 ABSTRACTS.
6. Church Erection — Ministers : Hoyt, Dowel, Mattice ; Elder W. H. Parsons.
7. Ministerial Relief — Ministers: Reid, Allison, Schenck; Elder Otis.
8. Freedmen — Ministers : Scott, dimming, Welcher ; Elder Trowbridge.
9. Sabbath-schools and Col/portage — Ministers : Davison, Bar- nnm, Kip; Elders: White, J. CI. Clark.
10. Presbyter! al Visitation — Ministers: Macoubrey, C. W. Baird, Sawyer; Elders: Willis, Milne.
11. Manses — Elders Cady, Teller, Wheeler.
12. Minutes of General Assembly and, Synod — The delegates to the Assembly each year.
13. Benevolence — Minister G. W. F. Birch and the Chairmen of Committees Nos. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
These committees to report in writing at the Stated Fall Meet- ing, and at snch other meetings as their business may require.
II. — For Examination.
1. Religious Experience and Yiews' in Seeking the Ministry — The Moderator.
2. Languages — Rev. Messrs. J. R. Smith, Gumming, Schenck.
3. Philosophy, Astronomy, Rhetoric — Rev. Messrs. Nixon, Allison, Dowd.
4. Systematic Theology — Rev. Messrs. Phraner, Heermance, Vail, Dixon.
5. Church History, Church Government, and Sacraments — Rev. Messrs. Hodge, Reid, Scott.
6. Constitution, Government, and Discipline of the Presby- terian Church — Rev. Messrs. C. W. Baird, Niven, Macoubrey.
To the Committee on Languages are to be assigned the Latin exegeses and critical exercises of candidates. The lectures and sermons of candidates are to be assigned to the Committee on Philosophy, Astronomy, and Rhetoric.
The Presbytery ordered the printing of the following extracts from the report of the Committee on Benevolence :
ABSTKACTS. 149
I. "Our pulpits must instruct, persuade, exhort, and rebuke in the matter of Christian liberality until our congregations abound in the grace of giving.
II. " Each Board of the Church has a right to all the help that each member of the Church can give it.
III. "Special attention should be given to the training of the youth in our Sabbath-schools in the duty of systematic giving.
IV. " It is safe to say that the churches, as a whole, have not given during the past year as God has prospered them.
V. "The Presbytery of Westchester, in view of the pressing de- mands of the work of Christ, requests the churches under its care to increase their contributions during the present presbyterial year over those of last year in the following proportion: Home Missions and Sustentation, 14 per cent.; Foreign Missions, 9 per cent.; Edu- cation, 50 percent.; Publication, 50 per cent.; Church Erection, 50 per cent.; Ministerial Relief, 100 per cent.; Freedmen, 100 per cent."
For the report of the Committee on Church Visitation, see the printed report sent out by the Committee.
The committee to examine the treasurer's account reported it correct, and recommended that it be approved.
Messrs. Kelsey, Mead, Montgomery, and Ilobbs, students in the Hartford Seminary, under care of Presbytery, were recom- mended to the Board of Education, on condition that they take a course of study in church polity under Dr. Hodge.
. Presbytery ordered that records of Session not presented for examination at this meeting be produced for examination at the intermediate Meeting at Mt. Kisco.
The following minute in regard to Sessional records was adopted :
"That, in the judgment of the Presbytery, no record should be made by the clerk of the Session in permanent Sessional records until the minutes of meetings kept in a separate way may have been approved by the Session. And we recommend to the Sessions when there is any doubt as to the propriety of a record, the Session hesi- i.i i e to make a permanent record till the advice of Presbytery is ob- tained."
The Committee on Manses reported that 25 of our •".'., churches possessed manses; the aggregate value of the same, si 62,000.
150 ABSTRACTS.
The next Intermediate Meeting of Presbytery will be at Mount Kisco, on the third Tuesday of January.
The next Stated Meeting will be in Westminster Church, Yonkers, on the third Tuesday of April.
Adjourned. Q w ^^ ^^ ^
625 Broadway, New York.
ABSTRACTS. 151
SPECIAL MEETING.
New York, November 10, 1S82.
Presbytery met pursuant to the call of the Moderator, in the Bible House at 10:30 a.m.
Present — 9 ministers and 4 elders.
A Commissioner from the congregation of the church of New Rochelle asked leave of Presbytery to prosecute a call for the pastoral services of Rev. William B. Waller, now a settled minis- ter within the limits of the Presbytery of Lackawanna.
Voted : That the call be found in order, and that the church of New Rochelle have leave to prosecute said call before the Presbytery of Lackawanna.
Adjourned.
SPECIAL MEETING.
New York, November 20, 1882. Presbytery met at 1:10 in the Fourth Avenue church. Present — 15 ministers.
The Rev. George M. McCampbell was, at his own request, dismissed to the Presbytery of Brooklyn. Adjourned.
INTERMEDIATE MEETING.
Mount Kisco, January 16, 1883.
Presbytery met at 10:15 a.m.
Present — 24 ministers and IT elders.
Rev. William B. Waller was received from the Presbytery of Lackawanna. Arrangements were made for the installation of Mr. Waller at New Rochelle, as follows:
The Moderator to preside and ask the constitutional questions.
Rev. John Hall, or his alternate, Rev. Henry A. Daven- port, to preach the sermon.
Rev. John Reid, or his alternate, Rev. John Dixon, to charge the pastor.
Rev. A. R. Macoubrey, or his alternate, Rev. C. W. Baird, to charge the people.
Elder Sanford R. Knapp, principal, and Rev. W. W. Dowd, alternate, were appointed to draft the narrative.
Rev. T. S. Guilds was dismissed to the Presbvterv of Wash-
152 ABSTRACTS.
ington City. Rev. R. J. Cone was dismissed to the Presbytery of New York. Rev. Willard Scott was released from his pas- toral charge at West Farms, and dismissed to the Omaha Con- gregational Association.
Rev. Messrs. Baird and Eastman were appointed to prepare a minute in reference to Rev. D. D. Schler, who had departed this life since the last meeting of Presbytery.
A paper presented by Rev. J. A. Hodge in reference to the legal status of our churches in Connecticut was referred to Rev. Messrs. Baird, Phraner, and Elder Cowdrey. They recommend- ed its approval, and their report was adopted.
Presbytery then spent thirty minutes in devotional exercises.
Adjourned.
SPECIAL MEETING.
New York, February 20, 1883.
Presbytery met in Association Hall.
Present — 11 ministers and 7 elders.
Rev. A. R. Maconbrey requested a letter of dismission to the Presbytery of Chemung. Yoted, that the request be granted, and the Stated Clerk was ordered to furnish the proper creden- tials.
Adjourned. C. W. Adams, Stated Clerk.
STATED SPRING MEETING.
Yonkers, April 17, 1883—8 p.m.
Presbytery met in Westminster church, and was opened with a sermon by the retiring Moderator, from Jude 20-21. After sermon Presbytery was constituted by prayer.
Present — 34 ministers and 30 elders.
Rev. R. P. H. Vail was elected Moderator. Rev. J. H. East- man and Elder Z. E. Lewis, M.D., were chosen temporary clerks.
The first hour of each morning session was spent in devotional exercises. At the public meeting on Wednesday evening, Rev. J. H. Eastman read a paper on the question : " How far is the minister responsible for the results of his work 1 " After the reading of the paper, the subject was discussed in five-minutes speeches by members of Presbytery.
ABSTRACTS. 153
The minutes of the Stated Fall meeting at Bedford, and of the Intermediate meeting- at Mount Kisco, and three special meetings, were read.
The Stated Clerk announced that the Rev. Daniel W. La- throp had departed this life. Rev. Drs. Hodge and C. W. Baird were appointed to prepare an appropriate minute in reference to Mr. Lathrop.
Rev. Win, R. Lord was dismissed to the Suffolk South Asso- ciation of Massachusetts.
Rev. Ira S. Dodd was received from the Presbytery of Man- kato ; and Rev. I. S. Davison from Brooklyn Presbytery.
C< >.MMITTEES.
Bills a/nd Overtures — Rev. Messrs. Davenport, Phraner, and Elder Trowbridge.
Judicial — Rev. Messrs. C. W. Baird, Reid, and Elder Wells.
Leave of Absence — Rev. Messrs. Allison, Welcher, and Elder Crosby.
To Examine Minutes of Synod — Rev. Messrs. Choate, dim- ming, and Elder Cady.
Rev. Ira S. Dodd having accepted a call from the Riverdale church, arrangements for his installation were made as follows; Time, June 12, 7:30 p.m. Sermon by Rev. Dr. Fewsmith, or his alternate, Rev. J. Ritchie Smith. Charge to pastor, Rev. W". Choate, or his alternate, Rev. John Reid. Charge to the people, Rev. John Dixon, or his alternate, Rev. T. R. Niven, D.D.
The Moderator to preside and propose the constitutional questions.
The narrative presented by Elder Knapp was adopted.
Commissioners to the. Assembly — Ministers : R. A. Sawyer, D.D., E. L. Heermance, M. P. Welcher. Elders: S. Cady, E. Wells, W. II. Parsons.
Alternates — Rev. Messrs. Schenck, Davison, Kip. Elders: Messrs. Tyers, Dey, Pond.
Mr. Matoou, Mr. Curtis, and Mr. John Montgomery were licensed to preach the Gospel.
Standing Rule No. 28 was attended to.
The next Intermediate meeting will be held at Throgres Neck on the third Tuesday of June.
154
ABSTRACTS.
The next Stated meeting will be held at Mahopac Falls on the first Tuesday of October.
The following resolution was adopted : " Resolved, That the Church Extension Committee be instructed to urge upon the Board of Church Erection the appropriation of the sum of one thousand dollars to the church at Brewsters, and to pledge the special efforts of Presbytery to reimburse the Board to that amount during the current year."
The Committee to examine the Minutes of Synod, call at- tention to page 25, regarding the necessity of the maintenance of a high Christian character by the members of the churches ; (page 28) — in reference to Hamilton College.
Rev. W. W. Dowd was appointed to draft the narrative for the Fall meeting. Rev. E. B. Allen, alternate.
The church, at Pleasantville was recommended to the Board of Home Missions (sustentation department) for $400. The church at Katonah was recommended for $200.
Moderators of Sessions of vacant churches : — South-East Cen- tre, Dr. Adams ; "West Farms, Gr. W. F. Birch ; South Salem, J. H. Hoyt ; Darien, E. T. Bromfield ; Gilead, H. R. Schenck.
Adjourned with singing, prayer, and benediction.
C. W. Adams, Stated Clerk, 625 Broadway, New York.
|
The following is a summar Presbytery for the year 1882- |
y of the Statistical -1883. |
Report of the |
||
|
Number of churches, |
. |
39 |
||
|
" ministers, u elders, |
• |
55 164 |
||
|
" deacons, Communicants added on |
examination, |
54 180 |
||
|
Whole number, |
certificate, |
184 6,112 |
||
|
Baptisms ; adults, |
. |
59 |
||
|
" infants, |
. |
165 |
||
|
Sunday-school membership, Given to home missions, " foreign " " education, |
6,168 $10,163 6,703 1,180 |
|
LBS1 I |
SACTS. |
155 |
||
|
Given a |
to |
publication, church erection, |
• |
$435 1,674 |
|
u |
relief fund, |
969 |
||
|
a |
freed men, |
629 |
||
|
u |
siistentation, |
312 |
||
|
u |
General Asseml |
ly, • |
PAS |
|
|
Congregational expenses, . |
113,055 |
|||
|
MisceUane |
JUS, |
11,056 |
C. W. Adams, Stated Cleric,
625 T> load way, New York.
RULING ELDERS IN THE PRESBYTERY OF WESTCHESTER.
John G. Clark, St. John Owen, Albert Williamson,
William Hannah, George M. Jaques,
David F. ELollister,
Alexander Wheeler,
Albert Chamberlain, George W. Abrams,
Benjamin Weed, Lewis E. Clock,
William Smith,
Harrison II. Travis,
Benjamin Lvnt, Edmund S. Mills,
Bedford.
James II. Trowbridge, David Travis, 1 hmiel B. Finch.
Bethany.
Alvah Trowbridge, Benjamin L. Ammerman.
Bridgeport.
Richard II. Townsend.
Croton Falls.
Jared G. Wood, M.D.
Dakikn.
.lames C. Jones.
I ) \ vsimm.\<;.
Thomas Moore.
GlLEAD.
William II. Foster.
( rKEENBUKGH.
'Richard R. Tyers, Campyon Cutter.
156
ABSTRACTS.
Greenwich. Shadrach M. Brush, Edwin A. Knapp,
Timothy S. Pinneo, Moses Cristy.
Hartford. Alexander Spence, John Watson.
Alexander Curry,
Huguenot Memorial. Joseph K. Johnston, Nathan Johnston.
John H. Dey,
Irvington. John I. Terry, George A. Chamberlain.
Christopher Prince.
Katonah.
James F. Chapman, M.D., Joseph Barrett.
Mahopac Falls.
John H. Badeau, Joshua L. Dean, Robert W. Lounsbury,
John Jay Wood, John II. Johnston, William Banks,
Simeon Lester, Elbert J. Roosevelt, Charles G. Miller,
G. Charles Benedict, James O. Eggleston,
Cornelius T. Puduey, William C. Weed, ' Eleazer Gaining,
Uriah Hill, Francis Briggs, San ford R. Knapp,
Samuel A. Appel, Samuel M. Lounsbury, James F. Kennard.
Mount Kisco.
Lewis Beach, Harrison Teller, M.D., Edward Crosby, M.D.
New Rochelle.
David E. Renoud, William L. Cowdrey.
North Salem.
Daniel D. Smith.
Patterson.
James C. Gerow, James A. Merritt, Orson W. Sloat.
Peekskell First.
Isaac Yarian, Seth 11. Mead, Cornelius A. Pugsley.
ABSTRACTS.
157
Peekskill Second. Edward Wells, Milton Frost,
Morris E. Clinton, Ephraim D. Fuller, M.D.,
Jacob R. Decatur, Cortland Baxter.
Charles C. Knight, M.D.,
Port Gin ster.
Nathan C. Pond, A. M. Drummond. Potts Memorial.
