Or PRi^^

I* MAY 161910 *i

Division -BX^S^i Section '^SAV

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING.

ACTS AND PROCEEDINGS

^yipd of tl\e r otorqkd

REFORMED CHURCH

UNITED STATES,

CONVENED IN CONVENTION,

HANOVER, PA, OCTOBER, 1874.

PHILADELPHIA: REFORMED CHURCH PUBLICATION BOARD, No. 907 ARCH STREET.

1874.

XjEIs^I^j^T^.

AET. I. Opening or Synod.

AET. II. Members Present.

AET. III. Election of Officers.

AET. IV. EuLES OF Order.

AET. V. Appointment of Standing Committees.

1. On Religious Services.

2. On Minutes of Synod.

3. On Overtures.

4. On Minutes of Classes.

5. On Examination, Licensure, and Ordination.

6. On the State of Religion and Statistical Reports. 1. On Missions.

8. On Finance.

9. 071 Nominations. AET, VI. Communications. AET. VII. Eeligious Services. AET. VIII. Minutes of Synod. AET. IX. Overtures.

AET. X. Minutes of Classes.

AET. XI. Examination, Licensure, and Ordination.

AET. XII. State of Eeligion and Statistical Eeports.

AET. XIII. Education.

AET. XIV. Missions.

AET. XV. Finance.

AET. XVI. Appeals and Eeferences.

AET. XVII. Complaints.

AET. XVIII. Sunday Schools.

AET. XIX. Church Government.

AET. XX. Publication.

AET. XXI. Miscellaneous.

AET. XXII. Eesumption and Close.

AET. XXIII. Adjournment. .

Second Annual Meeting.

ACTS AND PROCEEDINGS

Of the Synod of the Potomac of the Reformed Church in the United States, at its Annual Sessions, convened in Convention in Hanover, Pa., in the month of October, in the year of our Lord One Thou- sand Eight Hundred and. Seventy-Four. The Sessions commenced on the evening of the Twenty-first, and continued until the evening of the Twenty.sixth day of the month, inclusive.

ARTICLE I. OPENING OF SYNOD.

The Synod met in Convention on Wednesday evening, October 21st, A. i)., 1874, at 7'^ o'clock, in the Reformed Church of Hanover, York county, Pa., and was opened with the usual religious services. The President, Rev. E. R. Eschbach, preached the opening sermon from Matt. xi. 6 : " And blessed is he tchosoever shall not be offended in Me."

ARTICLE II. MEMBERS PRESENT.

I. FROM THE CLASSIS OP ZION.

Ministers. Jacob 0. Miller, D.D., William K. Zieber, D.D., Jacob D. Zehring, Reinehart R. Smith, John Ault, Aaron Wanner, Aaron Spangler, James Crawford, Francis S. Lindaman, Henry AVissler, Moses Kieflfer, D.D., Israel S. Weisz, Reuben Rauhauser, Andrew J. Heller, Oliver L. Ashenfelter, George W. Glcssner, Jacob Sechler, Daniel Gring, and William R. II. Deatrich.

Elders. David Lonliart, William A. Wilt, Henry Wirt, Michael Ilaruish, Samuel Sipe, George Kann, Solomon Swartz, George L. Ickcs, John G. Rose, iMichael Myers, Emanuel Nase, Joseph Macley, Samuel R. Weaver, Henry M. Cocklin, Jacob Lammott, William Lupfer, Henry S. Hershey, Martin Rafiensperger, and Adam Brilhart.

3

II. FROM THE CLASSIS OP MARYLAND.

Ministers. Joseph W. Santee, Frederick A. Rupley, Edmund R. Eschbacli, J. Spangler KieiTer, Abner R. Kremer, William C. Cremer, J. Conrad Hauser, Daniel Gans, D.D., J. Mortimore Sou- der, P. Allison Long, Herman Bielfeld, George L. Stalej, D.D., Simon S. Miller, Nicliolas E. Gilds, and William F. Colliflower.

Elders. Henry Reynolds, Eli Brandenberg, William H. Lakin, Joshua Hotter, John H. Bowers, Jacob Zimmerman, Louis Markell, Joshua Albaugh, Jacob Sellers, Goldsboro S. Griffith, George Har- baugh of J., and William Earhart.

III. FROM THE CLASSIS OF MERCERSBURG.

Ministers. William M. Deatrick, Isaac G. Brown, Nehemiah H. Skyles, Elnathan E. Higbee, D.D., Peter S. Davis, D.D., Daniel Y. Heisler, Albert G. Dole, William D. Lefevre, John A. Peters, Ellis N. Kremer, Ambrose C. Geary, Stephen K. Kremer, Solomon B. Schafer, William C. Schaeffer, Harrison H. W. Hibshman, and Jacob Hassler.

Elders. John P. Reed, James Rawlings, Andrew R. Schnebley, Benjamin Isenberg, John Rebuck, David Dunn, John McKinney, David M. Whitmore, David B. Russell, Isaac H. Keefer, and Adam B. Wingerd.

IV. FROM THE CLASSIS OF VIRGINIA.

Ministers. H. St. John Rinker, Samuel N. Callender, D.D., Joel T. Rossiter, Charles G. Fisher, Henry Tallhelm, George H. Martin, and William C. B. Shulenberger.

Elders. William H. Bargelt, John W. Wenner, David A. Plecker, Joseph Welshans, John M. Nicely, Jacob Lantz, Ephraim Will, and Henry J. Seibert.

V. FROM THE CLASSIS OF NORTH CAROLINA.

*.5l« * * * * * *

ADVISORY MEMBERS.

From the Synod of the United States. Revs. D. W. Kelley, D. B. Albright, and Elder J. David Miller.

From the Spied of Pittsburgh. Rev. Geo. B. Russell, D.D.

Note. A number of members appeared upon the floor of Synod after the first session, and hence their names do not occur in the order in which they would, had they been present at the opening session. A number of tlie members also obtained leave of absence from day to day. In three instances the names of El- ders secundi appear in the foregoing list of members together with their ^r imam.

From the Claasis of Zion. Elders F. M. McKeehan, Henry C. Schriver, Michael Deatrick, and Israel Laucks.

From the Cla&sis of 3Iaryland. Elders Joseph Miller and V. S. Brunner.

From the Classi's of Merckrsburg. Elder William Dice.

MINISTERS OF OTHER CHURCHES.

The presence of the foUowino: ministers was announced at inter- vals during the sessions of Synod :

Revs. George Parsons, Samuel Yingling, D. J. Ilauer, and P. Scheurer, of the Lutheran Church ; and Rev. S. M. Frost, of the Methodist Church.

ARTICLE III.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS.

Rev. Samuel N. Callender was chosen President.

Rev. William M. Deatrick is Stated Clerh.

Rev. Joseph W. San tee was re-elected Corresponding Secretary.

Elder Louis Markell was re elected Treasurer.

ARTICLE IV.

RULES OF ORDER.

The Rules of Order, as adopted at the First Annual Meeting, were read by the Stated Clerk.

The Synod defined the bar of the house, as required by those Rules.

The following hours were fixed upon for opening and closing the present sessions of Synod :

The Morning Sessions, to open at 9 and close at Hi o'clock.

The Afternoon Sessions, to open at 2 and close at 4^ o'clock.

An evening session was held on the last day of the sessions.

ARTICLE V.

STANDING COMMITTEES. The following were appointed by the President: Religious Services. Rev. W. K. Zieber, J. D. Zehring, I. G. Brown, and Elders H. Wirt and W. II. Bargelt.

6

Minutes of Synod. Rev. J. A. Peters, H. St. J. niuker, I. S. Weisz, and Elders A. R. Sclinebley and E. Brandenberf;.

Overtures. Rev. J. W. Santee, 0. L. Ashenfelter, H. Tallhelm, and Elders J. Welshans, and W. H. Lakin.

Minutes of Classes. Rev. A. R. Kremer, J. T. Rossiter, G. H. Martin, and Elders J. Hotter and L. Markell.

Examination, Licensure and Ordination. Rev. E. E. Higbee, J. 0. Miller, A. G. Dole, and Elders H. Wirt and J. Rawlings.

State of Religion., and Statistical Reports. Rev. E. N. Kremer, H. Wissler, J. M. Souder, and Elders S. Sipe and J. Albaugh.

31issions. Rev. W. C. Cremer, J. Ault, P. S. Davis, and Elders D. A. Bleeker and G. Kann.

Nominations. Rev. M. Kieifer, S. K. Kremer, D. Y. Heisler, and Elders J. Motter and W. H. Bargelt.

Finance. Rev. E. R. Escbbach, D. Gans, W. D. Lefevre, and Elders J. P. Reed and J. M. Nicely.

ARTICLE VI.

COMMUNICATIONS.

1. The Minutes of the Classes of Zion, Maryland, Mercersburg, Virginia, North Carolina, German Maryland, and San Francisco were received, and referred to the Committee on Minutes of Classes, ex- cept the Reports on the State of Religion and Statistical Reports, which were referred to the Committee on those subjects.

2. The Report of the Treasurer was read, and then referred to the Committee on Finance.

3. The First Annual Report, the General Superintendent's Report, and the Treasurer's Report of the Board of Missions of the three Eastern District Synods were received, read, and then referred to the Committee on Missions.

4. Eleven other communications were received, and referred to the Committee on Overtures.

ARTICLE VII.

RELIGIOUS SERVICES.

The Synod, during its present sessions, observed the following Re- ligious Services :

1. All the sessions were opened and closed with suitable religious services.

2. The Committee on Religious Services submitted their report, which was received and adopted as follows :

Your Committee respectfully report the following appointments for religious service :

SERVICES IN CONNECTION WITH THE SYNOD.

Thursday evening. Sermon by Rev. J. A. Peters.

Friday evenivg. Synodical Sunday-school service; conducted by Rev. J. Crawford, Chairman of Synod's Sunday-school Board.

Saturday evening. Service preparatory to the Lord's Supper ; ser- mon by Rev. P. S. Davis.

Sunday morning. Celebration of the Holy Communion : sermon by Rev. E. E. Higbee.

Sunday afternoon. Sunday-school service : addresses by Revs. J. Crawford, W. R. H. Deatrich, and S. K. Kremer.

Sunday evening. Sermon by Rev. D. Cans.

SERVICES IN OTHER CHURCHES OF THE PLACE.

St. Mattheio^s Lutheran Church. Saturday afternoon. Service preparatory to communion. Sermon in German language by Rev. I. S. Weisz.

Sunday morning. Holy Communion ; sermon in German lan- guage by Rev. J. W. Santee.

Sunday evening. Sermon in English language by Rev. E. N. Kremer.

St. Mark's Lutheran Church. Sunday morning. Sermon by Rev. 0. L. Ashenfelter.

Sunday evening. Sermon by Rev. J. S. Kieffcr.

Methodist Episcopal Church. Sunday morning. Sermon by Rev. M. Kieffer.

Sunday evening Sermon by Rev. A. R. Kremer. Respectfully submitted.

W. K. ZiEBER, Chairman.

The religious services, as appointed by the committee, were severally observed.

ARTICLE VIII.

MINUTES OF SYNOD.

The reading of the Minutes of last annual meeting was dispensed with, and the printed Minutes were referred to the Committee on Minutes of Synod, to report the items of unfinished business claim- ing the attention of this meeting. This Committee submitted the following report, which was received and disposed of item by item.

Your Committee on Minutes of Synod beg leave to offer the follow- ing report : the following items claim the attention of this Synod.

Item 1, page 35. The Board of Education of this Synod is in- structed to attend the examination of students receiving theological instruction at Mercersburg College.

Item 2, jpage 42. Theappointmentof a committee consisting of Revs. D. Y. Heisler, F. A. Rupley, and Elder G. S. Griffith, to confer with the vSynod of the United States on the liquidation of our share of in- debtedness to the former Board of Beneficiary Education ; and to secure a definite understandiog of the relation which the mother Synod and this Synod sustain to those funds held in common by the Church prior to the organization of this Synod.

Item 3, page 42. The Stated Clerk is instructed to call the at- tention of the Classes to the action of the Synod of the United States in declining to exonerate the Classes of this Synod of five-ninths of the assessment for contingent purposes, made by the Synod of Martins- burg in 1872.

Item 4, page 44. Is the appointment of a Sunday-school Board, and setting apart Friday evening of the present sessions of Synod for the discussion of topics connected with the Sunday-school work.

Item 5, page 44. Is the continuance of the committee, consisting of Rev. J. A. Peters, F. A. Rupley, and Elder J. P. Hassler to con- fer with similar committees from the other two Eastern Synods on Synodical boundaries.

Item 6, page 44. Is the appointment of a committee, consisting of Revs. J. 0. Miller, E. R. Eschbach, and Elder I. Laucks, on the part of this Synod, to confer with a committee from the Reformed Church in America on the question of union with said Church.

Item 7, page 45. Is the appointment of a committee, consisting of Rev. E. E. Higbee, S. N. Callender, and Elder J. Heyser, to aid in drafting a new Constitution.

Item 8, page 45. The Classes are directed to open a column in their statistical tables, showing the number of students preparing for the Holy Ministry.

Item 9, page 45. The attention of Maryland Classis is called to the action of the Synod of the United States in reference to certain in- terests of said Synod in Church property in Washington, D. C.

Item 10, 2^age 45. The Classes are directed to see that the charters of congregations harmonize with the Constitution of the Reformed Church in the United States.

/(!em 11, ^a(;re 45. The Stated Clerk is instructed to have one thousand copies of the Minutes of Synod printed and distributed.

Item 12, page 47. The Committee on Incorporation of Synod is instructed to secure the passage of said act by the Legislature of the State of Pennsylvania.

Item 13, page 48. The attention of the Classes is directed to the cause of the Society for the Relief of Ministers and Widows of Min- isters of the Reformed Church in the United States.

Item 14, jxrrje 49. The attention of the Classes is called to the importance of havinpj their statistical reports full and complete. Kespectfully submitted.

J. A. Peters,

Hy. St. J. RiNKER,

I. S. Weisz, )■ Committee.

A. R. SCHNEBLEY",

E. Brandenberg.

For the action on item 1, see Article XIII., Education; on items 2 and 3, see Article XV., Finance; on item 4, see Article XVIII., Sunday-schools; on items 5, G, 7, 9, 10 and 14, see Article XIX., Church Government ; on item 8, see Article X., Minutes of Cla.sses ; on 11, see Article XX., Publication; and on items 12 and 13, see Article XXI., Miscellaneous.

ARTICLE IX.

OVERTURES.

The Committee on Overtures submitted their report, which was received and di-^posed of item by item, and is as follows : The Committee on Overtures beg leave to report .

1. A request from the Treasurer of the Church ICxtension Fund in re- ference to an apportionment made by the General Synod at Cincinnati, apportioning |232.00 of the debt of said Board to the Synod of the J'otomac.

2. A request from the brethren on the Pacific Coast to constitute thera a Classis.

3. A communication from the Corresponding Secretary of the Pittsburgh Synod, reporting the action of said Synod to this body, with reference to the formation of a German Synod in the East.

4. A communication from the Secretary of the Board of Home Missions, with reference to the attendance of members of said Board, and also to obligations pertaining to Beneficiaries.