James D. Roe.
John Miller, William H. Scofield,
Herbert A. Lee, Henry W. Shaw,
Pleasantville. Henry G. V. De Hart, M.D., C. Curtis Hammond.
Pound-Ridge.
Augustus Dixon.
William L. Smith, Joseph Scofield,
Warren JB. Sage, George H. Petrie,
George D. Cragin, William H. Parsons,
Russel Barnura, Charles F. Maurice, John F. Miller,
Thomas S. Lawrence, Joseph Gilbert,
South East Centre. George Cole, , Alexander Lobdell,
J. Horner Smith, M.D., James C. Weed.
Warren S. Paddock,
South Salem. John Bouton, Webster B. Hull,
Edwin Ponton, Thomas Gilbert,
Jacob Webster, Leonard B. Todd,
Riverdale.
Henry W. Law.
Rye.
Jasper E. Corning.
Sing Sing.
Gaylord B. Hubbell, Daniel E. Prevost, Stanton Cady.
South East.
J. Hawley Hayt.
158
ABSTRACTS.
George Elder, Alexander Miln, Wells K. Eitch,
Stamford.
John Clark, Thomas CI. Ritch, William G. Betts.
Thompson ville.
Andrew Sloane,
Edward F. Parsons, M.D.,
David Brainard,
John Law, Shubael Parsons.
TnROGGS Neck.
Charles H. Randall. Tremont.
Andrew McKinstry, Michael Bailey.
Mervin R. Baxter,
Caleb E. Garey, Sereno D. Bonfils, C. L. Balch,
West Farms. Z. Edwards Lewis, M.D., James S. Bolton.
White Plains. Francis Secor, Orrin D. Kingsley, M.D.,
Oliver R. Willis, Ph.D., Ezra M. Frost,
Lewis M. Fisher, Elijah C. Sniuin.
Yonkers First. Samuel D. Rockwell, Lucius E. Clark,
William C. Foote, John W. Skinner,
Josiah Rich, John II. Brown, Ebenezer Curtice,
Enos Lee, Elijah Lee, Daniel H. Knapp,
Theodore Gilman, G. Livino-stone Morse.
Yonkers, Westminster.
James Biggerstaff, Charles R. Otis, John T. Sproull.
YoRKTOWN.
Henry White, William L. Mead.
ArBSTRACTB. 159
INTERMEDIATE MEETING.
Association Buildings, ) New York, June 19, 18S3. )
Present — 25 ministers and 16 elders.
The Committee of Arrangements for the public exercises at the fall meeting of Presbytery were requested to provide at one of the evening meetings for the commemoration of the four hundredth birthday of Martin Luther.
The consideration of the revised Book of Discipline was made the second order of the day of the second day of the fall meet- ing.
Sundry matters relating to the church at Throggs Neck were heard and determined by Presbytery.
C. W. Adams, Stated Clerk.
STATED FALL MEETING.
Mahopac Falls, N. Y., October 2, 1883.
Present — 28 ministers and 25 elders. Rev. George W. F. Birch was elected Moderator. Rev. T. M. Niven, D.D., and Elder Francis Briggs were chosen Temporary Clerks.
Moderator appointed the following
COMMITTEES :
Bills and Overtures — Rev. Messrs. R. P. IT. Vail, Wilson Phraner, J. Aspinwall Hodge; Elders George M. Jaques, Mer- vin R. Baxter.
Judicial Committee — Rev. Messrs. John Dixon, Edgar L. Heer usance, Frederick 8. Barnum; Elders Alex. Wheeler, Alex. Milne.
Committee on Leave of Absence— Rev. Ira S. Dodd ; Elder Lewis Beach.
Committee to Examine the Treasurer's Accounts — Elders Henry M. Lester, Geo. M. Jaques.
1(50 ABSTRACTS.
The first hour of the morning session was spent in devotional exercises.
Tuesday evening the retiring Moderator, Rev. R. P. H. Yail, preached from Acts v. 38, 39. The subject of the sermon was " The Life, Character, and Work of Martin Luther."
The thanks of Presbytery were voted to Mr. Vail for the sermon.
"Wednesday evening Rev. W. B. Waller read a paper on the conditions of church membership, after which the subject of the paper was discussed by members of Presbytery in five-minute speeches.
The next Intermediate Meeting will be held at White Plains on the third Tuesday of January, 1884.
The next Stated Meeting will be held in Stamford on the third Tuesday of April, 1881.
The Moderator and Stated Clerk were appointed a committee to select time and place for the Presb yterial prayer-meet- ing.
The pastoral relation between Rev. J. W. Johnston and the church at Mt. Kisco was dissolved. Rev. J. H. Eastman was appointed to declare the pulpit vacant.
Mr. Eastman was appointed Moderator of the Mt. Kisco Ses- sion.
Rev. Homer S. Newcomb was received from the Presbytery of Lehigh.
Rev. William 11 untting was dismissed to the Presbytery of Long Island.
Rev. J. W. Johnston was dismissed to the Presbytery of Albany.
In response to the question propounded in Rule 29, viz. : " Is the pastor's salary promptly paid '( " the answer was, with two exceptions, "Promptly paid."
The present Moderators of the Sessions of vacant churches were continued.
Mr. Sawyer and Mr. Miller were received as candidates.
Church Sessions will please remember that Presbytery requires the presentation of all books at the Intermediate Meeting that were not presented at the Fall Meeting.
Rev. Messrs. Adams, Hodge, and Barnum were appointed a committee to revise the rules applyiug to Sessional records, and
ABSTRACTS. 101
bring them into harmony with the decisions of the General As- sembly.
The Narrative was read, adopted, and ordered to be sent to Synod.
Rev.'C. W. Baird resigned his place on the Committee of Church Extension.
Rev. AV. B. Waller was elected a member of the Committee of Church Extension.
Rev. J. R. Smith was elected a member of the Committee on Freed men.
Rev. W. AV. Dowd was elected a member of the Committee on Home Missions.
Elder Alex. Wheeler, principal, and Elder Stanton Cady, al- ternate, were appointed to draft Narrative for the next Stated Meeting.
The overture of the General Assembly, in reference to repre- sentation, was answered in the negative.
Rev. Messrs. Hodge, Dixon, and Elder Wells were appointed a committee to defend before Synod the action of Presbytery complained of by certain members of the congregation at Tliroggs Neck.
The Committee to examine the accounts of the Treasurer re- ported that they had examined said accounts, found them cor- rect, and recommended their approval.
The Committee on Home Missions reported that all the churches, with one exception, had contributed to this cause.
The resolutions passed last year were reaffirmed (see Ab- stracts, p. 14:7), and the following were also adopted :
3. That we suggest to our Sessions to make the arrangement that Home Mission work receive attention in like manner as the work of Foreign Missions in the Monthly Concert, of Prayer, or in some other way as in each church may be found to be best.
4. That we request the representatives of Sessions now in Presbytery — Pastors and Elders — to report this action of Pres- bytery to their Sessions, and urge them to see that it has the earliest possible fulfillment.
Foreign Missions. — Churches gave $300 more this year than last year — all the churches contributing, with one exception. Increased contributions are asked. Attention is called to the
162 ABSTRACTS.
importance of giving a wide circulation to the periodicals of the Board.
Education. — A larger number of our churches have con- tributed than formerly. Seven churches made no contributions. A lack of interest in this important work is deplored by the Committee.
Candidates. — Montgomery, Hobbs, Greene, Sawyer, and Mil- ler were recommended to Board of Education for the usual ap- propriation.
Publication. — Deacon Jackson Wright was recommended to the Board as a colporteur.
Ministerial Relief. — Three applications have been made to the Board, which were granted. The number of churches contrib- uting, and the gross amount of contributions, are greater than last year. The Committee call for a large increase of funds from the churches.
Systematic Benevolence. — The following resolutions were adopted :
Resolved, That, in view of the needs of the various causes as presented by the General Assembly, the Presbytery of West- chester will make earnest efforts to send to the Treasurers of the several Boards as follows during the year ending April 1, 1S84: Home Missions, $6,000 : Foreign Missions, $7,000; Education, $1,000 ; Publication, $500 ; Church Erection, $1,500 ; Minis- terial Eel ief, $1,500 ; Freedmen, $1,000; Sustentation, $400.
Resolwed, That the Standing Committee of each Board is directed to inaugurate such steps as in its discretion will bring about the result sought in the foreo-oin^ resolution.
The thanks of Presbytery were voted to the congregation at Mahopac Falls for their hearty and abundant hospitality.
C. W. Adams, Staled Clerk.
ABSTRACTS. 1(57
INTERMEDIATE MEETING.
Pleasaxtville, N. Y., June 17, 1881.
Present — 18 ministers and 14 elders.
A minute, in reference to the late Rev. T. M. Gray, was adopted, and it was ordered that a copy of the same be sent to the family of Mr. Gray. The following resolution was adopted :
Resolved, That Presbytery pay the necessary expenses of the commissioners to the Synod.
In view of the increased expenses of Presbytery consequent upon the payment of the expenses of commissioners to Synod, Rev. Messrs. C. W. Adams, II. R. Schenck, F. S. Barnum, and Elders S. Cady, E. Wells, A. Trowbridge, were appointed a committee to rearrange the assessments of the churches.
Thanks of Presbytery were voted to the people of Pleasant- ville for their generous hospitality.
C. W. Adams, Stated Clerk.
SPECIAL MEETING.
New York, July 18, 1884. Present — 15 ministers and 5 elders.
Rev. John Dixon was released from his pastoral relation to the Westminster Church, Yonkers, and was dismissed to the Presbytery of New Brunswick.
C. W. Adams, Stated Clerk.
STATED FALL MEETING.
Pour Chester, N. Y., October 7, 1884. Present — 35 ministers and 30 elders.
Rev. Wm. B. Waller was elected Moderator. Rev. J. D. Long and Elder S. R. Knapp were chosen temporary clerks. The Moderator appointed the following
168 - ABSTRACTS.
Commit'
Bills and Overtures. — Minister's: Daniel JN. Freeland, John H.Eastman, Kiehard P. H. Yail ; Elders: William C. Foote, Timothy S. Pinneo.
Judicial. — Ministers: Charles W. Baird, J. Ritchie Smith, Charles E. Allison; Elders: Edward Wells, Edward P. Whitte- more.
Leave of Absence. — Minister, Ira W. Dodd ; Elder, Stanton Cady.
Examim-i Treasurer's Account. — Elders, Henry M. Lester, Stanton Cady.
Examine Minutes of General Assembly. — The Commission- ers to last Assembly.
To report Standing Committees for the next Two Years. — Ministers, Carson W. Adams, Edgar L. Heerraance ; Elder, Ed- ward Wells.
Commissioners tq Synod.
Ministers : Carson W. Adams, Willis W. Dowd, Wilson Phraner, Henry A. Davenport, Thornton M. Niven, J. Aspin- wall Hodge, George W. F. Birch.
Alternates: Eolliu A. Sawyer, Frederick S. Barnum, J. Ritchie Smith, Daniel N. Freeland, Harris R. Schenck, James H. Hoyt, Ira W. Dodd.
Elders : William H. Parsons, Edward Wells, Stanton Cady, Sanford R. Knapp, Thomas G. Ritch, Edmund S. Mills, William H. Foster.
Alternates: Lewis Beach, John Watson, John H. Dey, Her- bert A. Lee, Albert Chamberlain, Joseph H. Crane, Charles G. Miller.
Standing Committees for the next two years were appointed as follows :
Mission and Benevolent Work.
1. Church Extension.— Ministers: Wilson Phraner, Richard P. H. Vail, John Reid, John H. Eastmun, William B. Waller,
ABSTRACTS. 169
Carson W. Adams; Elders: Edward Wells, David F. Hollister, William H. Parsons, Alvah Trowbridge.
2. Home Missions and Sustentation. — Ministers : Edgar L. Heermanee, Henry A. Davenport, Willis W. Dowd ; Elders: John II. Brown, Sanford R. Knapp.
3. Foreign Missions. — Ministers: Thornton M. Niven, David Murdoch, Washington Choate ; Elders : Sanford R. Knapp, Har- rison Teller.
4. Education. — Ministers : J. Aspinwall Hodge, J. Ritchie Smith, Lyman D. Calkins ; Elder : John W. Skinner.
5. Publication. — Ministers: Daniel X. Freeland, William J. dimming, John D. Long ; Elder : Stanton Cacly.
6. Church Erection. — Ministers: James H. Hovt, Willis W. Dowd, Lawrence P. Cummings; Elder: William H. Parsons.
7. Ministerial Relief. — Ministers : John Reid, Charles E. Allison, Harris R. Sehenck ; Elder : Charles R. Otis.
8. Freedmen. — Ministers : William J. Camming, J. Ritchie Smith, Manfred P. Welclier; Elder: Alvah Trowbridge.
9. Sabbath-schools and Colportage. — Ministers: Frederick S. Barnum, Isaac L. Kip, Washington Choate: Elders: Henry White, John G. Clark.
10. Presbyterial Visitation.- — Ministers: John II. Eastman, Rollin A. Sawyer, Ira S. Dodd ; Elders: Oliver R. Willis, Alex. Milne.
11. Manses. — Elders: Stanton Cady, Harrison Teller. Alex. Wheeler.
L2. Minutes of ■ '. — Delegates of
each year to the General Assembly and Synod.
13. Benevolence. — Minister: George W. .. irch, and Chair- men of Committees No-, i 7. 8.
14. Temperance. — Ministers : Lawrence P. I uni- fied P. Welcher; Elder: Stanton
These Standing Committees are required by rule to report in
1 TO ABSTRACTS.
writing at each Stated Fall Meeting, and at such other meetings as their business may require.
Trustees of Presbytery. — Charles W. Baird, Rollin A. Sawyer, Anthony R. Macoubrey, Eliphalet Wood, Gilbert B. Sarles, Joseph Banks, Edward Wells, Uriah Hill, Richard P. H. Vail.
Nelson 1ST. Millard and Alexander S. Twombly, named in the act of incorporation, have long since removed from the bounds of tbe Presbytery.
Rev. H. R. Waite and Licentiate John Montgomery were dis- missed to the Presbytery of Boston.
Rev. Addison D. Maderia was received from the Presbytery of Upper Missouri (of the Church South). A call for the pas- toral services of Dr. Maderia was presented from the church at Mount Kisco. The call was placed in the hands of the Pastor elect, and accepted by him. Arrangements for the installation at Mount Kisco were made as follows : Time, Thursday, No- vember 6, at 7 : 30 p.m. Moderator to preside and propose the constitutional questions. Rev. J. M. Worrell be invited to preach the sermon. Alternate, Wilson Phraner. Charge to the Pastor, Rev. C. W. Adams. Alternate, Rev. E. L. Heermance. Charge to the people, Rev. J. H. Eastman. Alternate, Rev. J. H. Hoyt.
Public Meetings.
Tuesday evening the retiring Moderator preached a sermon. — Text, Ephesians iv. 16. After sermon, Rev. Wm. Y. Brown addressed the Presbytery on Temperance.
Wednesday evening, addresses were heard from Rev. F. S. Barnum, Rev. J. H. Eastman, Rev. R. P. H. Vail, on the Sab- bath-school work, and from Rev. Wilson Phraner on Home
Missions.
Places of Next Meetings.
Intermediate Meeting, at Potts Memorial Church, Morrisania, on the third Tuesday of January next.
Stated Spring Meeting, at the First Church, Peekskill, on the third Tuesday of April, 18S5.
abstracts. 171
Appropriations Voted to Churches. .
Pelham Manor, $200; North Salem, $100; West Farms, $250. Presbytery voted to apply to the Board of Home Mis- sions for one-half of the above appropriations; the other half to be paid by the Church Extension Committee.
Moderators of Sessions of Vacant Churches.
Gilead, Rev. H. It. Sehenek ; South East Centre, Rev. A. R. Maconbrey; North Salem, Rev. L. D. Calkins; Croton Falls, Rev. J. IT. Eastman ; Darien, Rev. E. T. Bromfield ; Green- wich, Rev. R. P. II. Vail; "Westminster, Rev. A. R. Davison ;
Throggs Neck, Rev. D. N. Freeland.
The narrative was read and approved. Rev. John D. Long was appointed to draft the narrative for the next stated meet- ing. Rev. L. D. Calkins, alternate.
The committee appointed to examine the accounts of the Treasurer, reported that they had examined the same, found them correct, and recommended that they be approved. Adopted.
The selection of time and place for a day of prayer by Pres- bytery was referred to the Committee on Church Visitation.
It was ordered that all Records of Session not presented at this meeting be presented for examination at the next intermedi- ate meeting.
Presbytery voted to pay the necessary travelling expenses of delegates to Synod.
The amount annually required to meet the expenses of Pres- bytery, Synod, and General Assembly is apportioned by vote among the several elm relies, as follows, to be paid at the Spring Meeting of Presbytery :
Bedford, .... $25 00
Bethany 35 00
Bridgeport 40 00
Greenwich 10 00
Hartford 27 00
Huguenot, . . . 5 00
Croton Falls, . . . 7 00 Irvington,. . . . 35 00
Darien, . . . 7 00
Day Spring, . . . 10 00
Gilead, . . . . 10 00
Greenburgh, . . . 31 00
Katonah, . . . 8 00
Mahopac Falls, . . . 19 00
Mount KiBCO, . . . 20 00
New Rochelle, . . . 35 00
172
ABSTRACTS.
North Salem, Patterson,. Peekskill, 1st, Peekskill, 2d, . Port Chester, Potts Memorial, Poundridge, . Pleasantville, Riverdale, Rye, .
Sing Sing, . South East,
|
. 3 |
00 |
|
13 |
00 |
|
. 27 00 |
|
|
13 |
00 |
|
. 15 |
00 |
|
15 |
00 |
|
. 9 |
00; |
|
3 |
00 i |
|
. 23 |
00 |
|
47 |
00 |
|
. 45 |
00 |
|
5 |
00 |
|
South East Centre, " . |
. 15 00 |
|
South Salem, |
20 00 |
|
Stamford, |
. 50 00 |
|
Thompsonville, . |
26 00 |
|
Throgg° Neck, |
. 12 00 |
|
Tremout, . |
16 00 |
|
West Farms, |
. 12 00 |
|
White Plains, . |
20 00 |
|
Westminster, |
. 40 00 |
|
Yonkers, 1st, |
50 00 |
|
Yorktown, . |
. 17 00 |
$800 00
The Committee of Church Extension reported that all the churches in the Presbytery were regularly supplied with the ordinance of the Gospel.
The Committee on Home Missions reported that all the churches had contributed $12,508 in all. Attention is called to the importance of securing a large circulation of the Home Mis- sionary in all our congregations.
Committee on Foreign Missions report that all the churches, except three, have contributed — whole amount, $9,704. The following recommendations were adopted :
1. That every pastor preach at least once each year on Foreign Missions.
2. That earnest effort be made to increase the circulation of The Foreign Missionary.
3. That one portion of the money contributed by the scholars in the Sabbath-schools should be given to this cause.
Committee on Education reported that ten of our churches made no contribution to this cause — whole contribution, $704.
John H. Hobbs, Elijah W. Green, William J. Millar, Bollin A. Sawyer, Jr., were recommended to the Board of Education for aid.
Committee on Publication reported that twelve of our ch arc-has made no contribution to this Board — $555 whole amount.
1. Each pastor is urged to preach upon this subject.
2. Sessions and pastors are urged to commend the publications
ABSTRACTS. 1?3
of the Board for the use of Sunday-schools; especially the Westminster Teacher, Quarterly Lesson Leaf, and Primary.
3. Undiminished confidence is expressed in the general pub- lications of the Board, and they are recommended to our people.
Committee on Church Erection report that six of the churches have not contributed to this Board — whole amount contributed, $850.
Committee on Ministerial Relief reported that six of the churches made no contribution to this cause — whole amount con- tribute!], $932. A large increase of the funds of this Board is imperative.
Committee on Freedmen report that eight of the churches made no contribution to this cause — whole amount contributed, $699. Increased interest in this work is urged by the com- mittee.
Committee on Sunday-schools report that children's day was generally observed. Attention is urged to the deliverances of the Assembly on the subject of Sunday-schools. The holding of Sunday-school conventions in individual churches is recom- mended.
The following recommendations were adopted :
1. Pastors are urged to send the Sunday -school statistics to the Chairman of the Sunday-school Committee of Presbytery on or before the time of the Spring Meeting.
2. That collections be taken for the missionary work of the Board of Publication on children's day.
3. That an annual collection be taken in the Sunday-schools for the Freedmen's work.
Committee on Manses report that the First Church, Yonkers, has built a new manse at a cost of $10,000. Mahopac Falls has rebuilt its manse at a cost of $2,000. Bedford is now engaged in improvements upon its manse.
The Committee on Systematic Benevolence reported that the net increase of expenditure for church work over the former year is $78,368.
The following resolutions were adopted :
1. Resolved, That the Presbytery of Westchester will make
174 ABSTRACTS.
earnest efforts to make the following sums the minimum amount of its contributions to the various causes recommended by the General Assembly : Home Missions, $13,000 ; Foreign Missions, $10,000; Education, $1,000; Publication, $500 ; Church Erec- tion, $1,500; Ministerial Relief, $1,500; Ereedmen, $1,000; Aid for Colleges, $500 ; Sustentation, $400 ; Temperance, $200.
2. Resolved, That as Pastors and Killing Elders, we will do all in our power to enable the Standing Committee on each cause to bring about the result sought in the foregoing resolution.
Thanks were voted to the congregation at Port Chester for their cordial and bountiful entertainment of Presbytery.
C. W. Adams,
Stated Clerk.
The Post-office address of the Stated Clerk is 566 Broadway, New York.
ABSTRACTS. 175
INTERMEDIATE MEETING.
Morris ania, Jan. 20, 1885.
Present — 29 Ministers, 24 Elders.
Re,v. Charles E. Upson was received from the Presbytery of Champlain.
Rev. Charles H. Burr was dismissed to the Manhattan Congre- gational Association.
The services of a Synodical Superintendent of Missions were declined.
A committee was appointed to consider the action of the last Genera] Assembly in regard to ministers of other denominations (see page 76 Assembly minutes), and report at the next stated meeting.
A committee was appointed to report arrangements (if deemed expedient) for some suitable celebration of the fiftieth anni- versary of the pastorate of Rev. William Patterson, at Pound- ridge, said committee to report at the next stated meeting.
The committee appointed to install Rev. A. D. Madeira, pastor of the church at Mount Kisco, reported that the installation took place according to the direction of Presbytery.
Delegates to Synod reported ; report accepted and their dili- gence approved.
The consideration of the overtures from the Assembly re- sulted as follows :
Overture No. 1 was answered in the negative. Overtures Nos. 2 ,3, 4. 5, 6 were answered in the affirmative. ( 'onsideration of the remaining overtures was postponed until the next stated meeting.
Thanks were voted to the congregation of the Potts Memorial church for the generous entertainment of Presbytery.
C. W. Adams, Stated Clerk.
SPECIAL MEETING.
New York, March 9, 1885.
Fifteen Ministers and three Elders present.
Rev. Charles P. Fagnani was received from the Presbytery of New York. A call from the Westminster church, Yonkers, was placed in the hands of Mr. Fagnani and accepted by him.
Arrangements were made for the installation of the pastor- elect a- follows :
Time, L8th of March, at 7.30 o'clock p.m., in the Westminster church, Yonkers. Rev. Howard Crosby to preach the sermon;
176 ABSTRACTS.
Rev. S. T. Carter alternate. Charge to the pastor, Rev. L. W. Mudge; alternate, Rev. C. E. Allison. Charge to people, Rev. John Dixon ; alternate, Rev. John Reid. Rev. R. A. Sawyer to otter the prayer of installation. Rev. J. Reid to preside.
C. W. Adams, Stated Clerk.
STATED SPRING MEETING.
Peekskill, N. Y., April 21, 1885.
Present— 33 Ministers, 26 Elders.
Rev. H. R. Schenck was elected Moderator.
Rev. A. W. Colver and Elder S. R. Knapp were chosen tem- porary clerks.
Rev. Robert P. Gibson was received from the Presbytery of Boulder.
Rev. R. B. Mattice was dismissed to the Presbytery of East Florida.
Licentiate E. W. Green was ordained.
COMMITTEES.
Bills mid Overtures. Ministers — Wm. B. Waller, C. W. Baird, John Reid ; Elders— Edward Wells, W. B. Hull.
Judicial. Ministers — A. D. Madeira, H. A. Davenport, W. J. dimming; Elders — H. M. Lester, R. E. Prime.
Leave of Absence. Elders — Edward Crosby, J. W. Skinner.
Standing Committees for the examination of candidates:
I. Religious experience and views in seeking the ministry — the Moderator.
II. Languages — Rev. Messrs. J. R. Smith, W. J. dimming, H. R. Schenck.
III. Philosophy, Astronomy, and Rhetoric — Rev. Messrs. Geo. Nixon, C. E. Allison, W.W. Dowd.
IY. Systematic Theology — Rev. Messrs. Wilson Phraner, E. L. Heermanee, R. P. II. Vail, J. R. Smith.
Y. Church History, Government, and Sacraments — Rev. Messrs. J. A. Hodge, John Reid, C. E. Lindsley.
VI. Constitution, Government, and Discipline of Presbyterian Church — Rev. Messrs. J. A. Hodge, John Reid, C. E. Lindsley.
Commissioners to General Assembly. Ministers — J. II. Hoyt, J. II. Eastman, W. J. dimming; Elders — Edward Wells, E. S. Mills. R. E. Prime.
Alternates. Ministers — R. P. II. Vail, L. P. Cummings,
ABSTRACTS.
177
David Murdoch; Elders — Edward Crosby, J. L. Dean, H. A. Lee.
PUBLIC MEETINGS.
Tuesday evening the retiring Moderator preached a sermon- Text: Jeremiah xxvi. 23, 32. After sermon Mr. E. W. Green was ordained. Rev. J. A. Hodge delivered the charge to the evangelist.
AVednesday evening a meeting was held in the interest of Missions. Addresses were made by Rev. Messrs. R. P. II. Vail and Wilson Phraner.
PLACES OF NEXT MEETINGS.
Intermediate Meeting at Poundridge, on Tuesday, July 7, 1885.
Stated Fall Meeting at Rye, on the first Tuesday of October, 1885.
The church at Pleasantville was recommended to the Board of Home Missions for $400.
Overtures from the Assembly respecting Judicial Commis- sions, and Reduced Representation, and Amendment of Section 11") of the Revised Book of Discipline, were answered in the affirmative.
The following overtures were ordered to be sent up to the General Assembly :
I. Asking the Assembly to rescind so much of the first part of the action of the last Assembly, touching Presbyterian min- isters in charge of non-Presbyterian churches (Min. of Assembly, p. 76), as would seem to lie beyond the constitutional provision for such cases, in Chap. VII., Sec. 53 of the Book of Discipline.
II. Requesting the General Assembly to send down to the Presbyteries an overture, proposing a change in the form of gov- ernment, which shall recognize the right of Presbyteries, as well as of the higher courts, to appoint Judicial Commissions; and which shall authorize all Judicial Commissions to meet at such times and places as they, or the court appointing them, may deem best.
Arrangements for the installation of Rev. R. A. Sawyer at Carmel. Time: May 26th, T.30 p.m. Moderator to preside. Rev. E. N. White to preach; Rev. Wilson Phraner alternate. Rev. J. A. Hodge to charge the pa-tor; Rev. I. L. Kip alternate. Rev. A. R. Maeoubrey to charge the people ; Rev. II. R. Schenck alternate.
Rev. John Reid and Elders W. II. Parsons and Edward Wells
178 ABSTRACTS.
were appointed a committee with power to visit the South-East Centre church.
Moderators of Sessions of vacant churches were appointed as follows : Greenwich, Rev. R. P. H. Vail. Croton Falls and North Salem, Rev. R. P. Gibson. Throggs Neck, Rev. D. N. Freeland.
A resolution was passed recommending the combination of the periodicals of the Church.
The committee appointed to install Rev. C. P. Fagnani pastor of Westminster church, reported that the pastor-elect was in- stalled according to the directions of Presbytery.