5. Report from the Secretary of the Board of Visitors of the Theo- logical Seminary at Lancaster, Pa.

0. Report from the Board of the Orphans' Home at Womelsdorf.

7. A communication from the Herald Printing Company, of Car- lisle, Pa., asking the privilege of making an estimate for the printing for this Synod.

8. A paper from several members of the Consistory of the Frederick City congregation, reciting facts touching the interests of that congre- gation.

9. A paper from eighteen member.^ of the Frederick congregation, who had signed a petition to the C^onsistory, requesting said Con- sistory to nominate Rev. T. J. Bacher, who now ask that their names be erased from said petition.

10

10. Report of the Board of Publication at Philadelphia.

11. Report from the Board of Trustees of the Theological Semi- nary at Lancaster, Pa., accompanied with the Report of the Trea- surer.

Respectfully submitted.

J. W. Santee, ")

O. L, ASHENFELTER, I

H. Tallhelm, y Committee.

Wm. H. Lakin, Joseph Welshans,

For the action of Synod on item 1, see Article XV., Finance ; on items 2 and 3, see Article XIX., Church Government; on item 4, see Article XIV., Missions ; on item 5, see Article XIII., Education ; on items 6, 10 and 11, see Article XXI., Miscellaneous; on item 7, see Article XX., Publication ; and on items 8 and 9, see Article XVI., Appeals and References.

ARTICLE X.

^ MINUTES OF CLASSES.

The Committee on Minutes of Classes submitted their report, which was received, disposed of item by item, and is as follows :

The Committee on Minutes of Classes respectfully submit their re- port, as follows, viz :

I. irregularities.

1. The Classis of North Carolina took action on a supplementary verbal report of the Committee on Overtures.

2. The Stated Clerk of the same Classis failed to give the full names of persons.

3. The same Classis failed to adopt its Minutes.

II. requests and recommendations.

1. The Mercersburg Classis transferred the Newburgh charge in Cumberland county, Pa., to Zion's Classis, subject to its acceptance by Zion's Classis and confirmation by the Synod. Zion's Classis has accepted the transfer.

2. The German Maryland Classis asks Synod to dismiss it in order that it may unite with other German Classes in the formation of a German Synod.

III. appeals and complaints.

1. An appeal of Elder A. T. Rice from the decision of the Mary- land Classis, in which the Classis refused to sustain the appeal of A. T. Rice against the action of the majority of the consistory of the Evangelical Reformed church of Frederick, Md., in that they refused

11

to nominate Rev. T. J. Bacher for the pastorate of the church when re- quested to do so by a petition of a majority of the qualified voters of the congregation.

2. A complaint of Rev. F. A. Rupley and others against the action of Maryland Classis in confirming a call to Rev. E. R. Eschbach from the Evangelical Reformed church of Frederick, Md.

IV. SUBJECTS REFERRED TO CLASSES.

All the subjects referred by the Synod to the several Classes were adopted by all the Classes, except by North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland Classes which failed to insert the additional column in their statistical tables for the number of students preparing for the Holy Ministry.

V. LICENSED, ORDAINED, RECEIVED AND DISMISSED.

1. Zion's Classis received the licentiate Reuben Rauhauser from the Philadelphia Classis, and ordained him ; received the licentiate Aaron H. Leiss from the Lebanon Classis, and ordained him ; re- ceived Rev. Israel S. Weisz from the East Pennsylvania Classis, Rev. i)r, Moses Kieflfer from the Mercersburg Classis, Rev. Andrew J. Heller from the West Susquehanna Classis, Rev. Oliver L. Ashen- feltcr from the Philadelphia Classis, Rev. George W. Glessner from the Lancaster Classis, Rev. Julius H. Krueger from the Indiana Classis, Rev. J. Muellhaupt from the Sheboygan Classis, and the li- centiate W. H. Herbert, from the Tiffin Classis ; licensed David P. Lefever and dismissed him to the Iowa Classis ; and dismissed Rev. John S. Foulk to the Presbytery of Carlislie.

2. Maryland Classis received Rev. Julius G. Erhardt from the German United Evangelical Protestant Synod, Rev. P. Allison Long from the Tuscarawas Classis, Rev. Orange E. Lake from the same Classis, the licentiate M. Treiber from the German Philadelphia Classis, and ordained him, and Rev. Charles Cast, from the Somerset Classis ; dismissed Rev. Marcus Bachman and the fifth (St. Paul's) Reformed Church, and Rev. J. Conrad Hauser and the sixth (Emanuel's) Reformed Church, Rev. Gotthold L. Ncef and the seventh (Zion's) Reformed Church, and Rev. J. Pister, to form a new Classis (German).

3. Mercersburg Classis received the licentiates William C Schaef- fer and Solomon 13. Schafer from the Lancaster Classis and ordained them, Rev. Stephen K. Kremer from the Virginia Classis, and Rev. Henry Ilanhart from the Miami Classis ; dismissed Rev. Dr. Moses Kieffcr to the Zion's Classis, and Rev. Lucian Cort to the West- moreland Classis.

4. Virginia Classis received Rev. William C B. Shulenberger from the Mercersburg Classis, Rev. Charles G. Fisher, from the Philadelphia Classis, Rev. Henry Tallhelm from the United Ikethren Church, and the licentiate Andrew J. Bowers, from the Philadelphia Classis ; and dismissed Rev. Stephen K. Kremer to the Mercersburg Classis.

12

5. North Carolina Classis received the licentiate J. A. Foil from the Philadelphia Classis and ordained him, and licensed and ordained J. H. Shuford.

VI. PLACE AND TIME OF THE NEXT ANNUAL MEETINGS OF THE

CLASSES.

1. Zion's Classis will meet in Dover, York Co., Pa., on the first Friday in June, 1875, at 7J o'clock, P. M. Rev. John Ault, Presi- dent, and Rev. Wm. R. H. Deatrich, Stated Clerk.

2. Maryland Classis will meet in Hasjerstown, Washington Co., Md., on Thursday before Ascension Day, (April 29th), 1875, at 7^ o'clock, P. M. Rev. Daniel Gans, D. D., President, and Rev. Simon S. Miller, Stated Clerk.

3. Mercersburg Classis will meec in St Paul's church, Waynes- boro, Franklin Co., Pa., on Wednesday, April 21st, A. D. 1875, at 7 J o'clock, P. M. Rev. John A. Peters, President, and Wm. M. Deat- rick. Stated Clerk,

4. Virginia Classis will meet in Shepherdstown, "West Virginia, on Thursday before the third Sunday in April (15th,) 1875, at 7i o'clock, P M, Rev. S. N. Callender, D. D., President, and the Rev. H. St. J. Rinker, Stated Clerk.

5. North Carolina Classis will meet in the Pleasant Retreat church, Davidson Co., N. C, on Thursday before the second Sunday in May, (6th,) 1875, at 10 o'clock, A. M. Rev. J. C. Clapp, President, and

'Rev. a. W. Walker, D. D., Stated Clerk.

6. German Maryland Classis will meet in Zion's church, Aisquith street, Baltimore, Md., on the first Monday in May (3d) 1875, at 7^ o'clock, P. M. Rev. Marcus Bachman, President, and Rev. J. Conrad Hauser, Stated Clerk.

7. San Francisco Classis will meet in the Reformed church of Stockton, California, on the first Friday after Pentecost, May 21st, A. D. 1875, at 7 J P. M. Rev. Frederick Fox, President, and Rev. Julius H. Krueger, Stated Clerk.

Respectfully submitted.

A. R. Kremer, "]

J. T. ROSSITER, I

Gr. H. Martin, J> Committee.

J. Motter, I

L. Markell. j

Items 1 and 3 under Irregularities were adopted. Item 2 was adopted, and the attention of the Classis is specially directed to this matter.

In regard to Item 1, under Requests and Recommendations, it was

Resolved, That this action of Mercersburg and Zion's Classes be confirmed, and the Newburgh charge made a constituent part of Zion's Classis.

For the action on Item 2 under the same head, see Article XIX., Church Government.

13

For the action on Items 1 and 2, under the head of Appeals and Complaints, see Articles XVI. and XVII., Appeals and References, and Complaints.

In respect to the failure of the North Carolina, Virginia and Mary- land Classes to add an additional column in their statistical tables for the number of students preparing for the Holy Ministry, it was

Resolved, anew, That these Classes be directed to open an addition- al column in their statistical tables for the number of students pre- paring for the Holy Ministry, as requested by the General Synod of Cincinnati.

All the remaining items in the Report were adopted.

ARTICLE XI.

EXAMINATION, LICENSURE, AND ORDINATION.

The Committee on Examination, Licensure and Ordination offered the following report, which was received and adopted, viz :

Your Committee on Examination, Licensure and Ordination report, that no business has cjme before them demanding action. Respectfully submitted.

E. E. IIiGBEE, Chairman.

ARTICLE XII.

STATE OF RELIGION AND STATISTICAL REPORTS.

The Committee on the State of Religion and Statistical Reports submitted their Report, which was received and adopted, and is. as follows :

Dear Fathers and Brethren : It is with a grateful ackno\tledg- mcnt of the goodness and mercy of God that we present this report :

In all parts of the Church work, as reported by the various Classes, do we see evidences of His gracious protection and aid. Almost un- interruptedly has the work of the Church gone forward in the differ- ent pastoral charges, and the labors of the ministry have been largely blessed.

It is true that statistics are not a certain gauge of the prosperity of the Church. There may be a larger measure of piety and faith when, owing to other circumstances, the accessions to the Church may net be so large, while these may be greatly increased by purely human effort. And yet it is gratifying to know that a large number have been received into full communion with the Church by the solemn rite of Confirmation; and this the more especially when it has been the result of regular and continued pastoral labor, rather than of spasmodic zeal.

14

The preaching of the word, administration of the Sacraments catechization of the young, and pastoral visiting upon the part of the ministry, have brought forth, as their fruits, an increased attendance upon these means of grace on the part of the people. It is true, that there is felt to be necessity for improvement here on both sides, and one report complains that there is " palpable indifference to the services of the sanctuary." While we take encouragement from the evidences of general prosperity, let the knowledge of the latter fact awaken us to renewed activity and zeal.

As to the iyiner life of the people, this can only be known to God Himself, the great Searcher of hearts. But so far as this is shown in outward action, we are able to form some judgment. " By their fiuifs shall ye know them." While we have much reason to believe that steady progress has been made in the graces of the Christian religion, yet it is a matter of regret that in some instances gross vio- lations of morals have marred the purity of the Christian life. One report complains of the " absence of brotherly love," and another that " many members are not making progress in the Christian life, while all feel more or less the presence of sin, not only as warring against the soul, but as, to a certain extent, gaining the mastery." This is a matter for great sorrow, and it is against it that the efforts of the ministry and eldership should be directed. Not only must the Church grow from without, but from within not only as the mustard seed developing to the full-grown tree, affording shelter and protection to those drawn from the world of sin, but as the leaven permeating and changing the character of the whole lump. May the blessing of God rest upon our labors in this sense especially, that brotherly love may continue, and the evil passions of our souls be crucified.

It is encouraging to know that a growing interest is generally manifested in the Sunday-school and its important work. It behooves ouf Church especially to make proper account of this auxiliary, and throw around it her protecting arm, that it may prove to be an effi- cient aid in ministering to the religious wants of the children.

We say our Church especially, for the reason that it has ever been one of its most glorious features that it makes provision for the lambs of the flock, and regards them as members of God's holy family, through the sacrament of baptism. Our forefathers with their paro- chial schools, showed that they had no sympathy with the idea that children are to grow up, outside of covenant relations with God until old enough to make an intelligent choice for themselves, but rather that they would throw around them all the helps of grace, that they might grow in the family life of Heaven even as they do in the family life of earth. This work the Sunday-school is endeavoring to do, but it requires all the aid that the combined wisdom and encour- agement of this Synod can give it, that its work may be successf ally done.

It is gratifying to know that in the past year evident progress has been made in the educational interests of the Church. The Faculty

15

of the College, which, though not under the immediate care of this Sjnod, is yet laboring for its true interests, have manifested commen- dable zeal and self-sacrifice in their arduous labors. They need our sympathy, our aid and our prayers, and should be made to feel that we are deeply interested in their work. A goodly number of students are under the care of the various Classes, preparing for the holy ministry, and we learn are making good progress in their studies. Oh, that their number might be increased ! From all sides the cry comes up for more laborers in the Master's vineyard, while the vacant charges are suffering from the delay occasioned in securing the ser- vices of a pastor. Would to God that the hearts of our good people might be moved by this oft-repeated appeal, and they be led to con- secrate their sons to this holy work.

The Theological Seminary, in whose prosperity our Synod is directly interested, is reported by the Board of Visitors to be in a flourishing condition. Her Professors are laboring with zeal and earnestness, and their work is being crowned with abundant success. The num- ber of students, though not so large as desirable, is encouraging, and could be increased by the combined efforts of the ministry. May our blessed Lord keep under His fostering care this beloved institution, whose mission it is to send forth ambassadors at once Evangelical, Protestant and lleformed, that it may have a more enlarged sphere of usefulness than at present is the case.

Our mission field is important and promising, but alas, its proper cultivation is hindered by our sad deficiency in benevolent contribu- tions. According to the statistical summary the amount contributed this year has fallen short of lust year's contributions by upwards of $1,300.00 ; the whole amount averaging less than fifty cents to each member.

Our people do not seem to have a proper conception of bencvolen''e. They should be made to feel that it is a jjrivilege to give of their sub- stance to the Lord, and to regard it as an appropriate part of Christian worship. It is a stupendous thought, that God, to whom belong all the treasures of the earth, should permit us to aid Him in carrying forward the great work of salvation, by our earthly possessions. And yet such is the fact. The Church is human as well as divine in its constitution, and human means and efforts are blessed abundantly by God when consecrated in loving faith to His service.

What a glorious privilege, then, is ours, that we are permitted to aid in the progress of the Church with that which is lowest in the sphere of existence. Life, health, talent, time, comfort; all these are of higher value than money, but the last is accepted of God as well as the others, if given to Him in faith. Can we, as ministers and elders, fail to impress upon the minds of our people this blessed truth? Can we offer to them the cup of salvation half emptied of its precious contents, or shall we not rather give it to them full and overflowing with the rich promises made to the cheerful giver?

During the past year two ministers have been summoned by the angel

16

of death into the presence of their fj;lorified Lord the Rev. Dr. Benja- min S. Schneck and Rev. William H. Zimmerman. We miss them from our assemblies here on earth, but they have entered into the General Assembly of the first-born on high. Sufficient mention has already been publicly made of these departed ones, and it but remains for us to add the solemn injunction of our Lord, properly called to mind by their decease, " Watch, therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of Man cometh."

And now, " Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unfo God and His Father; to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." Respectfully submitted.

Ellis N. Kremer, "") j. m. souder, i

Henry Wissler, )■ Committee. Samull Sipe, I

Joshua Albaugh. j {Fo7' Statistical Tables, see Appendix.')

ARTICLE XIII.

EDUCATION.

report of board of education.