The Narrative recorded general prosperity, and an increase of the benevolence of the churches, and also an increase in the number of additions to the churches.
Arrangements for the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the pastorate of Rev. William Patterson were made as follows : Time, July 7th, at two o'clock p.m. Rev. W. Phraner to preside. Rev. C. W. Baird to read a historical paper. Rev. C. W. Adams to present the salutations and congratulations of the Presbytery. Rev. J. H. Hoyt and L. D. Calkins to voice the neighborly greetings. Response by Rev. Mr. Patterson and others.
A resolution thanking the congregation at Peekskill for the generous entertainment of Presbytery was passed unanimously.
Adjourned. C. W. Adams,
Stated Cleric.
[The Post-office address of the Stated Clerk is 5*50 Broadway, New York.]
Summary of the Statistical Report of Presbytery for the
Year 1884-85.
Churches 39 Added on Certificate 174
Ministers 55
Elders 151
Deacons 47
Added on Examination . . . 259
Whole Number (5,063
Adults Baptized 75
Infants Baptized 184
Sunday-school Membership 6,218
CONTRIBUTIONS.
Home Missions $10,055.00 Sustentation $356.00
Foreign Missions 7,308.00 Aid for Colleges 359.00
Education 841.00 General Assembly. . . 424.41
Publication 576.00 Congregational 111,225.00
Church Erection 2,491.00 Miscellaneous 9,945.00
Relief Fund 1,351.00 ■
Freedmen 1,237.00 i Total Contributions, $146,168.41
ABSTRACTS. 179
INTERMEDIATE MEETING.
Poundridge, N. Y., Jul if T, 1885.
Present — 2(5 Ministers and 12 Elders.
Rev. Elijah W. Green was dismissed to the Presbytery of Utah.
A call was presented from the church at Greenwich for the pastoral services of Licentiate John II. Hobbs. The call was found in order. Presbytery voted to hold an adjourned meet- ing at Greenwich on July 22d, to ordain and install Mr. Hobbs.
Rev. John D. Long was released from his pastoral charge over the West Farms church.
The entire afternoon session was spent in celebrating the fif- tieth anniversary of the pastorate of the Rev. William Patter- sou over the church at Poundridge. The arrangements deter- mined by Presbytery [see Abstracts, p. 178] were carried out; and in addition Rev. A. R. Lindsley, of the Presbytery of Ore- gon ; Rev. Henry S. Butler, of the Presbytery of Newton ; Rev. A. R. Macoubrey, of Presbytery of Westchester, and William (t. Brownson, M.D., of New Canaan, Conn., took part.
C. W. Adam..
Stated Clerk.
ADJOURNED MEETING.
Greenwich, Conn., July 22, 1885.
Present — <> Ministers and 3 Elders.
Licentiate John H. Hobbs was ordained to the Gospel minis- try, and installed pastor over the church at Greenwich.
C. W. Adams,
Stated Clerk.
STATED FALL MEETING.
Rye, N. Y., October 6, 1885.
Present — 38 Ministers and 31 Elders. Rev. Willis W. Dowd was elected Moderator. Iiev. Charles E. Allison and Elder Samuel A. Appel were chosen temporary clerks.
180 ABSTRACTS.
COMMITTEES.
Bills and Overtures. Ministers — Harris R. Schenck, Geo. W. F. Birch, J. Ritchie Smith ; Elders— Edward P. Whitte- more, Edmund S. Mills.
Judicial. Ministers— Frederick S. Barnnm, John Reid, William J. dimming; Elders— Uriah Hill, Edmund S. Mills.
Leave of Absence. Elders — Edward Crosby, Daniel B. Rock- well.
Examine Treasurer's Accounts. Elders — Edward Wells, Alex. Wheeler.
Delegates to Synod. Ministers — Wilson Phraner, Lawrence P. Cummings, Washington Choate, Lyman D. Calkins, Harris R. Schenck, Manfred P. Welcher, Addison D. Mideria ; Elders — Joseph Barrett, Stanton Cady, Enos Lee, Edward Crosby, Edwin Bouton, James Biggerstaff, John Law.
Alternates. Ministers— Ira S. Dodd, Daniel N. Freeland, Robert P. Gibson, David Murdock, J. Aspinwall Hodge, Rol- lin A. Sawyer, Joseph Greenleaf ; Elders — William H. Foster, George W. Abrams, San ford R. Knapp, John G. Clark, James Meyers, Charles F. Maurice, George W. Carpenter.
Rev. Charles P. Mallery was received from the Presbytery of New Castle.
Rev. John D. Long was dismissed to the Presbytery of Chi- cago.
Rev. Charles J. Collins was dismissed to the Presbytery of New York.
The pastoral relation of Rev. Wilson Phraner to the church at Sing Sing was dissolved ; said dissolution to take effect at such time as the pastor and Session may designate.
Dr. Phraner was appointed to declare the pulpit vacant.
PUBLIC MEETINGS.
Tuesday afternoon the Moderator preached from Genesis iv. 7.
Tuesday evening Rev. F. S. Barnum and H. A. Davenport made addresses on the "Religious Training of the Young," and Rev. Messrs. John Reid and J. R. Smith made addresses on the observance of the Sabbath.
Wednesday evening Rev. Wilson Phraner made an address on Home Missions, and Rev. J. Aspinwall Hodge made an ad- dress on Foreign Missions.
ABSTRACTS. 181
PLACES OF NEXT MEETINGS.
Intermediate Meeting at White Plains on the third Tuesday of January next.
Stated Meeting at Bridgeport on third Tuesday of April next.
APPROPRIATIONS VOTED TO CHURCHES.
West Farms, $250. Pleasant ville, $50.
MODERATORS OF SESSIONS OF VACANT CHURCHES.
Throgg's Neck, Rev. Daniel N. Freeland ; North Salem, Rev. Robert R. Gibson ; South East Centre, Rev. Isaac L. Kip.
Rev. Messrs. A. I). Madera, EL R. Schenck, It. P. Gibson, J. II. Eastman, were appointed to visit the Central Church of South East on October 11th, 18th, 25th, Nov. 1st. Each member of the committee to spend one Sabbath with said church.
A call was presented from the West Farms church for the pastoral services of Rev. C. P. Mallery. Yoted that the call be found in order, and that further action upon it be postponed.
Rev. J. Aspinwall Hodge, principal, Rev. John II. Eastman, alternate, were appointed to draft the next narrative.
Rule in respect to the election of Commissioners to the Gen- eral Assembly, and Delegates to Synod : " That no principal or alternate be elected as Commissioner to the General Assembly or 1 delegate to Synod except by a majority of all the votes cast."
William Gardner and Robert R. White were taken under the care <>f Presbytery as candidates. Candidates Gardner, White, Sawyer, and Millar were recommended to the Board of Educa- tion.
All records of Session not presented for examination at this meeting, must be presented at the Intermediate meeting at White Plains.
The Committee on Church Extension were directed to ex- amine two new fields within the bounds of Presbytery and re- porl at the next meeting.
The committee to examine the accounts of the Treasurer re- ported that they had examined the sum', found them correct, and recommended their approval. Report adopted.
The Committee on Presbyterial Visitation recommended that arrangements be made at once for the visitation of our churches
182 ABSTRACTS.
in accordance with the existing plan. This recommendation was adopted. Rev. John li. Eastman, of Katonah, is chairman of this committee, who will give all information desired by the churches concerning this matter.
" Resolved, That Presbytery recognize the recommendation of the General Assembly as to the observance of the anniversary of the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, and call the attention of pastors thereto."
The Standing Committees on the Boards of the Church all reported.
All these reports urge the necessity of an increase in the gifts of the churches, that the work to which God calls our Church may be overtaken. The churches are urged to increase the cir- culation of the Missionary publications of the Boards.
The Committee on Systematic Beneficence say: " That the reports of the churches for 1884 show what may be designated as extraordinary expenditures of at least $83,000. This taken into the account in the comparison of results, makes the Presby- tery of Westchester during the year ending April 1st, 1885, ex- ceed the contributions of the previous year by the sum of $5, 172.05."
All our churches but two contributed to Home Missions ; all but four to Foreign Missions.
Voted : That the Committee on Systematic Beneficence ap- portion to the several Standing Committees the visitation of our churches in prosecution of the work of benevolence in the Presbytery.
The thanks of Presbytery were unanimously voted to the members of the congregation at Rye for their cheerful and abundant hospitality.
C. W. Adams,
Stated Clerk.
[The P. O. address of the Stated Clerk is 566 Broadway, New
York.]
kBBTRAl P8. 183
INTERMEDIATE MEETING.
White Plains, N. V., Jan. L9, IS86
Present — 23 Ministers and !o Elders,
Rev. James G. Rodger was received from Presbytery of North River.
A petition of certain residents of Now Haven, Ct., asking for the organization of a Presbyterian church in that city was pre- sented. The prayer of the petitioners, was granted, and a com- mittee consisting of Rev. Messrs. J. AspinWall Hodge, Henry A Davenport, Richard P. H. Vail and Elders Alexander Milne and Alexander Wheeler, appointed for the purpose.
Pulpit of Sing Sing church was declared vacant on December 27, 1885.
An appropriate resolution was passed in view of the sixtieth anniversary of the ordination of Eider Simeon Lester, of New Rochelle church, soon to be celebrated.
APPROPRIATION.
Huguenot Memorial, #200.
A vote of thanks to the congregation at White Plains for their generous hospitality.
Carson W. Ad^ms,
Stated Clerk.
STATED SPRING MEETING.
Bridgeport, Conn., April 20-22, 1886.
Present — 39 Ministers and 29 Elders.
Rev. Charles E. Allison was elected Moderator.
Rev. J. Ritchie Smith and Elder W. Howard Stock well were chosen temporary clerks.*]
Rev. Carson W. Adams, Stated Clerk and Treasurer, tendered his resignation on account of a proposed visit to Europe. The resignation was accepted and an appropriate minute adopted.
Rev. William J. Gumming was elected Stated Clerk and Rev. George W. F. BirchjPermanent Clerk and Treasurer. The sala- ries of these officers are $75 and $30 respectively.
Rev. Messrs. Marcus Burr from the Presbytery of Nassau, Rev. Marcellus Bowcn from the Presbytery of Elizabeth, and Rev. Franklin B. Dwight from the Presbytery of New York, were received.)
Messrs. John S.|Allen, a licentiate of the Presbytery of New York, and William H. Dexter, a licentiate of the Presbytery of Cayuga, were received.
The First Presbyterian Church of New Haven, Conn., was Organized February 19.
184 ABSTRACTS.
COMMITTEES.
Bills and Overtures. Ministers — Willis W. Dowd, J. Aspin- wall Hodge, Daniel N. Freeland ; Elders— Uriah Hill, David F. Hollister.
Judicial. Ministers — Frederick S. Barnurn, William J. Cam- ming, Henry A. Davenport; Elders — Ralph E. Prime, Edward P. Whittemore.
Leave of Absence. Ministers — George W. F. Birch, Edgar L. Heermance ; Elder — Alexander Wheeler.
Committee on Minutes of Synod Ministers — Wilson Phraner, Manfred P. Welcher ; Elders — Joseph Barrett, Enos Lee.
Commissioners to the General Assembly. Ministers — Edgar L. Heermance, Ira IS. Dodd: Elders — Harrison Teller, M.D., Ralph E. Prime.
Alternates. Ministers — Henry A Davenport, Frederick 8. Barnum ; Elders — Frank N. Horton, Albert Chamberlain.
Messrs. John S. Allen and William H. Dexter were examined for ordination ; Messrs. William Gardner and Arthur Reqna for licensure, and Messrs. O. Edward Loe, William J. Millar, John Dnnlap and James K. Phillips with view to being taken. under care of Presbytery as candidates for the ministry. The examin- ations were sustained.
Messrs. William Gardner and Arthur Reqna were licensed to preach the Gospel.
Messrs. O. Edward Loe, William J Millar, John Dnnlap and James K. Phillips were received under the care of the Presby- tery as candidates.
The pastoral relation between Rev. David Murdoch and the Second Church of Peekskill was dissolved and Rev. Joseph Greenleat was appointed to declare the pulpit vacant on April 25.
The pastoral relation between Rev. Lyman D. Calkins and the South Salem church was dissolved and the Rev. Wilson Phraner appointed to declare the pulpit vacant on April 25. Mr. Calkins was dismissed to the Presbytery of Brooklyn.
Calls from the Sing Sing church to Rev. Franklin B. Lt wight. South East Centre church to Mr. William H. Dexter, and Throgg's Neck church to Mr. John S. Allen were placed in the hands of the persons named and by them accepted.
A call from the West Farms church to Rev. C. P. Mallory was placed in his hands and he was granted leave to hold it under consideration.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR ORDINATIONS AND 'N8TALLATION8.
Rev. Franklin B. Dwight, at Sing Sing: Date April 27, 7:30 p. m. To preside — Moderator.
ABSTRACTS. 185
Sermon — Rev. John Reid ; alternate — Rev. Thornton M. Niven, Jr.
Charge to pastor — Rev. Wilson Phraner ; alternate Rev. D. A. Holbrook.
Charge to people — Rev. Charles W. Baird; alternate — Rev. J. Ritchie Smith.
Mr John S. Allen, at Throgg's Neck:
Date May 13, 7:30 p. if.
To preside and offer ordaining prayer — Moderator.
Sermon — Rev. John R. Paxton ; alternate — Rev. George W. F. Birch.
Charge to pastor — Rev. Wilson Phraner ; alternate — Rev. Washington Choate.
Charge to people — Rev. Dan'l N. Freeland; alternate — Rev. William B. Waller.
Mr. William H. Dexter, at Brewsters:
Date Jnne 15, 2 p. m.
To preside — Moderator.
Sermon — Rev. Wilson Phraner ; alternate — Rev. Charles W. Baird.
Charge to pastor — Rev. John Reid ; alternate — Rev. James H. rioyt.
Charge to people — Rev. Isaac L. Kip; alternate — Rev. John H. Eastman.
Ordaining prayer — Rev. Mr. Dexter.
Rev. J times G. Rodger at New Haven:
Date not fixed.
To preside — Moderator; alternate — Rev. Charles W. Baird.
Sermon — Rev. Henry A. Davenport; alternate — Rev. Richard P. H. Vail.
Charge to pastor — Rev. Wilson Phraner; alternate — Rev. Frederick S. Barnnm.
Charge to people — Rev. J. Aspinwall Hodg-e; alternate — Rev. John H. Eastman.
Rev. John H. Eastman was appointed to draft the narrative — Rev. Thornton M. Niven, Jr., alternate.
The overtures sent down by the General Assembly on the Directory for Worship were answered in the negative.
The overture on Term Service for Deacons was answered in the negative.
An overture, asking that the passages of Scripture constituting the Sabbath school lessons he omitted from the lesson helps and lesson leaves published by Board of Publication, was ordered to be sent to the General Assembly.
MODERATORS OF SESSIONS OF VACANT CHURCHE-.
Peekskill, Second — Rev. J. Ritchie Smith.
South Salem — Rev. John H. Eastman.
The narrative showed faithful service, increased liberality, and
180
ABSTRACTS.
an increase of 133 in number of additions as compared witli last year.
An appropriate resolution was passed with respect to the dissolu- tion of the pastoral relation of thirty-five years duration between Rev. Wilson Phraner and the church dt Sing Sing.
APPROPRIATIONS.
Throgg's Neck, $200 for six months.
South East Centre, $500 toward debt, provided the remainder is raised.
The churches at Pleasantviile and New Haven were recom- mended to the Board of Home Missions for $300 and $500 re- spectively.
PUBLIC MEETINGS.
Tuesday evening the retiring Moderator preached on Heb. x, 23. ,
Wednesday evening addresses on Systematic Beneficence were delivered by Rev. Messrs. George W. F. Birch, William J. dimming, and Addison D. Madeira.
PLACES OF NEXT MEETING.
Intermediate Meeting at Brewsters on third Tuesday of June.
Stated Meeting at Bedford on first Tuesday of October.
The Sessions of these churches are the Committees of Ar- rangements.
A vote of thanks was passed to the congregation of Bridge- port for generous hospitality.
Presbytery adjourned to meet at Throgg's Neck May 13. 7:30 p. m. W. J. Cumming.
Stated Clerk,
Yorktown, N. Y. ( Rev. George W. F. Birch, <r Permanent Clerk and Treasurer,
( 184 Willis ave., New York City,
SUMMARY of the statistical report of presbytery for the year 1885-1886.
Ohuicbes 40
Ministers 59
Elders 153
Deacons 46
Added on Examination 356
Added on Ortifloate 216
Whole Number 6 137
Adults Baptiz d 87
Infanta B tptized 165
Sunday school Membership. . . .6 313
CONTRIBUTIONS,
Home Mission'! $11,211
Foreign Missions 9.163
Education 1,209
Publication 509
Church Erection 1,687
Belief Fund 1,521
Freed men
955
Susteutation .....
Aid for Colleges 307
(general Assembly 786
Congregational 102 895
Miscellaneous 9.458
Total Contributions $140,003
ABSTRACTS. 187
ADJOURNED MEETING.
Westchester, N. Y., May 13, 1886.
Present — 5 Ministers and 1 Elder.
Licentiate John S. Allen was ordained to the gospel minis- try and installed pastor of ths church at Westchester.
W. J. CUMMING,
Stated Clerk.
INTERMEDIATE MEETING.
Brewsters, N. Y., June 15, 18S6.
Present— iS Ministers and 1 1 Elders.
Rev. Irving E. White was received from the Presbytery of Otsego.
Rev. Marcus Burr was dismissed to the Middlesex Associ- ation of Congregational Ministers of Connecticut.
The morning was devoted to the dedicatory services of the new church edifice, and in the afternoon licentiate William Hart Dexter was ordained to the gospel ministry and installed as pastor of the South East Centre church, agreeably to the order prescribed by the Presbytery, with the exception that in absence of both Principal and Alternate, Rev. J. Aspin- wall Hodge charged the people.
Rev. Messrs. J. Ritchie Smith, George Nixon and Man- fred P. Welcher and Elders Uriah Hill, Jr., Charles R. Otis and David F. Hollister were appointed a committee to visit the church at Portchester.
Arrangements were made for the installation of Rev. Irving E. White as pastor Second Church of Peekskill, on June 29, 7 145 p. m. The Moderator to preside and pro- pound the constitutional questions. Sermon by Rev. L. E. Richards ; alternate. Rev. Franklin B. Dwight. Charge to the pastor by Rev. Manfred P. Welcher; alternate, Rev. Harris R. Schenck. Charge to the people by Rev. J. Ritchie Smith: alternate, Rev. William J. dimming.
W. J. CUMMING,
Stair, I Clerk.
FALL STATED MEETING.
Bedford, N. Y., Oct. 5-7, 1886.
Present — 37 Ministers and 26 Elders.
Rev. Manfred P. Welcher was elected Moderator and Rev. Messrs. Claries P. Mallery and William Hart Dexter, Tem- porary Clerk.
1 88 ABSTRACTS.
Rev. Christopher R. Brown was received from the Presby- tery of Nassau and Rev. Edward C. Moore from the Pres- bytery of Columbus.
Rev. Chas. E. Upson was dismissed to the Presbytery of Chicago, and the Stated Clerk was directed to give a letter of dismissal to Rev. Anthony R. Macoubrey to the Presbytery of West Florida, whenever he might ask for it.
COMMITTEES.
Bills and Overtures Ministers — Charles E. Allison, Henry A. Davenport, John H. Eastman; Elders — Benj. Weed. Daniel H. Knapp.
'Judicial. Ministers— Thornton M. Niven, Jr., Washing- ton Choate, Irving E. White; Elders—Richard R. Tyers, John W. Skinner.
To Examine Treasurer s Account*. Elders—Richard R. Tyers, Garrick S. Scorleld.
To Nominate Standing Committees. Ministers — William J. Gumming, James G. Rodger ; Elder— Stanton Cady.
Leave of Absence Minister — John H. Hobbs ; Elder- Orson W. Slont.
STANDING COMMITTEES.
Term of service, two years.
I. MISSION AND BENEVOLENT WORK.
1. Church Extension. Ministers — Wilson Phraner, Rich- ard P. H. Vail, John Reid, John H. Eastman, William B. Waller, Carson W. Adams; Elders— Edward Wells, David F. Holister, William H. Parsons, Richard R. Tylers.
2. Home Missions and. Zsustentation. Ministers — Edgar L. Heermance, Henry A. Davenport, Willis W. Dowd ; Elders — Sanford R. Kmapp, Ralph E. Prime.
3. Foreign Missions. Ministers — Thornton M. Niven, Jr., Washington Choate, Irving E. White ; Elders — Harrison Teller, Alexander Wheeler.
4. Education. Ministers — J. Aspinwall Hodge, J. Ritchie Smith, John S. Allen ; Eider— John W. Skinner.
5. Publication. Ministers — Daniel N. Freeland, Ira S. Dodd, Charles P. Mallery ; Elder— Stanton Cady.
6. Church Erection. Ministers — William Hart Dexter, Willis W. Dowd, Lawrence P. Cummings ; Elder — Wi liarn C. Foote.
7. Ministerial Relief. Minister — Harris R. Schenck ; Elders— Ralph E. Prime, Edward Wells, John H. Dey, Alex- ander Wheeler, Richard R. Tvers.
ABSTRACTS. 1S9
8. Freedmen. Ministers — Manfred P. Welcher, J. Ritchie Smith, James G. Rodger; Elder — Rdmund S. Mills.
9. Temperance. Ministers — J. Ritchie Smith, Manfred P. Welcher; Elder — Stanton Cady.
10. Aid Jnr ColleQ.es and Academies. Ministers — Wilson Phraner, Charles W. Baird ; Elder— Oliver R. Willis.
11. Systematic Beneficence. Ministers — George W. F. Birch and Chairmen of Committees No. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10.
n. Sabbath Schools and Col-portage. Ministers — Freder- ick y. Barnum, Isaac L. Kip, Washington Choate ; Elders — Henry White, John G. Clark.
13. Prcsbytcrial Visitation. Ministers — John H. Eastman, Ira S. Dodd, Charles E. Allison ; Elders— Oliver R. Willis, Alexander Milne.
14. Manses. Elders — Stanton Cady, Harrison Teller, Alexander Wheeler.
15. Minutes of Synod and General Assembly. Delegates to those bodies.
II. EXAMINATIONS.
I Religious Experience and, Views in Seeking the Ministry. The Moderator.
2. Languages. Ministers — J. Ritchie Smith, Harris R. Schenck, John H. Eastman,
3. Philosopity, Astronomy and Rhetoric. Ministers — George Nixon, Charles E. Allison, Willis W. Dowd.
4. Systematic Theology. Ministers — Wilson Phraner, Ed- gar L. Heermance, Richard P. H. Vail, J. Ritchie Smith.
5. Church History, Church Government and Sacraments. Ministers — J. Aspinwall Hodge, John Reid, Charles E. Lindsley.
6. Constitution , Government and Discipline of the Presby- terian Church. Ministers — J. Aspinwall Hodge, John Reid, Charles E. Linclsley.
DELEGATES TO THE SYNOD.
Ministers — Principals: James H. Hoyt, Henry A. Daven- port, William J. dimming, Charles E. Allison, Wilson Phraner, Frederick S. Barnum, Harris R. Schenck, Thorn- ton M. Niven, Jr. ; alternates — William Hart Dexter, Daniel N. Freeland, George Nixon, Irving E.White, Edgar L. Heer- mance, Edward F. Bromrield, John H. Hobbs, John S. Allen.
Elders — Principals : Alexander Wheeler, Ralph E. Prime, John G. Clark, Stanton Cady, Sanford R. Knapp, Edward F. Parsons, Tohn W. Skinner, Robert W. Lounsbury ; alter- nates— John H. Dey, G. Charles Benedict, Caleb E. Garey, Richard R. Tyers, Charles H. Randall, John Watson, John Callan, Albert Chamberlain.
1 HO AU8TKAOTS,
SPECIAL COMMITTEES.
Committee to Advise with the, Church at Portchester. (Ab- stracts, p. 187.)
Committee, to Prepare a History of the Presbytery. Min- isters— Charles \V. Baird, Wilson Phraner, Edgar L. He r- mance.
Committee on Change of Name of Potts Memorial Church. Minister — Wilson Phraner; Elders—Edward Wells, David F. Hollister. Ralph E. Prime.
Committee to Examine the Records of the Presbytery and Re-codify the by-laws. Ministers — William f. Cumming, George W. F. Birch, Charles W. Baird ; Elder— Ralph E. Prime.
Committee on Abstracts. Ministers — William J. Cumming. J. Ritchie Smith ; Elder— Edward Wells.
PUBLIC MEETINGS.
Tuesday evening the retiring Moderator, Rev. Charles E. Allison, preached from Luke 4: 16-22, on Chirst at Church.
Wednesday evening, Rev. Harris R. Schenck and Elder Ralph E. Prime delivered addresses on Ministerial Relief, and Rev. J. Aspinwall Hodge on "The Catechism in the Sun- dav School." A discussion of the methods of securing the study <>f the International Lessons by church members gen- erally followed.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES.
The Committee on Church Extention reported — That they had rendered financial assistance to three churches, viz. : South East Center, $500, towards the payment of debt ; West Farms, $250. and Huguenot Memorial, $200, and that, by the direction of the Presbytery, they had promised $200 to the church at Throgg's Neck. Expenditures during the past year, $1,028; 21 of our 40 churches contributed $744.44. The treasury has been overdrawn to the extent of $48.37. The Committee was authorized to appropriate $100 to maintain a service in the church at Somerstown Plains. The Committee on Foreign Missions reported — That the churches of this Presbytery had increased their contributions to Foreign Missions by $2,974. making a total of $10,282, Of 40 churches there are but two delinquents. The Committee recommend the development of the habit of systematic giving, and call attention to the action of the General As- sembly. Resolutions 7, 8 and 10. (Minutes p. 55J The Committee on Education reported —
That 9 churches contributed nothing to education. Amount contributed. $736.51, an increase of $97.99 as compared with last year. The Committee called attention to the action of the General Assembly. Resolutions 3 and 4. (Minutes p. 71 and 72. ) Messrs. William Gardner. Robert R. White, Wil- liam J. Millar, O. Edward Loe and James K. Phillips were recommended to the Board of Education for aid.
The Committee on Publication called attention To the falling off in contributions to the extent of $67. The non-contribu- ting churches number 12. The Committee commend to our ministers and elders the publications of the Board, especially those for Sunday schools.
ARSTRACT8. 101
The Committee on Ministerial Relief roported — A contribution from the churches of this Presbytery of $1,521, the largest in our history. There are 7 non-contributing churches. The following was adopted :
Resolved, That the sessions within the bounds of this Presbytery be earn- estly urged, both through their pastors and elders, to make presentation of the claims of this cause before their respective congregations, taking up for it at least one collection in each year.
The Committee on Freedmen reported —
#955 contributed, a decrease of #282 as compared with last year. There are 6 non-contributing churches. The following resolutions were adopted:
Resolved. \ . That every session should give the congregation under its care an opportunity to contribute to every Board. Every church should bear its part, however small, in the work among the Freedmen.
2. It is the duty of the pastors to bring before their people, from time to time, the various Boards of the church, the nature of their work, their condi- tions and their needs, The cause of the Freedmen should be presented to every congregation.
3. The benevolence of our Sabbath schools, the claims of the Boards of our own church should be first considered. It is not seemly that large sums should be given to other agencies, while our own work is in great need. We remind our Sabbath schools that multitudes of colored children need the Bible and the school.
4. Upon all who have at heart the interests of the nation and the church we urge the claims of this people, who sorely need the gifts, the prayers, the labors of the church of God.
The Committee on Sabbath Schools reported —
An increase of 16 officers, 27 teachers, but a decrease of 552 scholars and 93 in attendance. They call attention to the following action of the last Gen- eral Assembly. (Minutes p. 66) :
"7. * * * And we especially request Presbyteries and sessions,
* * * * to particularly enjoin the observance or Children's Day on the second Sabbath in June.