The Board of Education submitted their annual report, which was r3ceived, amended, and adopted, and is as follows : To the Si/nod of the Potomac :

The Board of Education would respectfully report, that during the past year eleven Beneficiary Students have been committed to its care. These students have given the bond prescribed by the Synod, and are now pursuing their studies at Mercersburg or Lancaster. They are all supported by the Mercersburg Classis, and are as follows: John C. Bowman, David N. Dittmar, David M. Whitmore, Anderson J. Whitmore, William I. Stewart, Henry S. Garner, Samuel C. Long, Isaac N, Peightal, Samuel H. Eisenberg, Albert A. Black, and Daniel H. Leader. The six first named are graduates of either Frank- lin and Marshall College or Mercersburg College, and are now prose- cuting their theological studies. The others are still undergraduates. David M. Whitmore, George F. Mull, Isaac M. Motter, John M. Schick, Wm. I. Stewart, Anderson J. Whitmore, Henry S. Garner, Bart. R. Carnahan and John North are pursuing their theological studies at Mercersburg, according to the provisions made by resolu- tion of Synod last year. A committee of your Board attended their examinations, and hereby report them as satisfactory.

The amount paid for Beneficiary Education by the Mercersburg Classis from October Ist, 1873 to October 1st, 1874, was $1411.64. Received as follows :

17

Oct. 2, 1S73. Cash from the St. Clairsville charge $ 20 00

" 6. " Yellow Creek " 23 00

"1.3. " Friend's Cove " 0 55

"22. " Waterstreet ". 4.3 58

" 28. *' Chambersburg " 50 00

" 29. " Altoona " 30 00

Dec. 12. " Friend's Cove " 14 40

"17. " Yellow Creek " 20 00

" " Bedford " 35 00

1874.

Jan. 3. " McConnellsburg, " 19 34

" 6. " Friend's Cove " 5 40

" " Everett " 25 00

" 6. " Friend's Cove " 20 00

" 8. " St. Clairsville " 35 OO

"28. " Mont Alto " 30 00

Woodcock Valley " 8 50

Feb. 3. " Altoona " 15 00

" 4. " Waterstreet " 25 50

March 7. " Huntingdon " 10 00

" " Greencastle " 41 00

" 31. " Chambersburg " 50 00

April 2. " Mercersburg " 30 00

"10. " College Church " 60 00

" " Loudon & St. Thomas , .30 00

" 14. " " 25 00

" 18. " Bedford " 100 00

" 23, " Waterstreet " 19 55

" " Altoona " 49 00

" 25, " Martinsburg " 14 93

May 4. " Friend's Cove " 20 65

" " Chambersburg " 50 00

"19. " Woodcock Valley " 12 00

May 28. " Waterstreet " 11 37

Junel. " Bedford " 15 00

" 4. " Woodcock Valley " 25 75

" " Everett " 44 70

" " St. Clairsville " 24 00

" 5. " Mercersburg " 51 00

" " Greencastle " 34 00

" " Schellsburg " 60 00

" " Altoona " 6 00

" " Martinsburg " 46 26

" 6. " Mercersburg " 40 00

" " McConnellsburg " 20 66

" 13. " Grindstonehill " 23 00

" 30. " Everett " 10 30

July 12, " Yellow Creek " 25 00

" 28. " Altoona " 21 00

Aug. 6. " Greenfield " 15 00

"16. " Yellow Creek " 12 00

"20. " Friend's Cove " 5 20

Sep. 24, " Altoona " 10 00

"27. " Friend'sCove " 10 00

Totol $1441 64

18

In addition to this amount the Treasurer of the Board received $25.00 from Rev J. C. Hensell of Mount Crawford, Virginia Classis, and $55.80 from the Hagerstown congregation, making an aggregate of $1522.44, These amounts were properly disbursed, and vouchers taken.

The Board would respectfully add the following items which have come to the knowledge of the Board, in an official way, since the pre- sent sessions of Synod commenced.

Zion's Classis has had four beneficiary students under its care during the past year, viz.: David P. Lefever, Conrad H. Nagle, Geo. C. Hall, and George P. Hartzel. To these the Classis has paid $690 00.

Virginia Classis has two beneficiary students under its fostering care, to wit, George A. Whitmore and Samuel L. Whitmore, to whom it paid during the past year $300.00, the full amount of annual ap- propriation.

Maryland Classis has received under its care M. L. Firor as a beneficiary student, and recommended him to the care of the Board, with the request that such appropriation be made to him as may seem necessary, and resolved that this sum be paid out of moneys raised for the purpose by said Classis.

The whole amount paid for Beneficiary Education,as far as your Board has any knowledge of it, will be thus seen to be $2512.44.

Your Board would earnestly recommend that all action of the Classes be at least reported, hereafter, to the Board in time to allow it to make a full and satisfactory report to the Synod.

During the past year, your Board issued a circular in the hope of raising additional funds, but the appeal did not meet with a hearty response, owing, as was alleged, to the fact, that the brethren had their hands full with the collections already made obligatory upon them.

One thing is certain. There must be an increased interest and in- creased contributions, if the educational work of the Synod is to go on. This work, it will be conceded, is of primary importance. Even the work of Missions, so dear to us all, depends upon it. There is no use to hope to extend our borders, when the men entering the field are insufficient in number to supply the home demand. Truly, the harvest is plenteous, but the laborers are few.

The Secretary of the Board has expended $2.10 for a Minute Book for the Board. It is recommended, that the Treasurer of Synod be instructed to refund this amount.

Respectfully submitted.

P. S. Davis, President

The following Report from the Board of Visitors of the Theological Seminary, at Lancaster, Pa., through its Secretary, was made to Sy- nod. This report was read, received, and adopted, and is as follows :

19

b.) Report of the Board of Visitors. To THE Reverend Synod of the Potomac.

Brethren : The Board of Visitors of the Theological Seminary respectfully prescQt the following as their annual report :

The Seminary was opened on the first Wednesday of September 1873 and its operations were carried forward successfully and with- out interruption during the year, for which our gratitude is due to the Head of the Church, who has promised to be with His disciples always unto the end of the world.

The following persons, thirteen in number, were admitted to the privileges of the Seminary as members of the Junior Cl'iss : Moses H. Diefenderfer, Jos. E. Freeman, Xevin H. Fisher, G. Dickie Gur- ley, Thomas A. Iluber, J. ^Y. Knappenberger, Alpha K. Kline, G. AV. Roth, D. Besore Shuey, George iM. Zacharias, John J. Crist, Geo. P. Hartzell, and Thos. N. Reber. Most of these are graduates of Franklin and Marshall College. The three last named were ad- mitted to a " special course of study arranged by the Faculty, with the approval of the Board, for such persons as wish to prepare them- selves for the ministry, but who have not the literary qualifications heretofore required for admission into the Seminary."

The Senior Class, consisting of H. D. Darbaker, John F. De Long, James W. G. Dengler, Josiah D. Detrick, Joho Dotterer, David P. Le Fevre, Jon. H. Pannebecker, William C. ShaeflFer, and Solomon B. Schafer, nine in all, having completed the prescribed course of study, were, at their own request, dismissed and received the usual certificate of Dismission and liecommendation for Licensure. They have all received calls and are now engaged in the active duties of the minis- try in various parts of the Church. The whole number of students in attendance during the year was thirty-four, which is larger than at any previous time.

As usual, some of the students were under the necessity of leaving the Seminary before the close of the year, on account of limited funds. Notwithstanding the efforts of the Board to prevent such ir- regularities, experience goes to show, that they will continue until more system and promptness are introduced into the Church, in rais- ing money to support our beneficiary students. Tbe examinations at the end of the year were listened to with much attention and were entirely satisfactory to the Board. They were thorough, and reflected credit upon both professors and students. The Seminary is in a healthful state, and the prospects for further prosperity in the future encouraging. From the reports of the difl"erent professors we learn, that the students as a body have been diligent and regular in their studies, and that their Christian conduct has been consistent with their position as candidates for the office of the sacred ministry.

It is, however, a matter of regret, that the number of students is not larger than it is. The yearly addition to the ministry is barely sufficient to compensate for the loss in its ranks, by death or disability. The arrangements in the Seminary are such as would accommodate

20

twice the number now in attendance, without any increase of labor or expense to the Church, and there is no sufficient reason why it should not be so. In no other way can we so effectually build up the kinjijdom of Christ, as by increasing the number of laborers within our bounds. It is something both passible and practicable, and its urgency and great importance ought to be brought home to the heart and conscience of the Church. The harvest is great, but the laborers are few ; pray ye, therefore, the Lord of the harvest, that He may send forth laborers into His harvest.

But, while peace and prosperity rcijrn within the walls of the Seminary, opposition from without continues, which would seriously impede its progress, were it not measurably defeated by the merciful care of our divine Lord and Master. This subject has engaged at- tention from time to time, and the Board avails itself of this oppor- tunity to reassert its judgment, as contained in last year's report, that, in view of the slanderous charges against the teachings of the Seminary, it regards said teachings as Protestant. Evangelical, and Reformed. The Board is further of the opinion, that the attention of the three Synods represented in this Board should be directed to the fact, that certain persons in their connection continue to misrepresent the teachings of the Seminary and of a large portion of the ministry in the Church.

As will be announced by the proper committee, the Rev. Fred- erick Augustus Gast was duly iostalied as I'rofessor of the Hebrew Language and of Old Testament Theology, at the close of the Semi- nary year.

The new Board was organized at the last meeting of Synod by the election of Rev. Dr. A. H. Kremer as President; Dr. S. R. Fisher as Treasurer; and the undersigned as Secretary.

As a Board of Education we report, that there have been fifteen beneficiaries under our care during the year. Of these, four have finished their studies and are now in the ministry. The amount con- tributed for their support was ^2037.16. Last year it was $3748.05. Disbursed, 11697.80. Balance $339. 36 in the Treasury.

The smallness of the number of beneficiaries under the care of the Board, and the limited amount of monies acknowledged as received, results from the fact, that the Classes, with a few exceptions, have of late years taken the management of their beneficiary education ope- rations into their own hands, and fail to recognize or report any longer to the Parent Board.

For further information in regard to the finances of the Board, we refer the Synod to the Treasurer's report.

Respectfully submitted.

THEODORE APPEL, Secretary.

Rev. S. K. Kremer was elected a member of the Board of Educa- tion. The following individuals constitute the Board of Education for the present year, viz : Revs. P. S. Davis, I. Gr. Brown, J. S.

21

Kieffer, S. K. Kremer ; and Elders J. Ileyser, D. C. Hammond, and F. M. McKeehan.

ARTICLE XIV.

MISSIONS.

The Board of Missions of the three Eastern District Synods sub- mitted their annual report to Synod, together with the Ileports of the General Superintendent of Missions, and of the Treasurer of said Board, which were received, severally read, and then referred to the Committee on Missions. These reports are as follows, viz.:

I. REPORT OF THE BOARD OP MISSIONS.

To the Reverend Sj/nod of the Potomac of the Reformed Church.

Fathers and Brethren : [ herewith transmit to you the Re- ports of the Superintendent and Treasurer of the Board of Missions of the Reformed Church in the United States. Your Board, com- posed of the members elected by the Synod of the Reformed Church in the United States, the Synod of Pittsburgh, and the Synod of the Potomac, have had, during this first year of their operations in this united form, a large field demanding their attention, witji small re- sources, and no little trouble to put things in running order. "We hope to secure your approval for the year, that has just closed, and your hearty co-operation during the coming year when wc hope to make a still more favorable report.

Respectfully submitted.

J. 0. Miller, Pres. Board of Missions.

REPORT OF superintendent.

To the Reverend Sj/nod of the Potomac.

Dear Brethren It is now one year since your B )ard of Mis- fions was established in its present new form, though organized and active, from no fault of its members, for only ten months. During this period three regular meetings of the Board itself, and many more of the Executive Council, have been held. At the very outstart we were confronted with a number of formidable difficulties. To over- come them, and further the work generally, we adopted the best pos- sible methods we could think of We cared for and directed the missions to the extent of our ability ; and we shall submit to your atten- tion a number of suggestions, suitable action on which by your reverend bodies, will greatly aid the success of the cause of Missions among us.

Of the difficulties we mention the following:

1. The separatistic way, become customary, of acting with respect to this matter on the part of the Synods, Classes, even congregations

22

and individuals. Taking the territory covered by these Synods as a whole, we lacked system. Our strength was broken up into fragments, unable to accomplish ends demanding strong, united force. Whatever its justification in the past, this state of things had become a great evil, leading the Synods to establish the present Board with the view to a remedy, by awakening and organizing throughout our bounds united action. But its establishment and activity, of course, could not at once completely overcome existing arrangements and old habits. With our best efforts, this still remains, in a measure, a great hindrance. A few Classes, and a number of congregations and pas- tors continue to act as before, though the great majority have gra- dually, during the year, fallen in with the intent of the action of the Synods. We have the dawn of a better day, thus, for the blessed cause of Missions in the Reformed Church, but by no means the ful- ness of that for which we are to look.

2. Our arrangements for gathering missionary contributions have been for years past, and still are, very defective in many parts of the Church. There are congregations, and probably whole charges, in which missionary collections are not customary. And to a very limited extent were, until now, the energies of our Sunday-Schools enlisted in this good work.

3. To this comes the fact, much to be deplored, that we as a Church have never yet had the spirit of missions active among us as we should. We have a mission with respect to missions, and we have not yet hither- to fully apprehended it. Our opportunities are great and enlarging; but our practical efforts to meet them come short. There exists in this respect a lethargy which has impeded all Boards, and obstructs ours.

4. Another hindrance has been the feeling among some brethren in the Church, that our elements can neither be brought to concerted action, nor kept continuously, amid the unavoidable difficulties, in the prosecution of far-reaching methods and ends. It is true, the spirit of constant change of plan and division of effort has had a long day among usj but if the Synods and Classes give the Board their firm support by resolve and by deed, it is believed that there will soon be no longer cause for the feeling mentioned.

5. The activity of your Board becian just as the full effect of the financial panic began to be felt all over the country ; and it became necessarily a principal sufferer from the common disaster.

6. Some of the Synods made no provision last autumn for carrying forward their missions during the winter and early spring. In these cases there was an official transfer of missions to the Board, but no ofiicial provision to sustain them. It was haphazard whether we should get the needful means or not.

7. Several of the Classes, in different Synods, were largely in debt on old claims. The creation of the new Board was their common occasion for settling up with the past. Their contributions for the current year were thus diverted, in some cases entirely, in others largely, from our treasury.

23

8. We found many of our Missions heavily loaded with debt. This fact prevented the rapid decrease of appropriations in such cases, and so tended to straiten the Treasury to the disadvantage of other missions.

To overcome these difficulties, and to carry forward the work in hand, the Board set itself to do the following among other things :

1. It sought to bring the different Classes, and through them their pastors and people, into harmonious co-operation with itself. It strove to get all to work, and to get all to work in one common channel.

2. The Classes were frankly infoi'med of the amount of money needed to carry forward the Missions which they and the Synods had transferred. An equitable division of this amount was suggested, for the raising of which they were urged to make provision among their charges. The measure was so just as to meet with almost unanimous favor; and its faithful and punctual execution, and it alone, will make possible the prompt payment of the missionaries.