'• 8. We again emphasize the importance of the supervision of the Sabbath school work and the selection of officers and teachers and the general conduct of the school by sessions of the respective churches, and particularlv enjoin careful instruction in the distinctive denominational features of our' church government."
The Committee on Presbyterial Visitation made the follow- ing recommedations, which weie adopted :
1. That the system of a triennial visitation of our churches be continued, and that in order to the more thorough working of the system, the churches be divided into three groups, one group to be visited each vear.
2. That the Day of Prayer be observed this season, as in former years, and that the Lord's Supper be observed in connection with the services of the day.
The Committee on Manses reported —
Repairs to the manses of the Bridgeport, Croton Falls, Gilead, Peekskill, First. Rye and Sing Sing churches.
The Committee on the Minutes of the General Assembly call attention
i. To report of Permanent Committee of Arrangements for the One Hun- dredth General Assembly (Minutes p. 16 and 17.)
2. To action respecting new consolidated magazine, (p. 37 ', lor and 102).
3. To the recommendation respecting infant baptism (p. 38).
4. To resolutions respecting pastor-elect and stated supplies (p. 56).
5. To a recommendation connected with the Chinese question (p. 82, sec. 3). 6 To recommendations from the Standing Committee on Benevolence (p.
91,92. 112).
192
ABSTRACTS.
7. To recommendations of Special Committee on Concert of Prayer (p. 94 and 95).
8. To the adoption of two overtures : (1) Of the Worship of God by Offer- ings (p. 104 and 106), and (2) As to Term-service of Deacons (p. 108).
9. To overtures sent down to the Presbyteries (p. .38 and 80).
10. To action about Suuday newspapers (p. 114).
On recommendation, the following action was taken : We urge upon our pastors, elders and families to make special effort to place a copy of the new magazine in each household of the Presbytery.
The Committee on Systematic Beneficence reported —
An increase of $2,316 in contributions to the Boards, a decrease of $8,330 aud $487 in congregational and miscellaneous, respectively. The total for 1885 and 1886 are $146, 168 and $139,667. The statistical reports for 1886 show 91 blanks The following recommendations were adopted:
Resolved, 1. That the churches are hereby recommened to set apart the first Sabbath of December as the time for service in the interest of systematic and proportionate giving.
3. That this Presbytery recommends the formation of organizations in the churches in the interest of proportionate giving.
3. That this Presbytery will make an earnest endeavor to raise the amount of its offerings to the Board at least 10 per cent above those of last year. The Committee on Temperance recommended —
That the Presbytery adopt as its own the following action of the General Assembly. Resolutions 6, 7, 9 and 10. {Minutes p. 236.)
The reports given above were adopted.
The Retiring Committee on Bill and Overture? reported as
follows :
The Committee report the following proposed assessment to meet the ex- penses of Presbytery and its portion of that higher higher courts — one-third of the amount needed being distributed among the churches according to the num- ber of communicants and two-thirds according to the amount contributed for congregational purposes, exclusive of that raised for extensive repairs or new buildings :
Bedford $20
Bethany 20
Bridgeport 40
Croton Falls 7
Darien 5
Dayspring . . 10
Gilead 9
Greenburgh 30
Greenwich 10
Hartford 27
Huguenot Memorial 5
Irvington 35
Katonah 10
Mahopac Falls 18
Mt. Kisco 16
New Rochelle 35
New Haven .... 7
North Salem 3
Patterson 13
Peekskill, First 40
Peekskill. Second. 15
Pleasantville 5
Portchester. . 16
Potts1 Memorial 18
Poundridge 7
Riverdale 15
Rye 45
Sing Sing 47
South East 6
South East Centre ... 12
South Salem 16
Stamford 50
Thompsonville 28
Throgg's Neck 10
Tremont, 16
Westminster 40
White Plains 20
Yonkers, First 60
Yorktown 15
West Farms . 10
It was ordered that the report be printed for information, and action thereon be deferred until the next stated meeting-.
ABSTRACTS. 1 93
The Committee on Bills and Overtures reported —
Recommending that the first of the two overtures be answered in the affirm- ative and that no answer was required to the second. Adopted.
The special Committee to visit the church at Portchester (Abstract p. 1S7) reported —
To sum up in few words the conclusion to which we have come :
First -The the difficulty has no substantial basis. It has sprung from mis- representation and misunderstanding, and Christian brethren should not al- low these to keep them apart.
Second — In the course of our examination, nothing has been developed that reflects upon the Christian character or good name of any one of the parties concerned.
We now offer the following suggestions :
First - It is essential that first the session be at peace with themselves.
Second — It is further of high importance that harmony thus restored to the session, should prevail, likewise, among the people.
Third We recommend that at a meeting called for the purpose, or better, at the weekly prayer service, the thoughts of the people should be turned toward the need <f harmony and brotherly love.
The report was adopted and the Committee continued.
PLACES OF MEETINGS.
Intermediate Meeting at Dobb's Ferry on third Tuesday of January.
Spring Stated Meeting at Peekskill (Second Church) on third Tuesday of April.
The Sessions of the churches were appointed Committess of Arrangements.
APPROPRIATIONS.
Somerstown Plains, $100.
MODERATORS OF VACANT CHURCHES.
North Salem — Rev. Robert P. Gibson. South Salem — Rev. John H. Eastman.
MISCELLANEOUS
Rule 29 was postponed until the intermediate Meeting.
Consideration of overtures from General Assembly was postponed until the Intermediate Meeting, and Rev. Messrs. J. Aspinwall Hodge and Wilson Phraner were appointed to open the discussion on the first. (Minutes of General As- sembly, p. 38. )
The following standing rule was proposed :
The Stated Clerk shall now and every three years hereafter, procure a list of ruling elders of all the churches in this Presbytery, and that he print said list with the abstracts of the minutes, and that their names lie arranged in alpha*' betical order under the respective names of the several churches.
Records of Sessions, not examined at Fall Stated Meeting, are to be presented at the Intermediate Meeting.
Report of Committee on Church Erection was postponed until the Intermediate Meeting.
104 ABSTRACTS.
Report of Committee on Home Missions was returned to the Committee for amendment.
W. J. Cumming,
Stated Clerk,
Yorktown, N. Y. Rev. George VV. F. Birch,
Permanent Clerk and Treasurer, 184 Willis ave., New York City.
RULING ELDERS IN THE PRESBYTERY OF WESTCHESTER.
BEDFORD.
John G. Clark, David Travis,
Daniel B. Finch, James H. Trowbridge,
St. John Owen, Albert Williamson.
BETHANY.
George M. Jacques, Clerk, Ira G. Lane.
BRIDGEPORT.
David pr. Hollister, Alexander Wheeler.
Richard H. Townsend, Clerk,
CROTON FALLS.
George W. Abrams. Jabez Moses.
Albert Chamberlain,
DARIEN.
Lewis E. Clock, Benj. Weed, Clerk.
James C. Jones,
DAYSPKING.
John H. Cutbill, William Smith, Clerk.
Thomas Hope,
.GILEAD
William H. Foster, Clerk. Harrison Travis.
GREENBURGH.
Campyon Cutter, Edmund S. Mills,
Benjamin Lynt, Richard R. Tyers.
GREENWICH.
Shadrach M Brush, Clerk, Timothy S. Pinneo, M.D., Edward B. Christy, Garrick S. Scofield.
HARTFORD. George W. Carpenter, Alexander Spence,
Alexander Curry, W. Howard Stockwell,
Joseph Parks, John Watson.
ABSTRACTS. 195
HUGUENOT MEMORIAL.
John H. Dey, Joseph K. Johnson.
Nathan Johnson,
IRVINGTON.
George A. Chamberlain, John T. Terry.
Christopher Prince, M.D.,
KATONAH.
Joseph Barrett, J. Francis Chapman, M.D.,
Clerk.
MAHOPAC FALLS.
Samual A. Appel, James F. Kennard,
John H. Badeau, Robert W. Lounsbury,
Joshua L. Dean, Samuel M. Lounsbury.
MT. KISCO.
Joseph H. Crane, Harrison Teller, M.D., Clerk.
Edward Crosby, M.D.,
NEW HAVEN.
Archibald Gardner, George Petrie, Clerk.
Alexander Gibson,
NEW ROCHELLE.
Henry M. Lester, David E. Renoud,
James Meyers, John G. Ross.
NORTH SALEM.
G. Charles Benenict, Clerk, Daniel D. Smith. James O. Eggleston,
PATTERSON.
James G. Gerow, Orson W. Sloat.
James A. Merritt, Clerk.
PEEKSKILL, FIRST.
Uriah Hill, Cornelius A. Pugsley,
Sanford R. Knapp, Clerk, Isaac Varian. Seth H. Mead,
PEEKSKILL, SECOND.
Morris E. Clinton, Charles C. Knight. M.D.,
Milton Frost, Clerk, Joseph H. McDonald,
Ephraim D. Fuller, M.D., Henry A. Purdy.
PORTCHESTlili.
A. M. Drummond, Nathan C. Pond,
John Miller, Jr., William H. Scofield.
POTT'S MEMORIAL.
Alexander Eraser, Herbert A. Lee,
Joseph IS. Ives, Henry W. Shaw.
1'96 ABSTRACTS.
PLEASANTVILLE.
Willet C. Brown, William H. Gates.
POUNDRIDGE.
Frank N. Morton, Joseph Scofield.
Daniel B. Rockwell, Clerk,
RIVRRDALE.
Henry W. Law, Clerk, Warren B. Sage.
RYE.
George D. Cragin, Edward P. Whittemore.
William H. Parsons, Clerk,
SING SING.
Stanton Cady, Clerk, John F. Miller,
David A. Holbrook, Daniel E. Provost.
Charles F„ Maurice,
SOUTH EAST.
J Hawley Hayt, Thomas S. Lawrence, Clerk.
SOUTH EAST CENTRE.
(reorge M. Cole, James O. Weed,
Alexander F. Lobdell, Warren S. Paddock, Clerk.
SOUTH SALEM.
Edwin Bouton, Webster B. Hull, Clerk.
Tnomas Gilbert,
STAMFORD.
Louis S. Begent, Clarence L. Reid,
John Clark, Thomas G. Ritch, Clerk,
Moses M. Hobby, Wells R. Ritch. Alexander Milne,
THOMPSON VILLE.
David Brainard, Shubael Parsons,
John Law, Andrew Sloane.
Edw. F. Parsons, M.D., Clerk,
throgg's neck. Marvin R. Baxter, Charles H. Randall.
TREMONT.
Michael Bailey, Theodore E. Thomson.
Caleb E. Garey, Clerk,
WEST FARMS-
John Callan, (4eorge Edmiston.
WHITE PLAINS.
Lewis M. Fisher, Edwin A. Slosson,
Ezra M. Frost, Oliver R. Willis,
Orrin D. Kingsley, Samuel II. Wilson.
ABSTRACTS. 197
Y0NKER8, FIRST.
Lucius E. Clark, Walter Graves,
William C Foote, Clerk, Samuel D. Rockwell,
Theodore Gilman, J°hn W. Skinner.
YONKERS, WKS.TMIN.STKU .
James Biggerstaft*, Charles R. Otis,
John 11. Brown, Ralph E. Prime,
William McKim, John T. Sproull, Clerk. James R. McWilliam,
V (IRK TOWN.
Daniel H. Knapp, William L. Mead,
Elijah Lee, Henry White.
Enos Lee, Clerk,
W. J. CUMMING,
Stated Clerk,
Yorktown, N. V.
ABSTRACTS. 1 99
INTERMEDIATE MEETING.
Dobbs Ferry, N. Y.. January 18, 1887.
Present — 22 Ministers and 15 Elders. %
Rev. Joseph Greenleaf was dismissed to the Presbytery of
Hudson.
Arrangements were made for the ordination and installa-
lion of Licentiate Arthur Requa us pastor of the Darien church.
Time, January 24th, 7:30 v. M. The Moderator to preside and propound the constitutional questions. Sermon — Rev. Isaac L. Kip; alternate, Rev. Henry A. Davenport. Ordaining prayer — The Moderator. Charge to the pastor— Rev. D. Requa Foster, of the Presbytery of New Brunswick ; alternate, Rev. J. Aspinwall Hodge. Charge to the people — Rev. J. Ritchie Smith; alternate. Rev. Charles E. Allison.
Arrangements were made lor the installation of Rev.
Robert P. Gibson at Croton Kails.
Time February 3rd, 7 i'. M. Sermon — Rev. John H. Eastman; alternate, Rev. William Hart Dexter. Charge to pastor — Rev. Wilson Phraner ; alter- nate, Rev. Edgar S. Heermance. Charge to the people — Rev. James H. Hoyt; alternate, Rev. Isaac L. Kip
The preparation of a History of the Presbytery was referred to Rev. Charles VV. Baird, Historian of the Presbytery.
The Elder-Moderator overtures (Minutes of General Assembly, 1886, p. 80) were answered in the affirmative.
Committee on Home Missions repotted as follows :
Resolved. 1. That the Presbytery of Westchester heartily commends to the patronage of the churches within its bounds the new united magazine of the church and requires the session of each church to see to it, that the claims of the church to have this magazine in every Presbyterian household, arc duly presented to the end that the people may have an opportunity to sub- scribe for and obtain the magazine, and thereby become fully informed of and interested in not one only, but all the forms of our church work and benevo- lence.
Resolved. 2. That the Presbytery of Westchester commends its Church Extension Committee and the Board of Home Missions of the Presbyterian Church for their work respectively in founding new Presbyterian Churches in any part of our land, and as well in New England, wherever a reasonable number of Presbyterians in the Providence of God are called to settle and live and make their homes in places where they find not the privileges for them- selves and their children of Presbyterian sanctuaries, preaching, order, and government
The Stated Clerk was directed to have prepared a new register, properly ruled and headed, which shall contain rolls of Ministers, Licentiates, Candidates, Churches, Trus- tees of Presbytery, Permanent Officers and Installations.
A convention of Elders of this Presbytery was appointed to be held in the Westminster church, Yonkers, N. Y., on Feb- ruary 24th, at 1 p. m., in the interest of Ministerial Relief, to Hj addressed by Rev. William C. Cattell, Secretary of the Board of Ministerial Relief.
Rev. Messrs. Thornton M. Niven, Ira S. Dodd, Charles E. Allison and Elders Richard R. Tyers, Milton J. Frost,
200 ABSTRACTS.
Harrison Teller, M. D., were appointed a committee to visit the church at Mahopac Falls.
The matter of change of name of the churches at Brevvsters and Westchester was referred to the Trustees of Presbytery.
appropriation,
Pelham Manor— $150 from treasury of Church Extention Committee.
W. J. Cumminc;,
Stated Clerk. George W. F. Bikch,
Permanent Clerk.
ADJOURNED MEETING.
NoiiOTON, Conn., January 24, 1S87.
Present — 5 Ministers and 2 Elders.
Licentiate Arthur Requa was ordained to the Gospel min* istry and installed pastor of the Darien church.
W.J. Cum Ming,
Stated Clerk. George W. F. Birch,
Permanent Clerk,
SPECIAL MEETING.
Mount Kisco, N. Y., March 1, 18S7.
Present— 17 Ministers and 9 Elders.
Pastoral relation existing between Rev, Addison D. Ma- deira and the church at Mt. Kisco was dissolved, to take effect March 13, 1887.
Rev. Messrs. J. Aspinwall Hodge, Wilson Phraner, John Reid, Irving E. White and Elder Edward P. Whittemore were appointed a committee to prepare an appropriate minute and to arrange ior a memorial service of Rev. Charles W. Baird, deceased.
M .DERATORS OF VACANT CHURCHES,
Mount Kisco— Rev. John H. Eastman. Rye — Rev. William Life.
W. J. Gumming,
Stated Clerk. George W. F. Birch,
Permanent Clt rk ■
ABSTRACTS. 201
SPRING STATED MEETING.
Peekskill, N. Y., April 19-21, 1887.
Present — 3 j. Ministers and 26 Elders.
Rev. William Hart Dexter was elected Moderator and Rev. Edward C. Moore and Elder Sanford R. Knapp Temporary Clerks.
Rev. Andrew B. Morse received from the Presbytery of Lyons.
COMMITTEE-.
Bills and Overture*. Ministers — Manfred P. Welcher, John H. Eastman, Charles E. Allison ; Elders — Frank N. Horton, Thomas S. Lawrence.
Judicial Business. Ministers — Henry A. Davenport, J. Aspinwall Hodge, Ira S. Dodd ; Elders— Milton Frost, Charles R. Otis.
Leave of Absence. Minister — Arthur Requa ; Elder — Edward Crosby.
Finance. Elders — Richard H. Townsend, John Watson.
Committee on Narrative. Minister — Thornton M. Niven ; alternate, Irving E. White.
COMMISSIONERS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
Ministers. Principals — Wilson Phraner, William B. Waller, Willis N. Dowd ; alternates — Charles E. Allison, J. Ritchie Smith, Daniel N Freeland.
Elders. Principals — Frank N. Horton, Milton Frost, Henry White : alternates — Stanton Cady, Richard R. Tyers, Harrison Travis.
TMUSTEE8 OF PRESBYTERY.
Ministers— Rollin A. Sawyer, Richard P. II. Vail, Thorn- ton M. Niven, Isaac L. Kipp ; Elders — Edward Wells, Uriah Hill, William H. Parsons, Thomas Gr. Ritch, Benjamin Weed.
Historian of Presbytery — Rev. William J. dimming. PUBLIC MEETINGS.
Tuesday evening the retiring Moderator, Rev. Manfred P. Welcher, preached from Acts 13:36 — "For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep."
Wednesday evening Rev. Henry Kendall, Secretary of the Board of Home Missions, delivered an address on Home- Missions.
MEMORIAL SERVICE.
A memorial service of the late Rev. Charles W. Baird, D. D., was held on Wednesday afternoon at 3 p. m. Rev. Wil-
202 ABSTRACTS.
son Phraner presided and read the following resolutions: —
" Whereas, God, in His Providence, has taken from us our beloved brother and fellow Presbyter, Rev. Charles W. Baird, D. D. The Presbytery of Westchester desires to place upon record its deep sense of affliction and loss in the removal of this brother beloved. Therefore
Resolved. I. That in the death of the Rev. Dr. Baird. the members of this Presbytery experience individually the grief of a personal affliction and a profound sense of loss in the removal of one who occupied a central place in our hearts and whose loving christian fellowship has ever been to us an inspiration and benediction.
Resolved. 2. That Presbytery takes pleasure in recording not only its high appreciation of the qualities of personal character — the marked conscien- tiousness and fidelity as well as the Christian gentleness, courtesy, and urbanity which in so eminent a degree characterized our brother, but also of his faithfulness aud value of his influence, the wisdom of his counsels and the fervor of his prayers, by which he contributed so much to the satisfaction and profit of our meetings of Presbytery.
Resolved. 3. That the Presbytery desires to express its sincere and heart- felt sympathy with the afflicted family circle, from which the beloved husband and father and brother has been taken, and also with the bereaved session and church and congregation, from whom one of the best of friends and wisest of counselors, as also one of the most laborious and faithful and efficient of pastors has been taken away.
Resolved. 4. That in the death of Rev. Dr. Baird the community and church at large have occasion to mourn the loss of one whose eminent and exact scholarship and whose indefatigable diligence and industry have accom- plished much in the way of investigating and preserving important historical facts, not only as pertaining to the churches of our own Presbytery and of our county, but whose investigations have been of great value to the church and country at large and whose reputation and work as an historian has been not only an honor to the Presbytery, but of important service to the cause and kingdom of our Lord and Saviour.
Resolved. 5 That these resolutions be placed upon the minutes of the Presbytery and a copy of them be sent to the family of our deceased brother.
Papers were read by Rev. Messrs. J. Aspinwall Hpdg-e and John Reid, and an address delivered by Rev. Richard P. H. Vail.
LICENSURES.
Messrs. James K. Phillips, James \V. Dow, and John Dun- lap after examination were licensed to preach the Gospel.
Licentiate James K. Phillips was dismissed to the Presbytery of Cayuga.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES.
Committee on Finance reported —
That they had examined the Treasurer's account and had found it correct. Adopted.
The Committee to visit Mahopac Falls reported — That they had performed the duty assigned them on February 2nd and 3rd and, after a conference with the parties interested, had made to them follow- ing reccommendations which had been accepted by the Session unanimously :
1. That all charges and the pending appeal should be withdrawn and records expunged.
2. That the Session take Constitutional steps by which the present Elders may cease to act as Ruling Elders in this congregation on the election and installation of new EldeiS,
ABSTRACTS. 2CV}
3. That the congregation at once proceed to the election of a new bench of Elders,
4. That no person ai cept the office of Elder, unless he shall obtain the suf- frages of at least two-thirds of the electors.
5. Th;it the congregation consider the adoption of the rotary or term ser- vice Ol Elders, Adopted.
Committee on Church Extention report recommending —
1. That the petition for the organization of a church at Oscawana bake be not granted
2. That the matter of a church service at Oscawana Lake be referred to the Commiitee on Church Extention.
3. That the Preybytery endorse the Synod's plan of sustentation, and that the Presbytery recommend it to our churches and urge them to liberal contri- butions to the Synodical Aid Fund, in as much as this takes the place of two collections, those for Sustentation and Presbyterial Church Extention.
4. This Presbytery most heartily commends the churches at New Haven and Greenwich to the Christian sympathy and generous assistance of those whom God has made stewards of His substance. Adopted
Committee on Narrative reported- Reports have been received from all our forty churches. Thirty-four of these churches have pastors, two have recently chosen pastors, two have recently become vacant by the resignation and one by the death of the pastor, and one only (North Salem) has been vacant for any length of time.
I. Public Worship— All have been regularly and fully supplied with preach- ing during the year, except North Salem. Attendance upon worship is re- ported as stationary by fourteen of our churches. Only three speak of smaller 1 congregations, the rest rejoice in increasing audiences. There is no marked neglect of the means of Grace by communicants. A large proportion of the children aud youth in most of our congregations attend public worship. In very few ef our churches is there a larger proportion than one-third of nOn • professors of religion
II. Sunday Schools — Sunday schools are maintained in connection with all our churches and, with two exceptions, are maintained during the entire year. In the great majority of our communities most of the children are brought into the Sunday school, but many youth and adults are not reached. The Shorter Catechism is taught in three-fourth of our schools and the Westminster Lesson Helps are used in all but six or seven. Nine mission schools are maintained beside the church schools.
III. Meetings for Prayer — These meetings seem to be in a "normal" condi- tion. Attendance of church members from one-sixth to one-half. About half our churches have a regular service in the interest of mission work. Young people's meetings are maintained by ten churches. Two societies of " Chris- tian Endeavour11 have been organized, and pastors are enthusiastic over the results. Ladies' prayer meetings are sustained in a few instances. With many indications of deepening interest, the reports, as a whole, lead to a con- viction that the Sessions of about half of our churches may well inquire whether the prayer meeting is what it might and ought to be.
IV. Family II 'orship—Thz condition of things is not at all different from last year. The reports are expressed in very general terms and do not indicate any definite knowledge about the matter. Christian parents seem to be faith- ful in presenting their children for baptism, and these family duties are urged with <.\\w fidelity. There is a good supply of Christian literature in our homes, but an evident lack of systematic religious instruction. The Lord's covenant is honored.
v . Benevolence — This department of church work furnishes abundant occa- sion for encouragement, owing no doubt to the earnest and faithful efforts ol our Presbyterial Committee on Systematic Beneficence. The great majority ol our churches contribute l>y established methods to all our Hoards, and
2C»4 ABSTRACTS.
growth is manifested in larger giving. The women are thoroughly organized and there is encouragement all along the line.
VI. Revivals — No marked religious interest with the exception of our churches tn the city of Yonkers. Yet there have not been wanting many signs of healthful spiritual condition and wholesome advance. In Yonkers all three of our churches have been greatly blessed.
VII. Watch and Care — The Sessions of our churches have been usually faithful. In several instances heavy responsibilities have developed upon them, owing to the absence of pastors, and they are deserving of hearty com- mendation for fidelity. Only two cases of discipline are reported, and in one of these the Session report that the effect, both upon the individual and the congregation, has been most beneficial.
VIII. Miscellaneous -The financial obligations of our congregation with but few exceptions are met promptly and cheerfully. Sabbath desecration, worldly amusements, the fashionable follies of the day, sbsorbtion in business, religion in form but not in power, church controversies, intemperance are mentioned as obstructing church work. The cause of temperance attracts increasing attention in nearly all our congregations. Gospel methods of advancing it are used with good effect. The church by many is considered a sufficient organization to help forward this and all other moral reforms. But the women in many ot our churches co-operate heartly in the works of the W. T. C. U., and it receives warm commendation from many of our pastors. In some of our Sunday schools the children have been organized into temperance bands with good effect. Adopted.
Committee on Judicial Business reported —
i. That the reported election of an Elder by the Session of Mahopac Falls church is not valid and there is no such representative.
2. That the recommendations of the Committee to visit Mahopac Falls, which were acceded to by the existing Session and by Elders severally, be fully car- ried out— to the effect that those persons elected to the eldership by two-thirds majority be the Elders in said church and be duly installed.
3. That Rev. Harris R. Schenck remain as pastor of the church at Mahopac Falls for the present.
Recommendations Nos. 1 and 2 were adopted, and as a substitute for No. 3 the following was adopted : —
That Presbytery advise Mr. Schenck to accept the call to Mt. Kisco.
Committee on Abstracts reported —
1 That the minutes be printed in full and that a copy be sent to each Min- ister and Elder, under the care of the Presbytery.
2. That one printed copy, duly authenticated by the signature of the Stated Clerk, be preserved as the permanent records of the proceedings of the Presbytery.
3. That such copy be sent to the Higher Court for review. Adopted.
Committee on Standing Rules reported the following rules : PROPOSED STANDING RULES.
OF MEETINGS.
1 . The Stated Meetings of the Presbytery shall be held on the third Tues- day of April and the first Tuesday of October in each year. The Intermediate Meetings shall be held on the third Tuesday of January and the third Tuesday of June in each year.
2. The Session of the church, in which the meeting is to be held, shall con- stitute a Committee of Arrangements for that meeting
3. At every Stated meeting the Presbytery shall spend the first hour of each morning Session in devotional exercises.
OF MINISTERS.
4. Every Minister, coming to this Presbytery on certificate from another Presbvterv. may, in the discretion of the Presbytery, be examined on experi-
ABSTRACTS. 205
mental religion, theology and church government: and every ordained Minis- ter,coming from a denomination in correspondence with the General Assembly, shall he required to answer affirmatively the first seven questions in the Form of Government, Chap. XV, which are put to our own Licentiates, when about to be ordained.
OK LICENTIATES.
5. Every Licentiate, coming to this Presbytery on certificate from another Presbytery, may in the discretion of the Presbytery be examined as to his religious experience, and on theology and church government, and every Licentiate coming to this Presbytery from any denomination in correspondence with the General Assembly, shall be required to answer affirmatively the ques- tions in the Form of G< vernment, Chap. XIV, which are put to our candidates for licensure.
(it-' CANDIDATES
6. When a person shall be introduced to the Presbytery to be taken under its tare as a Candidate for the ministry, his application shall be referred to the Committee on Education.
7. Every Candidate shall be placed under the superintendence of a commit- tee, who shall carefully attend to his moral and intellectual improvement, and make a report of the same at every Fall Stated Meeting of Presbytery.
X. Examination for licensure or ordination at a Stated Meeting shall be the second order of the second day.
9. When Presbytery shall decide the trials of Candidates and Licentiates, they shall sit with closed doors.
10. The Latin Exegesis and Critical Exercise of Candidates shall be put into the hands of the Committee on Languages, and the other parts of trial into those of the Committee on Philosophy, Astronomy and Rhetoric, who shall examine them and report thereon to the Presbytery.
oi-" OFFICERS
it. The officers of the Presbytery shall be a Moderator, who shall be elected at each Stated Meeting, a Stated Clerk, a Permanent Clerk, and a Treasurer, who shall hold office during the pleasure of the Presbytery : but the Presbytery may assign the duties of the Treasurer to either of the Clerks. Besides these officers. Temporary Clerks may be appointed to serve at any of the meetings.