3. We have sought to enlist the sympathy and support of the Sunday-schools; and we shall press our effort until it is everywhere adopted in some suitable form.

4. Only promising new missions will be taken under the care of the Board. None other need apply. And all missions, unless for especially good reasons, will be subjected to an annual diminution of twenty-five per cent, of their appropriation.

5. The Board set itself, whenever needed and it could do it, to re- organize the financial arrangements of the missions themselves, with the view of enabling them the sooner to become self-supporting. In a number of cases this has been done with good effect, and needs to be done in others. And, what is of no small account, the Board has set its face against all attempts on the part of the missions to involve themselves in large church-debts. Far better worship in a neat churchly chapel, than in never so fine a structure, oppressing the congregation with an unmanageable debt.

The following missions have been under the care of the Board ; some during the whole year ; others, during part of it. To avoid consuming too much space, leading facts only are given. In the fol- lowing synopsis, the word " old," denotes the year just past, and the word " new," the year now begun.

SYNOD OF THE REFORMED CHURCH, U. 8.

Catasauqua, Pa. Rev. A. B. Koplin, pastor. English and German. Appropriation ; old, $700 ; new, not determined on.

Reading, Pa. Christ Church, Rev. J. A. Fuendeling, pastor. Ger- man. App. 3800. St. John's, Rev. J. G. Shoemaker, pastor. English and German. App. $200.

24

South BetMehem, Pa. Eev. N. Z. Sayder, pastor. English and

German. App. $400. Doylestoicn, Pa. Rev. L. C. Sheip, pastor. English and German.

Appropriation not determined on. Philadelphia. St. Stephen's., Rev, A. Romich, pastor. German.

App. old, $300; new, $225. >S'^. John's, Rev. J. G. Noss, pastor. English. App., old,

$400 ; new not determined on. St. Paul's, Rev. J. Roeck, pastor. German. App. $200.

Now transferred tu German Philadelphia Classis. Camden, Bel. Vacant. English. App. $300.

Earrisburg, Pa. Second Church, Rev. G. W. Snyder, pastor. Eng- lish. App. $300. Zwhigli, Rev. M. Noll, pastor. German. App. $300. Columlia, Pa. Rev. C. Clever, pastor. English. App. $200. Li/kens, Pa. Rev. J. Kretzing, pastor. English and German. App.

$350. Hazleton, Pa. EmanueVs. Vacant. German. Appropriation not

determined on. Overton, Pa Rev. J. H. Schlappig, pastor. English and German.

App. $75. Liverpool, Pa. Rev. W. Donat, pastor. English and German.

App. $150.

PITTSBURGH SYNOD.

Kittanning, Pa. Rev. D. S. Dieffenbacher, pastor. English. App.,

old, $400 ; new, $300. Meadville, Pa. Rev. JD. D. Leberman, pastor. English and German.

App. $150. Cumberland, Md. Rev. F. R. Sehwedes, pastor. German. App.,

old, $500 ; new, $400. Pittsburgh, Pa. St. Paul's, Rev. J. W Ebbinghaus, pastor. Ger- man. App., old, $400 ; new, $300. St. James'. Vacant. German. App., old, $300; new,

$225. Trinity, Rev. T. F. Stauflfer, pastor. English. App., old,

$500 ; new, $400. Zion's, Rev. G. B. Russell, D.D., pastor. English. App.,

old, $400; new, $300. Triadelphia, W. Va. Supplied by Rev. Jno. C. Miiller. German,

App., old, $200 ; new, not determined on. Scottdale, Pa. Rev. L. B. Leasure, pastor. English. App., old,

$300 ; new, $200. Zion's Valley, Pa. Rev. H. W. Hoffmeier, pastor. English. App.,

old, $150; now discontinued as a mission, and supplied

by neighboring pastors.

25

POTOMAC SYNOD.

Duncannon, Pa. Rev. II. Wissler, pastor. English and German,

App. S400. Washington, D. C. Rev. M. Treiber, pastor. German. App., old,

§4:00 ; new, not determined on. Baltimore, 3Id. EmanueVs, Rev. J. C. Ilauser, pastor. German.

App., old, $300; new, not determined on. Winchester^ Va. Rev. C. G. Fisher, pastor. English. App. $350. San Francisco, Cal. Rev. J. II. Kriiger, pastor. German. App.

$330. Stockton, Cal. Rev. J. Miillhaupt, pastor. German. App., old,

SllO; new, $80. Napa, Co?.— Rev. F. Fox, pastor. English and German. App. $440. Portland, Oreqon. Rev. J. Gantenbein, pastor. German. App.

$000.

The following new missions, all very hopeful, have been taken under the care of the Board during the year.

Buffalo, N. Y. Salem, Rev. C. Kuss, pastor. German. App. $300.

Titusville, Pa. Rev. I. E. GraeflF, pastor. English and German. App. $300. (Circumstances have made this a mission, and it is hoped but for a very short time.)

Pittshurr/h, Pa. St. Liike's, Rev. P. Schiilke, pastor. German. App. $200.

Washington, D. C. Vacant. English. ' Appropriation not deter- mined on.

The German Philadelphia Classis, active in this work, reports the following missions :

Philadelphia. Emanuel's, Rev. C. Keller, pastor. App. $150. Glasshoro' , N. J. Rev. Charles Becker, pastor. App. $150. Egg Uarhor, N. J. Rev. John Bachman, pastor. App. $300.

As will thus be seen, this report includes forty-one missions. The report of the Treasurer shows a total income of Eight thousand nine hundred and eighty dollars and thirty-jive cents, as follows :

For missions, directly under the care of the Board, $7,608 00 " " in Iowa, and paid to the Treasurer of

Iowa Classis, .... 556 02

" in German Philadelphia Classis, . 816 33

Old missionary debts of Classes, hereinbefore referred to, probably shortened our income by from two to three thousand dollars. Several hundred dollars paid, came also too late for the Treasurer's report this year.

RECOMMENDATIONS.

1. ^V e suggest the holding of missionary services or festivals, at||least once a year, in all our congregations; and oftener, where possible.

26

2. A general introduction of missionary services and collections, at stated times, in our Sunday-scliools.

3. The amount of funds needed by the Board for the coming clas- sical year is estimated at fourteen thousand dollars ($14,000). Of this sum, we submit the following division :

Synod, U. States $7,500 00

Pittsburgh Synod 3,200 00

Potomac " 3,300 00

4. The manner of sending money to the General Treasurer is at present, in many cases, cumbersome and slow. Punctual, quarterly remittances to him, and receipts from him to the several treasurers, would be simpler and preferable.

In conclusion, we submit anew the sacred cause of Missions to your fostering care and wise direction.

Respectfully submitted. F. K. LEV AN,

Superintendent of Missions.

treasurer's report. To the Board of Missions of the Reformed Church in the United States :

Having been elected Treasurer of the Joint Board of Missions of the Reformed Church in the United States, I beg leave, very respect- fully, to submit the following report :

Received from January 1st to October 13th, 1874 (both inclusive), the sum of Eight thousand one hundred and sixty-four dollars ($8,164).

Paid out upon orders of the Board during the same period, the sum of Eight thousand two hundred and ninety-five dollars and seventy-three cents ($8,295 73).

The annexed Statement will exhibit, in detail, the sources of the Contributions of the different Synods and Classes.

William H. Seibert, Treasurer, in account with tlie Board of

Missions of the Reformed Church in the United States.

Receipts from January 1st to October 13th, 1874.

SYNOD OF the UNITED STATES.

Charges. S. Schools. Total. Classis of Philadelphia, from Charges, S778 72

" S. Schools, $22 34 $801 06

" of Goshenhoppen, " Charges, 592 68

" ofE. Penna., " 913 11

" S. Schools, 132 00 1,045 11

" of Tohickon, " Charges, 495 50

" S. Schools, 6 63 502 13

" of Lebanon, " Charges, 1,431 36

" of Lancaster, " " 687 89

" S. Schools, 51 64 739 53

" ofWestSusq., " Charges, 273 11

" S. Schools, 10 00 283 11

" ofEastSusq., " Charges, 216 25

" of New York, '• " 50 00

Totals, from Synod of the U. States, $3,148 33 $222 61 $5,661 23

27

SYNOD OF TUE POTOMAC.

Classis of Zion, From Charges. $623 48

" S. Schools, $25 00 $648 48

" of Maryland, " Charges, 180 60

" S. Schools, 122 99 303 59

" of Mercersburg, " Charges, 107 65

" S. Schools, 19 33 126 98

" of Virginia, " Charges, 107 50

Totals, from the Synod of the Potomac, $911 73 ?167 32 $1,186 55

SYNOD OF PITTSBURGH.

From the Treasurer of Synod, $578 50

Classis of Allegheny, From Charges 7 00

" of Clarion, " " $484 67

" S. Schools, $12 15 496 82

" of St. Paul, " Charges, 150 00

Totals, from the Synod of Pittsburgh, $484 67 $12 15 $1,232 32 Keceived from the late Treasurer, W. A. Wilt, Esq., $83 90

Totals, from all sources, . . $7,761 92 $402,08 $8,164 00

RECAPITULATION BY SYNODS.

Synod of the United States, $5,661 23

S. Schools, $222 61

" " Potomac. 1,186 55

S. Schools, 167 32

" Pittsburgh, 1,232 32

S. Schools, 12 15

402 08 i^ mount received from late Treasurer $83 90

Total amount received $8,104 00

paid out 8,295 73

Balance due Treasurer.. $131 73

Note 1. Of the total amount received ($8,164 00), Five hundred and fifty-six Dollars and two Cents ($556 02), was designated for Missions in Iowa, and paid to the Treasurer of the English Iowa Classis.

Note 2. The Missionary Trea.surer of the German Philadelphia Classis, W. D. Gross, Esq., reports amount received for Missions from January, 1873, to September, 1874 $816 33

Paid out by him 908 34

In conclusion, it is with regret, that I have to state, that the amount contributed for Home Missions has been insufficient to pay the salaries of the missionaries in full. The large sum of $4,000 is etill needed to pay the orders issued up to date. Respectfully submitted.

WM. 11. SEIBERT, Treasurer. Harrisburg, Oct. 13, 1874.

28

I hereby certify that I have audited the account of Wm. H. Seibert, Treasurer of the Board of Missions of the Reformed Church in the United States, and find it to be correct, showing a balance due him of $131.73. W. H. H. Snyder.

Harrisburg, Oct. 13, 1874.

II. REPORT OP COMMITTEE ON MISSIONS.

The Committee on Missions, to whom the foregoing Reports had been referred, submitted their report, which was received, and taken up item by item, amended and adopted, and is as follows :

Your Committee on Missions would respectfully present the fol- lowing as their report :

From the papers placed in the hands of your Committee, we learn, with pleasure, that the missionary work of the Church has been car- ried forward during the past year with commendable zeal, and with much success. We have cause, therefore, to feel thankful to the great Head of the Church for blessings vouchsafed to this department of the labor of His Church in the upbuilding of His kingdom in the world ; and the wisdom and energy hitherto characterizing the efforts of those who have the oversight of this important work, should inspire us with hope as to the future, if they are properly sustained by the Church at large. We have cause to regret, however, that the receipts during the past year have fallen far short of the demands upon the Board of Missions. From the Treasurer's Report we learn, that $8,164 00 were received during the year, of which only $1,353 87 were received from this Synod. The Treasurer also reports, that $4,000 00 are needed to pay the missionaries for their labors of the past year, showing that special efforts should be put forth at once to meet this pressing want.

And, therefore, the Board of Missions has sent to this Synod the following recommendations, which your Committee deem proper and necessary to be referred to the several Classes of this Synod. These recommendations are as follows :

1. That missionary services, or festivals be held at least once in a year in all our congregations and oftener if possible.

2. That a generril introduction of missionary services and collec- tions at stated times be made in our Sunday Schools.

3. That the apportionment for this Synod of $3,300 00 for the coming year as indicated by the Board of Missions, be accepted.

4. The manner of sending money to the general Tx'easurer is at present in many cases cumbersome and slow. It is, therefore, recom- mended that punctual quarterly remittances be made to him and re- ceipts sent from him to the several Treasurers, as more simple and preferable.

Respectfully submitted.

W. C. CREMER, Chairman.

29

The Board of Missions for the present year, as far as this Synod is represented, consists of the following individuals, to wit : Revs. J. O. Miller, W. K. Zieber, E. R. Eschbach, W. R. H. Deatrich, and Elders W. A. Wilt, G. S. Griffith, and II. Wirt.

In regard to the request from the Board of Missions, as communi- cated to Synod by the Secretary of the Board, asking Synod to take special obligations from the beneficiary students requiring them to labor as missionaries for a limited period. Synod respectfully declined to take such action, and, on motion, laid the item on the table.

During the last session of the Synod, the President of the Board of Missions informed the Synod of the reception of a letter from the Rev. John Gantenbein, of Portland, Oregon, missionary sent there recently, in which he sends his greetings to Synod, and says : "Please tell the Si/nod^ that ice are at ivork in Oregon, icith r/ood prospects of success."

ARTICLE XV. FINANCE.

I. treasurer's report.

The Treasurer of Synod submitted his Annual Report, which was received, and then referred to the Committee on Finance, for the purpose of being audited. The Report is as follows :

LOUIS MARKELL, Treasurer, in account with the Synod of the Potomac, lieformed Church. DR.

1873. October. To balance, cash on hand $214 00

1874. Feb. 27, To cash received from Zion's Classis, being amount

assessed at organization 112 00

May 6, To cash from North Carolina Classis 30 00

" 29, " " Virginia " 35 00

October 3, *' " Mercersburg " 112 00

" 15, " " Maryland " 112 00

" 22, " " Zion's " 112 00

Making $727 00

CONTRA. CR.

1873. October 25. By cash paid Stated Clerk for Minute Book $3 25

1874. January 24. " Reformed Church Publication

Board for printing the ^linutes 155 50

February 18. By cash paid Stated Clerk for expenses, pos- tage, etc 15 00

March 23, By cash paid Rev. J. S. Foulk, expenses 8 00

July 17. " " " " " 6 00

October 3. " " Rev. Wm. M. Deatrick, Salary.. 75 00

" 22. By balance on hand 464 25

Making $727 00

30

IT. REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.

The Committee of Finance submitted their report, which was received, amended, and adopted as follows :

Your Committee on Finance would respectfully report, That but one document was referred to us, namely, the Report of the Treasurer of Synod, which we have examined and find correct, with a balance on hand of ^464.25.

Since the report of the Treasurer has been made, Synod has or- dered the disbursement of $234.10. This will leave only $230 15 in the Treasury for future use.

We assume that $400.00, together with the amount in the Trea- sury, will be suflScient to meet the necessary Synodical expenses during the coming year. We accordingly recommend the apportion- ment of that sum among the several Classes, as follows:

Zion's Classis $112 00

Mercersburg Classis 112 00

Maryland " 100 00

Virginia « 30 00

North Carolina " 30 00

German Maryland Classis 12 00

Making $396 00

Respectfully submitted.

E. R. EscHBACH, ■)

D. Gans, I

W. D. Lefevre, y Committee.

J. P. E.EED, I

J. M. Nicely, J

The Committee of Conference, appointed at the Synod of Cham- bersburg, to confer with the Synod of the United States, with instruc- tions to request that Synod to liquidate our share of indebtedness to the former Board of Education by our proper share of the interests derived from the old Beneficiary fund, and also to bring to the notice of said Synod the great necessity of the two Synods coming to a clear and fixed understanding of the relation which the two Synods sustain to these funds, which were held by the Church in common prior to the organization of the Synod of the Potomac, reported, that for cer- tain reasons they had failed to discharge this duty.

The Committee, which consists of Rev. D. Y. Heisler, F. A. Rupley, and Elder G. S. Griffith, was continued, with instructions to attend to this matter, if possible, without further delay.

The Stated Clerk, who had been instructed to call the attention of the Classes to the action of the Synod of the United States in declin-

31

iog to exonerate the Classes of this Synod, as requested by the Synod, from the payment of five-ninths of their assessments for contingent purposes, made by the Synod of Martiusburg in 1872, reported, that by oversight he had failed to furnish written notice of this fact to the several Classes, but from a letter received from the Treasurer of that Synod, had learned that Zion's, Maryland, and Virginia Classes had paid their full assessments.

The Stated Clerk v^as accordingly instructed to notify 3Iercersburg and North Carolina Classes, which have not paid their quotas in full, of the refusal of said Synod to exonerate them from the payment of their full assessments.

A request, as reported by the Committee on Overtures, came before Synod from the Treasurer of the Church Extension Fund, George Gelbach, in reference to an apportionment made by the General Synod at Cincinnati, apportioning ^232.00 of said debt to the Synod of the Potomac.

In reference to this matter, it was, on motion,

Resolved, That the Treasurer of Synod be instructed to pay said claim, amounting to $232.00, out of the funds now iu his hands.

AKTICLE XVI.

APPEALS AND REFERENCES.

The Committee on Minutes of Classes reported an appeal of Elder A. T. Rice from the decision of the Maryland Classis, in which the Classis refused to sustain the appeal of said Rice against the action of the majority of the consistory of the Evangelical Reformed Church of Frederick, Md., in that they refused to nominate Rev. T. J. Bacher, for the pastorate of said Church, when requested to do so by a peti- tion of a majority of the qualified voters of the congregation.

This item was referred to a special committee, composed of Rev. A. Wanner, M. Kioffer, C. G. Fisher, and Elders D. M. Whitmoro and II. Wirt, to examine whether the appeal be iu order, and, if found in order, to report the manner in which the case is to be taken up and tried.

This committee submitted their report, which was received, amended and adopted, as follows :

The special committee, to which the appeal case of Elder A. T. Rice was referred, report that they have examined the iMinutes of Maryland Classis, and find that due notice was given to the Classis, that an appeal would be taken from its decision to this Synod, and having in possession a written statement from the President of said Classis, that the reasons for said appeal were duly placed in the hands of the same, according to the recjuisitions of the Constitution,^ and

. 32

that said appeal being found in order, your committee, therefore, re- commend the following order to be observ^ed in the disposition of this appeal, viz. :

1. That the trial be made the order of business at 10 o'clock of this morning's (Monday) session.

2. That all the papers bearing on the case be read.

3. That the appellant or his counsel be allowed 20 minutes to open the case.

4. That Maryland Classis or its attorney be allowed 25 minutes in its defence.

5. That the appellant be granted 15 minutes to reply.

y. That the Classis be granted the same time to conclude its de- fence.

7. After this, each member of Synod shall be permitted to speak once on the case, and not over 10 minutes.

Respectfully submitted.

A. Wanner,

M. KlEFFER,

C. Gr. Fisher, \ Committee. Hy. Wirt, |

D. M. Whitmore, J

The appeal was taken up at the time designated. The following papers in the case were read :

1. The Minutes of Maryland Classis bearing on the subject.

2. The Petition of members, marked " B."

3. The Resolution offered by Elder A. T. Rice, marked " A."

4. The Appeal of Elder A. T. Rice, from the action of the Consis- tory of the Evangelical Reformed Church, Oct. 6, 1873.

5. The Appeal from the special meeting of Maryland Classis to the Synod of the Potomac.

Rev. F. A. Rupley, appeared as counsel for the appellant and Rev. J. S. Kieffer for the appellee, the Classis. Each spoke in the order and for the length of time specified. Afterwards a number of the members of the Synod also availed themselves of the privilege given, to speak on the subject. The Synod then proceeded to vote on the case by calling the Ayes and Nays, and the appeal was not sustained, there being 16 Ayes and 66 Nays, as follows:

A;i/es. Ministers, A. Wanner, A. Spangler, F. S. Lindaman, I. S. Weisz, Gr. W. Glessner, J. Sechler, A. G. Dole, H. H. Hibshman ; Elders, S. Swartz, Gr. L. Ickes, S. R. Weaver, M. Raffensperger, A. Brilhart, E. Brandenbcrg, J. Zimmerman, and D. Dunn.

Nays. Ministers, J. 0. Miller, W. K. Zieber, J. D. Zehring, J. Ault, J. Crawford, H. Wissler, M. Kieffer, A. J. Heller, 0. L. Ashenfelter, D. Gring, W. R. H. Deatrich, J. W. Santee, W. C. Cremer, D. Gans, W. M. Dcatrick, I. G. Brown, N. H. Skyles, E. E. Higbee, P. S. Davis, D Y. Heisler, W. D. Lefevre, J. A. Peters, A.

33

C. Geary, S. K. Kremer, S. B. Schafer, W. C. Schaeffcr, H. St. J. Rinkcr, S. N. Callender, J. T. Rossiter, C. G. Fisher, H. Tallhelm, (;. H. .Alartin, W. C. B. Shulenberger ; and Elders W. A. Wilt, H. Wirt, M. Harnish, S. Sipe, J. G. Kose, M. Myers, [I. M. Cocklin, J. ^lackley, W. Lupfer, H. S. Hershey, H. Keynolds, W. H. Lakin, J. Albau.uh, J. Sellers, G. S. Griffith, W. Earhart, J. P. Reed, J. Raw- lintrs, A. R. Schnebley, B. Isenberg, J. Rebuck, J. McKinney, D. M. Whitmore,D. B. Russell, I. H. Keefer, A. B. Wingerd, W. H. Bargolt, J. AV. Wenner, D. A. Flecker, J. Welshans, J. M. Nicely, E. Will, and II. J. Seibert.

Ao/t liquet Rev. R. R. Smith.

Excused from Voting Rev. E. R. Eschbach.

Prevented from voting in consequence of having voted in the lower court, or special meeting of Classis Ministers, F. A. Rupley, J. S. Kieffer, A. R. Kremer, J. M. Souder, H. Bielfeld, G. L. Staley, S. S. Miller, W. F. ('oUiflower, and Elders, J, Motter, L. Markell, and G. Harbaugh.

ilev. F. A. Rupley, in behalf of his client, Elder A. T. Rice, then gave ininiediute notice that he would complain to the next General Synod in this case.

The Synod thereupon appointed the President of Synod and Rev. J. S. Kieffer to defend the Synod before the next General Synod, should this Complaint be prosecuted before that judicatory.

ARTICLE XVII. COMPLAINTS.

The Committee on Minutes of Classes also reported a complaint of Rev. F. A. Rupley and others, against the action of Maryland Classis in confirming a call to Rev. E. R. Eschbach from the P^vangelical Reformed Church ot Frederick, Md.

This complaint case was referred to the same committee to which the appeal case had been referred, with the same object in view.

The committee reported the complaint in order, and recommended that the same order be observed in this case as in the appeal case. The complaint case to be taken up immediately after the appeal case has been dispOvSed of.

This case was accordin.Li;ly taken up in the order recommended by the committee.

The papers in the case were then read, as follows :

1. The minutes of Maryland Classis bearing on the case.

'1. The reasons assigned by the complainant.

3. The protest of Elders John W. Birely, A. T. Rice, and Isaac Croiiise against the confirmation of the call to Rev. E. R. Eschbach, read at Manchester, Md., June 5th, 1874. 3

34

Rev. F. A. Rupley conducted the case for himself, and Rev. J. S. Kieffcr acted as the counsel for Maryland Classis.

The Synod then voted on the case, and the complaint was not sus- tained.

Whereupon, Rev. F. A. Rupley gave notice, that he would com- plain in the name of Elders Birely, Rice, and Cronise to the next General Synod, from the decision of the Synod just rendered.

The Synod, thereupon, appointed the same committee, as in the other case, to defend its action before the next General Synod, should this case be carried before that tribunal.

ARTICLE XVIir.

SUNDAY-SCHOOLS.

The Sunday-school Board submitted its first annual report, which was received, amended, and adopted as follows : Reverend Fathers and Brethren of the Synod of the Potomac :

The Sunday-school Board appointed at your last annual meeting begs leave to represent the following report:

The Board met twice during the sessions of the Synod at Cham- bersburg, and has held one meeting during the sessions of the pre- sent Synod. The specified work claiming our attention was consid- ered, and the wants of our Sunday-schools earnestly discussed.

Previous to the last annual meetings of the several Classes com- posing this Synod, the Board addressed a letter to each Classis, requesting them to devote one evening during their sessions to the consideration of the interests of the Sunday-school cause, and in connection therewith suggested several important topics for discussion. The Classes of Maryland and of Zion complied with our request. The Classis of Mercersburg adopted a resolution setting apart one evening at their next annual meeting for the discussion of this subject. We are not advised in regard to the action of the Classes of North Caro- hna and Virginia. No reference to such meetings appears in their published minutes.

In compliance with the resolution adopted by Synod, we present the following programme for the Synodical Sunday-school meeting this (Friday) evening.

1. The claims of Sunday-schools upon the Church. Revs. M. Kieflfer, H. H. W. Hibshman, and J. S. Kiefi'er.

3- The Advantages of a Uniform Series of Lessons in the Sunday- school. How can we secure them? Revs. J.Ault, E. E. Higbee, D. Gans, and J. W. Santee.

It is, of course, not the intention to limit the number of speakers to those, who have been selected to discuss these subjects. It is ear- nestly hoped, that all the Members of Sjnod will feel free to enter uron the discussion.

35

It affords us great pleasure to inform you, that the interest in this department of Church work is greatly on the increase in our Church. The Eastern Synod will also devote one session, at least, at its present meeting to the consideration of this subject, and several of the Classes are taking hold of it with great earnestness. The Synodical Sunday- school meeting inaugurated by this Synod will be the first ever held by any Synod in the Reformed Church,

The Board would be glad to ascertain the sentiment and wishes of Synod in regard to its Sunday-schools, and would appreciate any suggestions and consider any plans which might be proposed by the members of this body.

The Board would respectfully request Synod to set apart Friday evening, Oct. 22d, 1875, at its next annual meeting, for the purpose of holding a Synodical Sunday school meeting, and that a programme be prepared for the occasion.

We would also ask Synod to recommend to the several Classes in its bounds to devote one evening at their next annual meetings to the consideration of the interests of our Sunday-schools. Respectfully submitted.

James Crawford, J. W. Santee, F. M. McKeehan.

Rev. J. A. Peters and Elder G. S. Griffith were elected members of the Sunday-school Board, the former for two and the latter for five years.

The Sunday-school Board is constituted as follows : Elder G. S. Griffith for five years, Rev. J. Crawford for four years, Rev. J. W. Santee for three years, Rev. J. A. Peters for two years, aud Elder F. M. McKeehan for one year.

The Sunday-school meeting, according to programme, was held on Friday evening, and was one of much interest.

The following resolution was adopted :

Resolved, That the subject of the preparation of a System of Les- sons for Sunday-schools be committed into the hands of the Sunday- school Board.

ARTICLE XIX.

CHURCH GOVERNMENT.

The committee appointed at the Synod of Organization to act with similar committees from the other two Eastern District Synods to

36

determine the Synodical boundaries, reported progress. The com- mittee was continued and instructed to send a copy of their report defining the boundary lines between the three Eastern District Synods, when ready to be made, to the Pittsburgh Synod, as well as to the Synods of the United States and the Potomac, that the S^nod of Pittsburgh may adopt or reject the same, as it may deem proper, said Synod having no representatives in the committee as it is now constituted.

The committee appointed at the first annual meeting, to confer on the matter of union between the Reformed Church in America and the Reformed Church in the United States, in conjunction with similar committees from the other District Synods, reported progress, and was continued.

The committee appointed at the last annual meeting, to aid in drafting a new Constitution, reported as follows, which was received and adopted, and the committee was continued, viz.:

Your committee on Constitution respectfully report, that they have been busy in consultation and in gathering material for the important work of forming a new Constitutiou for the Church, but are not able to report anything definitely for want of time.

Respectfully submitted.

E. E. HiGBEE, Chairman.

The following resolution was reiterated :

Resolved, That the Classes within the bounds of this Synod be directed to see to it, that tbe Charters of congregations harmonize with the Constitution of the Reformed Church in the United States.

The Maryland Classis heeded the action of the Synod of the United States as directed by this Synod, in reference to certain in- terests in Church property in Washington, D. C, and appointed a Committee to whom the matter was referred.

The following resolution was adopted in regard to statistics : Resolved, That the attention of the Classes of this Synod be called anew to the importance of having their statistical reports full and complete, and that the subject be brought to the notice of all our pastors and pastoral charges.

GERMAN MARYLAND CLASSIS.

On motion, the organization of the German Maryland Classis, as ascertained from the Minutes of the Maryland Classis and from their own Minutes, was recognized.

37

SAN FRANCISCO CLASSIS.

The following resolution on the formation of the San Francisco Classis was adopted, in response to the action of the ministers laboring on the Pacific coast, forming themselves into the San Francisco Classis :

Resolved, That the action of the brethren on the Pacific Coast or- ganizing themselves into the San Francisco Classis, although some- what irregular, be and hereby is sanctioned and confirmed j and that the names of those brethren be hereafter omitted from the Minutes of the Classis of Zion.

A request from the German Maryland Classis to be dismissed with the view of being formed into a Grerman Synod, together with the German Philadelphia, the New York, and the West New York Classes, was laid before Synod.

The Overture from the Pittsburgh Synod, in the form of a preamble and resolution, with reference to the same subject, and which had been laid upon the table, was taken up.

After due cousideratiou the request was granted, and the German Maryland Classis was accordingly dismissed, in order to form a Ger- man Synodj with the aforementioned German Classes.

ARTICLE XX. PUBLICATION.

The following report was received from the Stated Clerk, in regard to the publication of the Minutes of Organization and First Annual 3Ieeting, and adopted.

The undersigned, as Stated Clerk of Synod, would respectfully report :

That agreeably to the instructions of Synod, he had one thousand copies of the Acts and Proceedings of Synod printed by the Reformed Church Publication Board; the Minutes of the Synod of Organiza- tion in their running order, and those of the First Annual Meeting in Lemmata form.