12. The Stated Clerk shall form and call the roll of each meeting, shall give notices of all meetings and the object, when special, to all Ministers and to the Clerks of Session of all vacant churches, shall receive all overtures and papers addressed to the Presbytery and present the same to the Presbytery for its action or for reference, shall make up a docket of business for each meet- ing, give all necessary notices to carry orders of Presbytery into effect, shall perform such duties as bj rule or usage of Presbytery, Synod or General Assembly are performed by the Stated Clerk, and such other duties as the l'i( isb) t ery shall prescribe. He shall index the minutes, make such perma- nent record of them, and from time to time print them or an abstract of them as the Presbytery may direct, and deliver a copy to each Minister in the Pres- bytery and to each Elder of the churches under its care. He shall also pre- pare, print, and deliver in like manner in every third year beginning with 1886, a list of all the Elders of the churches arranged in alphabetical order, but under tha names of ther respective churches.
13. The Permanent Clerk shall himself keep or cause to be kept by a Tem- pory Clerk, if the Presbytery appoint such clerk, a correct record and minute of all business transacted by the Presbytery and shall, within seven days, after tin- close oi each meeting, deliver such record to the Stated Clerk.
14. The Treasurer, or the clerk acting as Treasurer, shall receive the moneys ot the Presbyter) and disburse the same as directed by the Presbytery or by the Standing Rules of the Presbytery. At each Fall Stated Meeting he shall present, in writing, a report of receipts and disbursements during the
206 ABSTRACTS.
year ending, with the vouchers for all payments made by him, and the same shall be referred to the Committee on Finance.
15. The salaries of the Stated and Permanent Clerks and Treasurer and their disbursements for blanks, stationery, postage, etc., and also personal ex- penses of the Stated Clerk in attending special meetings of the Presbytery shall he audited and paid by the Treasurer out of the moneys belonging to the Presbytery.
OF COMMITTERS.
16. At each Stated Meeting there shall be appointed committees —
(1.) On Bills and Overtures. (2.) On Judicial Business. (3.) On Leave of absence.
17. At the Fall Stated Meeting there shall also be appointed committees :
( 1 .) On Finance.
(2.) On the Narrative.
(3.) On the Sessional Records of each Church.
18. At the Fall Stated Meeting of every even numbered year there shall be appointed by the Presbytery, on the nomination of a committee appointed at the previous Intermediate Meeting, the following standing committees —
FOR EXAMINATIONS. (I.) Religious Experience and Views in Seeking the Ministry.
ON THE WORK OK THR CHURCH.
(1.) Home Missions.
(2.) Foreign Missions.
(3.) Education.
(4.) Church Erection.
(5.) Ministerial Relief.
(6.) Freedmen.
(7.) Sabbath Schools.
(8.) Temperance.
(9.) Aid for Colleges.
(10.) Publication.
(11.) Systematic i5eneneence.
(12.) Church Extention.
(23.) Presbyterial Visitation.
(14.) Manses.
(2.) Languages.
(3.) Philosophy, Astronomy, and Rhetoric.
(4.) Systematic Theology.
(5.) Church History, Church Gov- ernment, and Sacraments.
(5.) Constitution, Government, and Discipline of the Presbyterian Church.
19. The Commissioners to the General Assembly and the Delegates to the Synod shall be committees on the minutes of those judicatories for the ses- sions, for which they are respectively elected.
20. The standing committees on the work of the church shall always report in writing at the Fall Stated Meeting, and at such other times as their busi- ness may require or the Presbytery may direct. Such committees severally shall bring to the attention of the churches, their pastors and sessions, all the deliverances of the General Assembly, Synod, and Presbytery, concerning the department of church work cared for by the respective committees, and shall, at suitable seasons, communicate with and obtain from the Session of each church information after what manner each church is forwarding department work.
21. The Committee on the Narrative shall present a report at the Spring Stated Meeting.
22. The Committee on Church Extention shall present an itemized state- ment of the receipts and disbursements at the Fall Stated Meeting.
23. Each member of a committee shall be entitled to the privileges of the floor when any report of his committee or matter touching the work ot the committee shall be under consideration.
24. All committees shall be appointed by the Moderator, unless herein or otherwise directed by the Presbytery.
OK COMMISSIONERS AND DELEGATES.
25. Commissioners to the General Assembly and Delegates to the Synod, and their alternates shall be elected by ballot at the Stated Meeting next pre- ceding the meeting of die judicatory to which they are respectively commis-
ABSTRACTS. 207
sioned, .1 ma I all the votes cast b< ing necessar} to an election. Nomi-
nation therefor shall be the first order of the morning session of the second day, and election the first order of the afti the same day.
■< ,: 1 I - to the Synod after the adoption of this
rule, the whole number ol egates to which Presbytery shall be entitled,
shall be chosen. Ofthose so chosen, the halfin number of the Ministers and the
the Ruling- Elders, who shall have received the greatest number
of votes, shall be Dele two years, and die other half of each shall be
tes for om pea d thereafter at each Fall Staled .Meeting an equal
number of Minister and Rul rs shall be elected Delegates to the Synod
forafull term 61 two 111 the place of those whose term as Del
will then expire. Whenever the number of Delegates to the Synod from the
terj shall increase 01 diminish or vacancies shall occur. Presbytery
ku the two classes ol Delegates, whose term shall expire in
rent ars, shall be as nearly as possible of equal numbers and each class
oi an equal number of Ministers and Ruling Elders.
( (F (in RCH SESSIONS.
27. The Session of each church shall, at least ten days before each Spring Slated Meeting of the Pre&bytery, send to the Committee on the Narrative a narrative of the state of religion in their church.
28. The Session of each church shall send to the Stated Clerk of the Pres- bytery, on or before the Spring Stated Meeting of the Presbytery, their statis- tical report.
29. The Session of each church shall, at the Fall Stated Meeting of the Presbytery, presenl theii records for 'examination.
OF VACANT CHURCHES.
30. Vacant churches shall pay supplies a suitable compensation.
31. it shall be disorderly lor any vacant church to employ itinejant preachers, whose credentials shall not have been submitted to some member of the Presbytery, or for any Minister to labor statedly in any of our churches, who does no) come under our jurisdiction, unless by special permission of the Presbytery at each Stated Meeting.
32. 'At each Stated Meeting of the Presbytery the list of vacant churches shall be lead, and a Minister shall lie appointed to act as Moderator of the Session of each ol the said churches, until the next Stated Meeting of the Presbytery.
33. In case am church becomes vacanl between the Stated Meetings oi the Presbytery, the Session ol such church shall call upon a neighboring Minister to act as Moderator until the next meeting oi the Presbytery, except in cases provided in the F 01 m of ( ;, >\ < rnm< ni .
OF ASSESSMENTS.
34. Each church shall paj annually at the Spring Stated Meeting to the urer <>i the Presbytery, for expenses of the Presbytery, Synod, and Gen- eral Assembly, the sum that shall have been apportioned to such church by the Presbytery.
\t each Spring Stated Meeting, all Ministers, not Pastors, shall be in- jated .ind shall make answer cone, ruin- their labor during the year past.
oi' RULES.
36. These rules may be altered or amended by a majorit) vote at any Staled Meeting; su< h alt< rations or amendments having been proposed in writing .a .1 previous Stated Meeting of Presbyter}
37. These rules may be suspended at anj time b) a two-thirds vote ot those
pre sent.
Action was postponed until th, next Stated Meeting in accordance with Rule 31 .
2oS ABSTRACT'S.
OVERTURES.
Overture from General Assembly (Minutes, 1886, p. 38) to strike out from Confession of Faith, Chapter xxiv, Section 4, the words — 'The man may not marry any oi his wite's kin- dred nearer in blood than be may of his own, nor the woman of her husband's kindred nearer in blood chan of her own " — was answered in the affimative.
Presbytery made objection to the payment of the deficiency of $2,100 of the late Permanent Committee on Temperance, from the Contingent Fund of the Assembly of 1887 (Minutes of General Assembly, 18S6, p. 235).
PLACES OF MEETINGS.
Intermediate, Tuesday, June 21 — Irvington, N. Y. Fall .Stated, Tuesday, October 4 — Sing Sing Sing, N. Y. Sessions of the churches were appointed Committees of Arrangements.
DISSOLUTIONS.
Rev. Charles P. Fagnani — Westminster, Yonkers, N. Y. — April 24, 1887.
Rev. Harris R. Schenck— Mahopac Falls, N. Y.— May 8, 1887.
INSTAI LATION.
Rev. Harris R. Schenck at Mount Kisco, N. Y. Time — Thursday, May 12, 7:30 P. M. To Preside — The Moderator.
Sermon — Rev. William B. Waller; alternate, Rev. Irving E. White. Charge to Pastor — Rev. Ira S. Dodd ; alternate, Rev. James H. Hoyt. Charge to People — Rev. Charles E. Allison ; alternate. Rev. Manfred P. Welcher.
APPR0PRIA7 ION.
Pleasantville, $300 from Sy nodical Aid Fund.
ASSESSMENT.
New Haven, $3.
MODERATORS OF SESSIONS OF VACANT CHURCHES.
North Salem — Rev. Robert P. Gibson. South Salem — Rev. John H. Eastman. Rye — Rev. William Life. Westminster — Rev. Edward C. Moore. Mahopac Falls — Rev. Robert P. Gibson.
MISCELLANEOUS.
The request of the Potts Memorial church that its name be changed to that of First Presbyterian church of Morrisania, was not granted.
Rev. Willis W. Dowd made request lor the dissolution of the pastoral relation existing between himself and the Port Chester church.
M'.sTKACTS.
209
It was ordered that the Port Chester church be cited to appear at the Intermediate Meeting, to he held at Irvington,
on June 2I8t, to show cntl.se why the request should not he
granted.
W. J, Cummins,
St a tcil Ckrk,
Ynrktnwn. N. V. George W. F. Birch,
Permanent Clerk an<1 Treasurer,*
184 Willis Ave,, New York City.
STATISTICAL REPORT
Churches
Miniates
I il< entlates
I andidates ,,
Elders ....
i beacons ..........
OK PRESftYTERV FOR THIS YEAR ENWNfJ MARCH 31, 1S87.
I 1 Added "i, Examination
60
6
13 141 46
Added on Certifii ate 1 otal Communicants Adults Baptised ... Infanta Baptised . . Sundaj School Membership,
CONTRIBUTIONS.
Missions, . Foreign Missions
EdUcadon
Publication
Church Erection Relief Fund .... I reedmen ...
$15,708 8,886
90I
637
3,341
1,536
1,117
320
38$
6.187 84
5.9S'
Sustentation $423
Aid t"i < Colleges ........ 666
General Assemblj 7^3
I ongregational ■ 105,358
Miscellaneous 13,995
otal
$iS».3*3
ABSTRACTS. 2IO
INTERMEDIATE MEETING.
Irvington, N. Y. June 21, 1887.
Present — 24 Ministers and 17 Ruling Elders.
Rev. John H. Eastman and Ruling Elder Sanford R. Knapp were elected Temporary Clerks.
Rev. William VV. Whipple was received from the Presby- tery of Schuyler.
Licentitate John S. Penman was received from the Presby- tery of New York.
Messrs William W. Ewing, Jr., Hugh L. Hodge, and Richard M. Hodge were received under the care of the Pres- byter}' as candidates for the ministry.
Arrangements were made for the organization of a church at Mt. Vernon, N. Y.
Time — June 23rd, 1887, 8 p m. Place— Union Hall, Mt. Vernon, N. Y. Committee — Ministers — John H. Eastman, William B. Waller, Charles E. Lindsley, John Reid, Daniel N. Freeland : Ruling Elders — William H. Par- sons, Henry M. Lester. Sermon — Rev. John H, Eastman; Rev. Charles E. Lindsley, alternate. To preside at the election of Ruling Elders and Deacons — Rev. William B Waller ; Rev- John Reid, alternate
Arrangements were made for the ordination of Licentiate
John S. Penman.
Time — June 29th, 1887, 7.30 p. m. Place — First Presbyterian church, Yonkers, N, Y. To preside and propound the constitutional question — The Moderator. Sermon — Rev. Lawrence P. Cumming; Rev. Henry M. Baird, alternate Charge — Rev. Erski'ne N. White; Rev. Isaac S. Davison, alter- nate.
Arrangements were made for the installation of Rev. Edward C. Moo.e. at Wesiminst r church, Yonkers, N. Y.
Time — June 30th, 1887. To preside and propound the constitutional questions — The Moderator. Sermon — Rev. George F. Moore; Rev. Samuel T. Carter, alternate. Charge to the Pastor — ReV. William E.Moore; Rev. John Reid, alternate. Charge to the People — Rev. John Dixon; Rev. Rollin A. Sawyer, alternate.
Rev. Willis W. Dowd was granted permission to withdraw request for the dissolution of the pastoral relation made at the Spring Stated Meeting.
The Committee on Publication made a report which was
accepted, adopted, and is as follows:
We recommend the adoption of the following resolution: Resolved, That this Presbytery commend " The Church at Home and Abroad" to all our families and urge upon our pastors and elders to make special effort to induce a larger subscription to it, as calculated to disseminate information most needed by all and to promote the desired grace of systematic beneficence.
211 ABSTRACTS.
Rev. Messrs. William J. Cumming and Harris R. Schenck and Ruling Elder Stanton Cady were appointed a committee to draft a plan for collecting the Presbytery's share of the Centenary Fund, recommended by the General Assembly.
appropriations .
North Salem, $125 for six months from Synodical Aid Fund.
Rev. Robert P. Gibson, $100 for one year for services held at Somers, from Synodical Aid Fund.
W. J. Cumming, Stated Clerk. George W. F. Birch, Permanent Clerk.
ADJOURNED MEETING.
Yonkers, N. Y., June 29, 1887.
Present — 8 Ministers and 1 Ruling Elder. Rev. Charles E. Allison was elected Clerk pro tern. Licentiate John S. Penman was ordained as an evangelist according to the direction of Presbytery.
W. J. Cumming,
Stated Clerk,
Yorktown, N. Y. George W. F. Birch,
Permanent Clerk and Treasurer,
184 Willis Ave., New York City.