The Minutes as thus printed form a neat pamphlet of 58 pages, and present a fine appearance. Thorough accuracy in the publica- tion was aimed at, and secured, it is believed, to an unusual degree. They contain fewer typographical errors than is ordinarily the case. And in this respect, they will bear favorable comparison with the Minutes of other Synods. One or more unimportant typographical mistakes occur in the statistical tables, the proof-reading of the sheets of which did not pass under my supervision.

As Synod hud not adopted any Lemmata form of its own, it be- came necessary to form one before the publication of the Minutes of

38

the Annual Meeting could go forward ; that of the mother Synod not answering in all particulars. Accordingly, the Lemmata, found on page 16 of the printed Minutes, was formed, being suited, it is b3- lieved, to the condition and circumstances of the Synod. If this should not prove satisfactory, it can easily be changed by the Synod.

The publication of the Minutes having progressed thus far, another difl&culty arose, and in this instance in regard to their proper distri. bution. Synod having adopted no rule or principle, what course was to be adopted? The principle of distributing the Minutes among the Classes, according to the ratio of assessment made for contingent purposes, having proven satisfactory with the old Synod, this course was accordingly pursued. But the Stated Clerk was still at a loss to know what plan to adopt or follow in regard to furnishing ministers belonging to other Synods with a copy of our Minutes. To send a copy to all such, would require more than one-half the number printed, so that there would be less than five hundred copies left for the Classes constituting the Synod.

The following plan was finally adopted in the distribution of the Minutes :

Zion's Classis received 224 copies

Maryland Classis received 224 '*

Mercersburg Classis received 224 "

Virginia " " 70 "

North Carolina " " 60 *'

9

Making 80

Thus 198 copies were left for general distribution, which were mailed to such ministers of the Church as would be most likely to appreciate the favor.

In conclusion, Synod is most respectfully asked to adopt some rule in this particular, and thus relieve the Stated Clerk from further per- plexity in this feature of distributing the Minutes.

The expense of printing the Minutes was only $155.50, which has been paid by the Treasurer of Synod.

Respectfully submitted.

Wm. M. Dbatrick, Stated Clerk.

The report was referred for consideration to a special committee, consisting of Rev. J. 0. Miller, D. Gans, and Elder W. H. Lakin. During the last session of Synod, this committee submitted the fol- lowing report, which was received and adopted, viz. :

The committee, to whom was referred the report of the Stated Clerk, offer the following report, concerning the publishing and dis- tributing of the Minutes of Synod.

Resolved, That this Synod approve of the course pursued by the Stated Clerk in forming the Lemmata as given, and accordingly publishing the IMinutes of Synod.

39

Resolved, further, That we approve of the distribution of the Minutes according to the ratio of assessment for contingent purposes, as is the case with the Synod of the United States, and the surplus copies be sent as far as possible to the members of other Synods. Respectfully submitted.

J. 0. Miller, '\ D. Gans, [ Committee.

W. H. Lakin,

The following resolution was adopted;

Resolved, That the Stated Clerk be instructed to have twelve hundred and fifty copies of the Minutes of the present sessions duly authenticated, published; and distribute them among those entitled to receive them.

The Committee on Overtures reported a communication from the Herald Printing Company of Carlisle, Pa., addressed to the Stated Clerk of Synod, asking the privilege of making an estimate of the cost of the printing of Synod's Minutes.

On motion, the following resolution was adopted : Resolved, That the Stated Clerk be instructed to notify the Herald Printing Company of Carlisle, that the public printing of the Synod of the Potomac is placed in the hands of the Publication Board of the Reformed Church at Philadelphia.

ARTICLE XXI. MISCELLANEOUS.

REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF SYN'OD.

The Board of Trustees of Syncd submitted their report, which was received and adopted, and is as follows: To the Reverend S(/nod of the Potomac:

The Board of Trustees elected by the last Synod met on the 22d

of October, 1874, and organized by electing Lewis H. Steiner, M.D.,

as President, and Rev. J. O. Miller as Vice President and Secretary.

They also cast lots for the several terms of time, each was to serve

as members of said Board, which resulted as follows, viz.:

Rev. J. 0. Miller's term expires Jan. 1st, 1875. Lewis H. Steiuer's " " 1876.

William Heyser's " « 1877.

Rev. Saml. N. Callender's " " 1878.

Louis Markell's " " 1879.

We request the Synod to elect one member whose term of oflSice will begin on January 1st, A. D. 1875.

40

We herewith transmit to you for your acceptance or rejection, a copy of the act of incorporation which was approved by the last Synod in its general character, and which has been given us by the General Assembly of Maryland.

Respectfully submitted.

J. 0. Miller, Secretary.

The Board laid before Synod the following " Act of Incorporation," to wit:

" An act to incorporate the Trustees of the Synod of the Potomac of the Reformed Church in the United States.

Whereas, The Ministers and Elders forming the Synod of the Potomac of the Reformed Church in the United States, consisting of citizens of the State of Maryland, and of others of the United States of America, have represented that by donations, devises and beques's, or otherwise, of charitably disposed persons, they expect to be pos- sessed of lands and moneys for benevolent and pious purposes, but from the scattered situation of f^aid Ministers and Elders, and other causes, the said Ministers and Elders will find it very difficult to manage the said lands and moneys in the way best calculated to answer the intentions of the donors ; therefore

Section 1. Be it enacted hy the General Assemhly of Maryland, That Lewis H. Steiner, Louis Markell, William Heyser, Jacob O. Miller and Samuel N. Callender, and iheir successors, duly elected and appointed in manner as is hereinafter directed, be and they are hereby made, declared and constituted a corporation and body politic and corporate, to have continuance until otherwise ordered by the General Assembly, by the name style and title of ",The Trustees of the Synod of the Potomac of the Reformed Church in the United States," and by the name, style and title aforesaid, shall hereafter be persons able £.nd capable in law, as well to take, receive and hold such estate, property and effects as may be acquired by gift, purchase, devise or bequest by said Ministers and Elders of the Synod of the Potomac of the Reformed Church in the United States, or any other person or persons, to their use or in trust for them, according to the original use and intent for which such gifts, purchases, devises or bequests shall be respectively made, subject, however, in the case of devises and bequests, always to the sanction of the General Assembly of Maryland, as provided in the Declaration of Rights.

Section 2. And he it enacted, That no misnomer of the said Corporation, and their successors, shall defeat or annul any gift, grant, devise or bequest, to or from the said Corporation; inovided, the intent of the party or parties shall sufficiently appear upon the face of the gift, will, grant or other writing, whereby any estate or interest was intended to pass to or from the said corporation.

Section 3. And it he enacted, That the said Corporation and their successors shall have full power and authority to make, have and use one common seal, with such device and inscription as thpy

41

shall see fit and proper, and the same to break, alter and renew at their pleasure.

Section 4. And he it enacted, That the said Corporation and their successors, by the name, style and title aforesaid, shall be able and capable in law to sue and be sued, plead and be impleaded in any Court, or before any Judge or Justice, in all and all manner of suits, complaints, pleas, matters and demands, of whatsoever nature, kind and form they may be, and all and every matter and thing to do, in as full and effectual a manner as any other person or persons, bodies politic and corporate, within this State, can or may do.

Section 5. And he it enacted, That the said Corporation and their successors shall be and are hereby authorized and empowered to make, ordain and establish by-laws and ordinances, and do everything inci- dent and needful for the support and due government of the said cor- poration, and managing the funds and revenues thereof; provided, the said by-laws and regulations be not repugnant to the Constitution and Laws of the United States, to the Constitution and Laws of this State, to this Act, or to the Constitution, Laws or Ilegulations of the Synod of the Potomac of the lleformed Church in the United States.

Section G. And he it enacted. That the said Corporation shall consist of five persons, neither more nor less, who shall be members of the Reformed Church in the United States, and continue to be members of the said corporation for the term of five years each, the term of office to end always on the first day of January, and the said Synod of the Potomac of the Reformed Church in the United States, shall annually change one-fifth of the said board or corporation, in such manner as to the said Synod shall seem proper; but the same person may not be re-elected until after he shall have ceased to te a member of the said board or corporation for at least one year ; pro- vided, however, that the aforesaid Trustees, namely, Lewis Il.Steiuer, Louis Markell, William Hcyser, Jacob 0. Miller and Samuel X. Cal- lender, who shall continue in office as follows : one of them until the first day of January, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-five; one until the first day of January, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-six; one until the first day of January, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven ; one until the first day of January, one thousand eight hundred aud seventy- eight ; and one until the first day of January, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-nine ; these different terms of office to be dis- tributed by lot or otherwise by the said corporation among themselves J_ at their first meeting; and furllur, if the place of any member of the ' said corporation be made vacant by death, resignation, or otherwise, it shall be the duty of the remaining members of the said corporation, at the first meeting held at which such vacancy shall become known, to elect and appoint a person who is a member of the Reformed Church in the United States, to the office of trustee or member of said cor- poration, who shall, however, hold office only lor the unexpired term of the member creating such vacancy, aud the person thus elected by

42

the said corporation, shall not be re-eligible by the Synod aforesaid, until after he has ceased to be a trustee for the period of at least one year; and further, if the Synod aforesaid fail during any year to change one-fifth of the members of this board or corporation, then the vacancy occurring on the first day of January, according to the provisions and restrictions of this Act, shall be filled by the said cor- poration, and the person thus elected and appointed, shall be a mem- ber of the said corporation for the term of five years.

Section 7. And he it enacted, That the Corporation aforesaid shall have power and authority to manage and dispose of all moneys, goods, chattels, lands, tenements and hereditaments, and other estate whatsoever committed to their care and trust by the said Synod of the Potomac of the Reformed Church in the United States, but in cases where special instructions for the management and disposal thereof, shall be given by the said Svnod in writing, under the hand of their Clerk, it shall be the duty of the said Corporation to act ac- cording to such instructions ; 'provided, the said instructions shall not be repugnant to the Constitution and Laws of the United States, or the Constitution and Laws of this State, or to the provisions and restrictions in this Act contained.

Section 8. And he it fiirtlier enacted. That the said Corporation shall and may have a President, a Vice-President, who shall also be the Secretary or Clerk, and a Treasurer: the President and Vice- President to be chosen by the said Corporation, out of their own num- ber, as often as they may see proper, and according to the rules by them to be prescribed, but the Treasurer to be elected annually by the said Synod of the Potomac of the Reformed Church in the United States, from among the members of the said Corporation, in such manner as to the said Synod shall seem proper, and the same person shall be re-eligible to the office of Treasurer by the said Synod from year to year, so long as he continues to be a member of the said Cor- poration, and the said Corporation shall have authority to appoint such other officers and servants as shall by them the said Corporation, be deemed necessary, to all of which officers, the said Corporation may assign such a compensation for their services and such duties to beyperformed by them, to continue in office for such time and to be succeeded by others in such way, the Treasurer being excepted con- formably to the provisions of this Act, as the said Corporation may direct.

^^^Section 9. And he it enacted, That three members of this board or Corporation, whereof the President, or in his absence, the Vice- President shall be one, shall be a sufficient number to transact the business thereof, and to make by-laws, rules and regulations; pro- vided, that previous to any meeting of the board or Corporation for such purposes not appointed by adjournment, ten days notice shall be previously given thereof, by a circular sent by mail or otherwise to each member of the Corporation.

Section 10. And he it enacted, That said Corporation shall keep

43

regular and fair eotries of their proceedings, and a just account of their receipts and disbursements, in a book or books to be provided for that purpose, and their Treasurer shall once in every year exhibit to the Synod of the Potomac of the Reformed Church in the United States, an exact state of the accounts of the Corporation.

Section 11. And he it enacted, That the said Corporation may take, receive, purchase, possess and enjoy messuages, houses, lands, tenements, rents, annuities, and other hereditaments, real and per- sonal estate of any amount not exceeding ten thousand dollars yearly value, but the said limitations are not to be considered as including the annual collections and voluntary contributions made in the churches under the care of the said Synod of the Potomac of the Reformed Church in the United States.

Approved April 6, 1874."

On motion, the following resolution was adopted :

Resolved, That the Act of the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, entitled, "An Act to incorporate the Trustees of the Synod of the Potomac of the Reformed Church in the United States, ap- proved April 6, 1874," be now approved by the Synod, and that the same is hereby accepted on the part of this Synod.

Rev. E. R. Eschbaeh was elected a member of the Board of Trus- tees, in the place of Rev. J. 0. Miller, to serve from January 1st, 1875, to January 1st, 1880.

Society for the Relief of Ministers and Widows.

The following resolution was adopted, viz. :

Resolved, That the Society for the Relief of Ministers and Widows of Ministers of the Reformed Church be anew commended to the confidence and support of our churches, and that it be recommended to all our congregations to lift one collection in the month of June next, so far as practicable, in aid of said Society; and further, that the attention of the several Class.^s be directed to this subject.

An assessment of twenty-five cents was laid upon the members of Synod for the benefit of the sexton. The Rev. P. S. Davis, and A. J. Heller were appointed to collect said assessment. The committee submitted the following report, which was received and adopted :

The committee to collect the assessment for the sexton report that the duty has been attended to, and that $25.70 has been secured and handed over to the sexton.

Respectfully submitted.

P. S. Davis, CJiairman.

44

On the morning of the third day of the sessions, the Committee on Nominations presented their report, which was received and adopted. The election for members of the Boards was held immediately after adopting the report. Rev. H. Wissler and S. K. Kremer were appointed tellers, who received the ballots, counted the votes, and furnished the President with the result. The result will be found elsewhere, in connection with the action of the Synod on the Reports of the several Boards.

The Committee on Overtures reported a communication from the Board of Managers of Bethany Orphans' Home at Womelsdorf, Pa., in which they lay before the Synod a statement of the receipts and disbursements of that institution, as well as of its general management and present condition. The paper was read and approved by the Synod.

An item in the Report of the Committee of Overtures was the Report of the Board of Publication at Philadelphia. The report was read, and then referred to a special committee, consisting of Rev. Drs. Higbee, Zieber, Staley, and Elders I. H. Keefer, and J. Lantz.

The committee reported on Saturday afternoon as follows, which was received and adopted item by item :

The Publication Board of the Synod of the United States has in charge an interest which is so intimately connected with the whole life and progress of our Church, and of such vital importance, that any calamity befalling it, or any serious crippling of its energies, can- not but be disastrous in consequences not only to one Synod but to the entire Church.

Through it we have our " Review," our " Messenger," our Sunday- schools paper, our '' Guardian/' and in fact the great bulk of our denominational literature. Through it the general theological thought of our eastern Church comes practically before the Church. This interest, therefore, justly demands every exertion and sacrifice, which we, as Ministers and Elders of the Reformed Church, can possibly make. We cannot allow it to suffer we cannot neglect its work, or feel no responsibility in its management aad success.

Your committee, therefore, while heartily acquiescing in the efforts made by the Board to render its work more efficient, and make its claims more extensively felt by the Church at large, pi'opose the fol- lowing resolutions for the consideration and action of this Synod.

Resolved, I. That the Synod feels that the Board of Publication of the Synod of the Reformed Church in the United States, although not officially connected with it, is yet most intimately related to, and absolutely necessary for our own Synodical mission and work.

II. That the Synod endorses the general feature of changes pro- posed by the Board, including the alternation of the " Messenger," by reduction of size, and change of form, and decrease of subscrip-

45

tion price, nnd establishment of a cash-in-advance principle of pay- ment.

III. That in view of those changes, and the general depression of business, this .Synod ur-es upon each minister within its bounds, to make organized exertion to increase the subscription list of the '' Messenger," either by acting as direct agent in his charge for this end. or by uriiing some one to act in the same capacity.

IV. That the Ministers and Elders of this Synod be, and hereby are most earnestly urged to secure contributions from those who are able and willing to help a cause so vital to the welfare of the Church ; which contributions shall go to form the capital required for the efl&- cient operation of the Board.

V. That while thus earnest to help the Board in its important work, this Synod respectfully makes the following suggestions in reference to its general management, to wit :

1. That every effort be made to reduce the expenditures of the establishment, (which are felt to be large in proportion to the busi- ness annually transacted), either by decreasing salaries, or by lessen- ing the number of employees.

2. That those publications which prove themselves unable to meet the expenses of their publication, and are not strictly necessary for the work of the Church, either be discontinued, or thrown into pri- vate hands thus releasing the Board from all pecuniary responsibility therefor.

H. That the Board make every effort to overcome all dissatisfaction that may be felt and expressed in reference to its business capacity to supply orders from the Church for religious literature, and books in general, by securing the best business talent of the Church for this purpose.

4. That the Synod does not, in any of the suggestions made in reference to the general management of the Board, wish for a single moment, that any change should be made, which, in the wisdom of the Board, might prove at all perilous to its continuance and work. Ilespectfully submitted.

E. E. HiGBEE, Chairman.

The following preamble and resolutions were adopted :

"WiiKREAS, The Hymn Book Committee of the Synod of the Re- formed Church in the United States, appointed by that Synod before the formation of the Synod of the Potomac, has finished its work and reported to the mother Synod ; and, Whereas, The selection of Hymns made by that committee is now in print, and a copy is before this Synod; therefore,

Resolvcif, That a special committee of five be and hereby is ap- pointed to take the selection of Hymns, and upon examination report to this Synod a suitable minute in reference thereto.

46

The committee called for consisted of Rev. J. A. Peters, E. R. Eschbach, E. E. Higbee, and Elders A. B. Wingerd, and L. Markell.

This committee, at a subsequent session of Synod, submitted the following report, which was received and adopted :

Your committee, into whose hands was placed the printed Hymns reported to the Synod of the Reformed Church in the United States, respectfully submit the following preamble and resjlutious for adop- tion :

Wiereas, The General Synod of the Reformed Church em- powered the Synod of the United States to publish, in connec- tion with its Order of Worship, a suitable appendix of Hjmns; and, Whereas, when the Synod of the United States appointed a committee to form such a collection of Hymns, the Synod of the Potomac was not organized, but in reality constituted a part of the Synod to which the privilege was granted, and which appointed the committee ; therefore,

Resolved, I. That this Synod regards itself as properly included within the original privilege, granted by the General Synod.

II. That the Synod most heartily adopts the collection of Hymns made by the committee, and recommends its introduction and use in our congregations, so far as possible and expedient.

III. That this Synod apppoint the following persons, to wit : Rev. E. E. Highes, D.D., L. H. Steiner, and Rev. J. B. Kerchner, as a committee, who in conjunction with a committee of the same number from the Synod of the United States, shall have power to prepare and publish an edition of the collection of Hymns with music.

IV. That such conjoint committee of six shall have power to ap- point an additional member of the committee, making this committee to consist of seven.

V. That this Synod is willing to be responsible for its share of the expense of such new edition, with music; the ratio of its share being based upon the number of communicant members respectively of the two Synods.

Respectfully submitted. J. A. Peters, E. R. Eschbach, E. E. Higbee, A. B. Wingerd, L. Markell,

The Corresponding Secretary was instructed to send a copy of the foregoing report to the Synod of the United States, now in session at Bethlehem, Pa.

An item in the Report of the Committee on Overtures was the Report of the Board of Trustees of the Theological Seminary at Lan- caster, accompanied with the Treasurer's Report.

Committee.

47

These papers were read, and, on motion, referred to the Board of Education.

A communication, in regard to the Semi-Centennial Celebra- tion, or Fiftieth Anniversary of the Founding of the Theological Seminary, was received from the Synod of the Reformed Church in the United States, through its Corresponding Secretary, on Monday evening, near the hour for final adjournment, and was read. Where- upon the following resolution was offered and adopted :

Rcsolvecf, Ihat we heartily approve of the St mi- Centennial Cele- bration contemplated by the Synod of the United States, and that we will do all in our power to further it and give it success.

ARTICLE XXII. RESUMPTION AND CLOSE.

The following resolutions were adopted:

Resolved, That the most cordial thanks of this Synod are hereby tendered to the Pastor and members of the Reformed Church of Hanover, Pa., for the very liberal hospitality and kind entertainment extended to us, during our present annual sessions and sojourn among them.

Resolved, That Pastor Zieber be requested to read the foregoing resolution of thanks from his pulpit.

Resolved, That the Corresponding Secretary be instructed to con- vey the thanks of this Synod to the following Railroad Companies, for passing its members over their respective roads at reduced rates of fare, viz.: Pennsylvania Central, Northern Central, Baltimore and Ohio, Cumberland Valley, Frederick and State Line, State Line and Hanover, Hanover Branch, Western Maryland, and Gettysburg Railroads.

Resolved, That the Stated Clerk be directed to furnish a copy of the foregoing resolutions to each of the four newspapers published in the place.

The roll was called, and none were found absent without permis- sion.

The Minutes were read and adopted, and ordered to be engrossed.

48 ARTICLE XXIIL ADJOURNMENT.

The following resolutions were adopted :

Resolved^ That the next annual meeting of Synod be in convention to be composed of all the ministers witbin the bounds of Synod, and one elder from each pastoral charge.

Resolved^ That we adjourn to meet again in annual sessions in the Reformed church of Winchester, Va., on Wednesday, the 20th of October, A D., 1875, at 7i o'clock, P. M.

Adjourned with the repetition of the Apostles' Creed, the singing of the Gloria in Excelsis, praying the Lord's Prayer, and the Apos- tolic Benediction by the President.

S. N. CALLENDER, President. Attest,

Wm. M. Deatrick, Stated Clerk.

OflScial copy from the original Minutes.

WM. M. DEATRICK, Stated aerk.

49

to

to

Ed

a a

a

•<

H o

o

H O

York, York County, Pa. Hanover, York do York, York d.o Dillsburg, York do York, York do York, York do York, York do Shrewsbury, York do Hanover, York do Littlestown, Adams do Mechanicsburg, Cmberl'd do Gettysburg, Adams do Codorus, York do York, York do Arendtsville, Adams do Carlisle, Cumberland do York, York do New Oxford, Adams do Newport, Perry do Blain, Perry do Duncannon, Perry do York, York do York, York do Bermudian, Adams do Landisburg, Perry do

o

■3

-3

a •A

o

a

3

o

3 fe5

•niK ^lOH joj -pnig

i-l r-l r-i

CO

•s,nqij^no3 •Aouag

O O O <=>

,-1 lO i-l CO 1-1 rH

lOl^OOOO Oi-(0c3i-i000t~0>0 1>) oooo

otDuioo coooifjcoc<ioco«oo— le^ o«5e<ioo »«t--^t^t- coeo*-«ocotoo-*co'«f-i->a( rto e^

lOTlli-H iH r-lrlr-lrH

CO

•s.iqos 'S -s

i-H

(MOOO-^COCOi.-- -T<0=lCOiOJ>. C50»>Or-( -*CO(MCOrtr-IC^ r-(C^COCO(M M

o

rH

co

•siooqog -g

r- t- CO M

coooi-ic^c^i-iosco'Oi-ir-iioeootoiMeo ->i<coco

'^

OS

•sqjBaa

O O ■* M

oest^osco ooeoeoooosc^eocqr-iTii.o «o«o

rlrH <NM r-lrirH (M

rH

5^ o

M

•passitnsid

M

lO TjiMr-l OJMi-eS'OCOl-l-'^WOCO -qirH

'^

o

•raooxa 1 1

•S^U'BD

-innmmoo

LO O O CO

e^ 1^ o 00

CC O r-l rH

Our>OOrH-t<-t<-ficOCOOOOO-!<OOCOO-*t-<M OSOqtOiOCOt-HOTl^lMtOO'ti-iOM^CO'OOCOMr-l (N-*IM501MC0ti) COr-1 lOCOCOrHtOrni—lMrHrH

W

•o^Bogi^jaO

lO

5D CO X~ ■<* lO CO CO CO ■* ■* -"^ CO OS OS M

CO

•patnaguoo

(M CO C<) CO

CsaSirjrHCO C3COO-*t-«t^OCO^T-< i^rn r-\ -^ T-i ■>* ,-i C^rHrHrlOOCO r-t

1^

1^

i-H

•srasi^d^a

CO CO cc -* CO rl

rHCO-*r-.iO C»<0r-IC0e^)C0rHOC0C0Tt(O COiOC^Tjl eOT)(fqtOrH OSCOCO I-HC0rH(NrHCOM M

o

s

•p,jgaoon£i

lO O O «D t- 50 if» OS

rHOOOC<lC^iOt-O^C^OO^**'^C>C^O)'OOO^CO

c<^I>-»ooosi^Jt^coo«o^;^^-.J^^oscD<ooc^asosc^o

COtNC^OrHrHCO INrHrHOrHCO ^rHrHWr-1

OS

•Bjaqraaj^

lO ■o o e<» (M 00 r- CO Tji CO N e^»

COOOO-^OSC-l'OOS'^^iOrHCOt^COOiOCOrHC^iOrHO eOTJ(C0 1.--CSe0 1^ •^e<lrH«OCOC0rHt~rHC^eOMrH

00

(d

e o

York (German), Manheim, Mt. Pleasant, Dillsburg,

Without charge,

do do Trinity Church, York, Shrewsbury, Hanover, Christ's Church, Mechanicsburg, Gettysburg, Emanuel's, Dallastown, Conowago, Carlisle, Heidelberg, Abbottstown, New Bloomfield, Zion's, Duncannon, Paradise, Kreutz Creek, York Springs, Landisburg, Trinity,

Sulphur Springs, St. Andrew's Cong.,

a o

o

a _o

•sSuog j

rH CO CO <M

i-IOi-irHe-l(M^COCOr-lr-IOCOCO'»'Tr<M-f^^CSrH

" 1

ao

^^

O M

■3 O w

o

1<

CO

y.

Daniel Zicgler, D. D.,

Jacob Secbler,

F. W. Vandersloot,

Daniel Riegel,

Jacob Zicgler,

David Bossier,

Jacob 0. Miller, D. D.,

Daniel Gring,

William K. Zieber, D. D.,

John Ault,

AV. R. H. Deatrieh,

Moses Kiolfer, D.D.,

Jacob D. Zebring,

Rinehart ]{. Smith,

A. J. Heller,

Oliver L. Ashenfelter,

Aaron Wanner,

Aaron Sp angler,

James Crawford,

F. S. Lindaman,

Henry Wissler,

Israel S. Weisz,

Reuben Rauhauser,

Aaron H. Leiss,

W. H. Herbert,

Sup. by Zehring k Smith, do Foulk <fe Deatrieh, do F. S. Lin^iaman,

50

joj -pnjg

s^nqu^noQ

■tJoooooooooooooo

C O O y -3 '^ '^ T3 k^j

M a o

f^.1,

CO £-.;=-

o ^ _2 .=

■5 ^ fi

W CO <

iWS

o

n

^

T3

rt

o

>.

2

cS

.t:;

i(

.

r5U

a>

<i)

,

r,-i

c

o

-^

.**^

>

Ft

V

tM

y

'»(i

^

5 ^ c iH a OS

-* CO t^ O O lO <=> CO C^] CC C^ t^ J-^ o rH "* i-H rH (M

s.iqos'S's

O O O O d I

O 1^- CO O C <=> Oi

C2 o c; <

<0 lO C" O IM CO CO CS C<)

S[ooqog -g

•^ >— l(MNC^iM,_(C^C<)eOe<lr-li— 11— l^r-CCrlOO

•sq:)T39(j

lOOSr-tCOiOMCOCOCOCSCOCSr-iOOCDCO

■passirasiQ;

•raooxg;

-lunmmoQ

'000:C^O>Ou^^'5CO<0><OC'0>COiOiOCOC>^G:> CO COiOe-li— ir-l(M(M-^i— ((T^i— I t— (1— 1-^ C-J

CO> CO i^ -o

lO CO -^ ur^

CO O^ 1— I o

■8;T?ogt;jaO

I'O T—i I— ics I— I'^coco'oasi-i'oc^'— 11— ii

,-lrH t^

'psniagnoQ

•scasud'ea;

CCC0C0C^i0OC<J0iC0i-^05C0i— l-^

p,aguoon£i

I— I IS lO rH

i OfMC^-t^'OiOtO-^'^Oi^OSt^COC^CO'— t^ •SJaqnigj^ CO COOCOl-HrHCSCO'O'-IIMi-l l-Hmt-H-*

■O CO CS O

a«^!ja gi

•ssuof)

aH^SHia^OgtoMHfaCggpMi^>-?Ca

irqCqCOCOi— II— lrHCOr-r-l'<*i— 1^ OtTpr^

II— i-*(Meq<Mc^cocoi

cT ^'c^'^

o -^

O c '

' tsi . ^ n . ;:; 01 •- hJ

^.r (11 ^ o C3

^ fcc S :3 o C5

g o I U ■= g

f ^ -3 a m

:w,

•- o (1. a "-

-<;■

CCi-i<<^P^P)Hp:t-,*SS

3(i; o

. s § a -^ ■£ g

-2 >>

o

51

POST-OFFICE ADDUESS.

Charlesville, Bedford Co., Pa. Merccrsburg, Franklin do Minn's Choice, Bed brd do Altoona. Blair do Merccrsburg, Franklin do do do do

Chambcrsburg, Franklin do James Creek, Huntingdon do Mont Alto, i'ranklin do Waynesboro, do do Huntingdon, Huntingdon do McConnellsburg, Fulton do SchclLsburg, Bedford do Alexandria, Huntingdon do Bedford, Bedford do Martinsbuig, Blair do Everett, Bedford do Chambersburg, Franklin do Greencastle, do do Shippcnsburg, Cumberland do Waynesboro, Franklin do Chambcrsburg, do do St. Clairsvillc, Bedford do Sarah, Blair do St. Thomas, Franklin do Pattonsville, Bedford do Middleburg, Franklin do Shirleysburg, Huntingdon do

•A',nij^ aq^ J0( -pnig

1-11-1 1-1

C^ CO-# COr-11-1 MCSi-i 1-1

c->

•s.nqij^uoQ •Aauajj

$222 97

532 31

30 40

460 00

Oi

o

lO

CO

OiOOOOlMCOi-iOCCOS-JOOOOOOOCOO i-iNOOOOC01:-C0OO0»OOOt~-*OOC0OO

cooso-*->*<Mrot--*ooooocooJot->OT-ioir5 Ol0ooocoo-#l-|<^^■*t-0(^^cqc^c<^•oi^-co<^^

to ,_,,_i,_i i-iTTMi— t^ <M i-< I-"

CO

Ci CO CO

•s.iqos-s's

o o o o

\Ci \Ci \Ci ^Ci 1-1 <N T-i

OOOOCi«OOOiOOOOOO = 0 O'O c. lOOOCOe-l-^CC'OOC^OMCO'OJr-Oi-l OOl Tj(

coe<ii-i<MM ^-HC-)CKii-i ,— 1-1 c<<i>)

CO

CO

•siooqog -g

M CO 1-1 rl

i-i-*coc~>MMc^<c-icoco-»-^i-iesi-ii-(co-*c^co i-i

5;

•sq^^aa

CT. Tjn- M

<M->»ico-^COe^i;-lr-OOJiO->l(-*M COQO -^tO M

2

'passimsiQ

•* es -^

CO

T-|iOCOr-lt~ COCOM tCCJi* ■«• COi-1

CO

to

•raooxjT

rt "

^'

-lunmmog

lO CO O OS ■O CO OO lO M CO rH (M

o cs

OOO <O»0C^Cii0C5OOOC0i0«DO<^C5»0t0OC0 OSOOSOrHCOi— 'CSCO<OC^i^t^»— 'OOOOSCO'^O'^'*^^ MCO eSCOrlMCONCOdrHl-iC^ MCSi-i<M

a^Baiji^aoo

to J.^ >0 CO

t^

iO>OCOCO(M t-ri-<li-*O0C^ COCO-O r-i i-H M rl -H

5

•panijgaoo

CO t^ .— C^

CO

Tji >oiooo5!Oco^-tooo i-icoco eoeo >-> I-IM i-iM 1-iMlMCSMCO i-l

CO

•snisi^dBg

CO O O 1:^

'"'

■^OOCOt~MTfo»>-iOOC^f—rHi-(WiOCOt-COt- CO 1-1 1-1 Pi rl i-l M rl 1-1 rt M rH l-t l-l rH

CO

CO

•p,jguooufi

o i^ •« >o

OS 00 t-~ CO r-l C) rl M

o

ooot^ioociOc^t^oeqoooJtiosoooioo

^OOOtNt-iO^OOOOiOCOtO'OCOeSOOOr-i-liOCO MCO Mi-l^i-llMrlCSrti-ii-li-l f-lCOi-l(M

oo

-*<

'Bjaqma}^

O CO O lO ir- CO O CO M CO M M

o o

O^iOOO-^l— tCOCSl^^'^(>liOOOOS<0«S»05^0'0 CO-^l— iC^JC^iOC^CO^HC^ICOCip-C^QO^OiOO.b.-COiO'^

foe«5i-icocorHcqeococoesr-iNe^ eocoi-cM

CO

o

CHARGES.

Friend's Cove, Merccrsburg, Sulphur Springs, Altoona,

"3

3 u

to

o

o

Chamberfburg,

Woodcock Valley,

Mont Alto,

Waj'nesboro,

Huntingdon,

McConnelsburg,

SchcUsburg,

Waterstrcet,

Bedford,

Martinsburg,

Everett,

Grindstonehill,

Greencastle,

Shippcnsburg,*

St. Paul's Wayneabo'*

St. John's, Chamb.,*

St. Clairsvillc,

Greenfield,

Loudon k St. Thomas,

Yellow Creek,

•Middleburg,

Shirleysburg Mission,

•sSno^

CS CO CO 1-1

"^

rHOMMC^-*coeocoro-*iti»-ics'-ii-i-<)''^escoi-ii-i

s

Id

V,

s

M'illiam M. Deatriek, Isaac G. Brown, Nchemiah H. Skylcs, Adam C. Whitmer, E. E. Higbec, D. D., Jacob B. Kerschner,

Peter S. Davis, D.D., John H. Sykes, Daniel X. Heisler, H. H. W. Hibshman, Albert G. Dole, Joriah S. Shade, Wm. D. Lefevrc, John A. Peters, Ellis N. Krcmer, Ambrose C. Geary, Milton H. Sangree, Henry I. Comfort, Stephen K. Kremer, Solomon B. Schafer William C. Scbaeffer, Henry Haubart, Vacant,

o

o o

o

o

o

o

-a TS 'a -a 73 T3 -o

T(

a -a

a

3=2

2

C TS

a

o

o

c3 o

es T3

-o-o

n

tJo

u

3

Ph

.a

o

tn

el

^

u

•ocQ-a ^ t- '^ 2 t: o o

"^'X. 3 '- t-

O J- .M <J^ .

e3 d cs .-■?; ^

b to t J5 ^ to

5; !- 2 t o c I.

c o .2 a 5 -] o

-.1 - fii r-i l-S I

:0

52

Aj^aij\r joj

s^nqu^uoQ

■M

Pi

3,iqoS 'S *S

t>ooooooooo

J4 tl ■"

^5

>^ «S a

rt g §rt

S?:>SW

s o

■* te-

. O c3

S[ooqog -s I

CO CM 1—1 I— I r-( I— I 1— I

•smBad

1—1 CO 05 t- eo ■^

•p8SSirasT(j

M <M IM CO

•inooxa I

•S^UBO

-innmniog

^ CO "O o T-l <0 CO rJH

•a^Bogi^jaQ

•paraagnoo

I t^ o CO c^ o>

•srosi^d'Ba

lO «o cs ■^* c<i o »o

p,jgnoon£i

0(MCO£» 1— lOSCO-^ •^M •gJ0qm8J\[ CS CO rH r-l i-l 1-1 <N IM

JaoQ

Pi ^ hJ S &: co^h_SjjSS_

CO "* r^ «^

1-1 (N CO <M

OP

o

a

Ol

oa

K! P5 .2 H o ^

>-5 O W CO ►-, H,

1^ J?r

O O i2 ! J*

Hj H, o W ;^ ■< r*

'-'So

53

,<o©oooooooo

t^

CO

m

U

c:

Q

P

<

a

^

^

u

a

a

b

b 1

!> nf

a>

t-

o

i" es i;

tS

o

&.

§^3 3

=i S -^ a ^ o

S fe2 = 'P.

s-S

O S H o si tl M ►J iS S

o

o

o

•^

o

■^

•g.nqiJ'jnoo

t~

o

1~

•A3U3g

i-H

o

5>

•u'M AioH

f-H

"^

aoj -pn^g

o>

C^

e-»

■s.iqoS 'S 'S

T-l

'"'

•S|ooqog -g

r* <M

a

~t^

to o

to CO •*

M

"Th

<

-sq?T!9(I

I-l

CO

M

<N <M

~t^

o

•possirasid

<

•mooxsT 1

•s;ui!o

o >o o

o o o o f— 1 -^ •'i* i>»

o to

rl(

W

-lunnnnoo

M (M <M

■^ (M 1-. 1-1

T-l

CO

H

rH M

rH t-

rH

tf

•a^jijogiijaa

""^

O

to

IM N CC r-<

•^

1^

;z;

•patajguoQ

1-1

Tl( tH rH

o

pC(

'

.-H 1-1 0>

CO O CO M

CO

"eo"

o

•sraspd'Ba;

I-l M

rl M i-c

rH

O "^

05 f^

o

1:-

<«1

•p,jgaoou£i

M i-(

t- o

to

r-t

1:*

lO O lA

,-< O ■* "O

O

~o

h^

t- lO o

rH lO -)< 00

i^

■^

o

•sjaqmopi

M es M

-t e-» rH rH

^

o

m

gg

o

S:h 2~

•3 ^ -B

BS

^ > 2

-a S >

■«1

« S !=

" . > eS

.^

ta

'a*-^«3

-w «a 5 .P

e)

u

O O fc<

S-|«gs

--= S.-S

■a %-^i^ >

5 2

^ ^ p. m

■" z; m C P

*J cj

ar" e-''

l"" rt a « O

ta

ci^P^

[Sow OjJ

OG3

•gSaoQ

M ■<«' M

to M CO

1 1 M

or

o ^

b:

a: n

i^

r-"

W. Wei h Ingol Long, . Cecil,

to . '-' . o

o -^

"5 o H

•2 §&:

►S'^d:^"

Pm«2

org rem

sse

J2 o J3 •" .

<a

I V a .c a

3 ce o « i_i

1 Ci-^Hi-ji-ji-si-sf^'^^-s'-s

^ "H

54

o5

K

c

b< O

CO

p

127 Bank St., Baltimore, Md. 107 W. Schroeder St., do do 73 Aifqui h St., do do

aoj -pms 1 1

•s.nqu^nog •Aauag

<M O

CO -<ii CO o ^i-i

(N

00

■s.iqos'S's

o o

CO CM

•S[ooqog -g 1 '^ '-' 1 =^

CO -^ 1 CD

■Sq}'B3(J CO CO 1 i^

•passcmsiQ;

^

■^

•raooxg; | |

•s;uBO -lannitaoQ

o o o

<=: <=> <ii O CO ^

o

-# CO

■* CO 1 e-1

•pamjgaoQ '^ co oo

•stasi'jd'Ba;

IM O

iH

IN

•p,.iguooafi

O O O CO lO o CO IN IN

O CO

•SJ9qra3i\[

CO o o

CO o o

lO -^ "^

CO

oo

CO

CHARGES.

Fifth Ch., Baltimore, Sixth Ch., do Seventh Ch., do Independent Cong.,

•SaoQ " ^ '-' 1 =^

3

Marcus Bachman, J. Conrad Hauser, Gotthold L. Neef, Jacob Pister,

55

<

H

o

b O f-

o

Napa, Napa County, California. San Francisco, do Stockton, do Portland, Oregon.

■myi iiiOH J0( pn^g

•S.TiqTIJUOQ

■Aauog

•s,iqog-g-g

•o o o ■* t- eo

CD

>looqos -5^ 1 " - -^ 1 ro

•sq,B8ap "* [-^

•passimsiQ

o

o

•inooxa 1 1

•iilUliO

-TantntuoQ

n c/^

<M M -*

eo

•ejtjagilJoO "^ j '^

■patnagaoQ j j

•snisiidBa

o to CO rl (M rH

•* m

p,jguooan

= r- M TO

'siaqmaif

e^ CO P4

M C^ "O

o o

o m

Napa Mission, San Francisco do -tockton do Portland do

•Jfooo 1 r- " " - \ •*

a

en

Frederick Fox, Julius II. Krueger, J. Mucllhaupf, John Gantenb in,

56

m

Ph -^

s o

J I

U (0 02 (D

H O CC o

c6

a

o o

-P Cm O

'd O

a

02

t^ 5C < lO O IM

i-(

!>. M lo e^

t~

(7^ ■* O O Tt< CO

OS

OS O OS lO

QQ

•s.nqij^uoQ

O O Ci t- t^ t~ lO -t< 00 to CO CO

OO

O t^ CO lO CO CO CO CO

•Aaoag

J:^ CO cc -^ r-< f— (

CO

C^ 1^- '^ CO

oa_

CO ei-*

co'e-Tco TiT

O

■^

m

^1-1 1-1

OS

•.^Jisia;j\[

CO e^ CO M 1-1

CO

O OO <M O

^ 7-1

~co

OS

^OH-ioj

sjnapmg

C<1 O O O O O 1-1

i^

'S' CO o o

OS

•sJTJjoqog

1— o o oo e-j m CO

CO

lO CO 1-1 -)<

c^

i:^ -O CW -^ rH tO i-H

OS

rl r-l CO CO

t^

looqog -g

CO ^ CO

ca

rH CO CO lO CO rt

lO -* t- r-l t- CO CO

o

1:- C-J OS

o

•s[ooqog ^■Bpang

OS -^t "^ 1-1 ■I *

CO e^ CO t^

^ C<1 rH

1—1

-* CS >0 (M O iO

CO

OS CO O CO

-^71

•sq:!B9(I

lO "* CO ci-3 CO J:^

J:-

O (>) C<1

^

(M tH i-l

CO

"O UO T)( CO

^

«N

TiT

50 IM CO >o ir- tX o

<N

OS CO CO I^

o

i- -* 50 T-l 1-1,1-1

CO

CO O t- OS

o

•passimsid

<N

i^ CO 1-1 1-1

CD

c^

C^

^ lO « ^^-

~o

•inooxa

CS OS O

CO

1^ 1-1 't O O O CO

02

rt -+ 1— CO

~ai

•g^H'BO

i:- O Oi ^ -* O OS

O

CO OS 00 rH

(M

C<l OS lO CD CO^N

lO

OJ i^- CD IM

-Tunraiaoo

l>r lo" >0 rH r-T p-T

CO

N CO O OS in rH rH

urj

<M C ^ CO r- o eo

OS

J^J>. rH CO

T>-

•a^'BO^j^aaQ

1— J;- lO 1-1 1-1 ■*

CO CO <0 OS 0-5 CO O CO

CO CO

co'

i^ O (N i^ t- <N J^

e<i

O -f CO O

e^

•parajgno^

r^ t~ (M ^ O CO lO IM CO t-H

CO

CO OO CO = OS -sj- t- CO

CO

i-T

co' t-T

co"

CO (N t^ CO I- 'il

't

O CO CO t^

IM

■* >0 CO t~ O CO o

■o

^ r^ CO OS

t-

•srasi^dea

CO CO CO 1-1 M

co^

os_i-<_-*_o^

^^

'"'

cD~cs"i-ri-r

oT

O •* CO -* t~ O CO

CO

o CO J:- ^

M

•SJ8qtnaj\[

OS !M ^ m t^ r- lO

>o

CO t- Jr^ t>-

CO

i>^CO^CO CO i:^ 00 1-1

OO

co i^ cq^i-i

o

p,jgaoonxi

urf Ti^T^^

co"

CO -H rH rt

co"

co -" CO CO o CO o

'i<

■># CO I:^ •*

IM

M< 05 IT] <=> -* CO O

OS

lO CO rH C<1

t^

•sjaqniapj

CO CO <M OO OS_CO rH

-K

i-l O t- CO

M

CO «c"«o"i-ri-rr-r

co"

t-Tot'c^o'

o"

M

CO SS rJ r-i

■*

-* rH l^- CO OO CO -I**

^o~"

O CO OS 1-1

""OD

•s.SaaSaoo

J:~ ITS CO M iM

-* CO 1- CO ■* Ot 1-1 1-1

CO

eo^

CO CO OS C5 I— 1 -^ -^

^^

C^l -* OS t-

~~05

•sjajsiaijij

IM M C^l rH 1-1

o

OS -tl O CO

CO

5 o ■»-

o "^ S

m

'-' tn*^^

_g

a

K M So

3

CO

-" cS S^ CD

,_

->!

ce ^ '^

■*

>3

tT

«

if the U. f Ohio, 1 f the No f Pittsbu

•n

,nd,

aburg,

ia,

Carolina,

a Maryla)

aneisco,

o

1:^

O

7

o o o o

,— r

AHm

c3

rirs T3 'TS

C3

o

O O O O

O

e-i

a a a a

H

o fl3 ® .S:; o (P ^

xnm'Juia

INDEX.

Adjournment 48

Advisory Members 4

Appeal of Elder A. T. Rice 31

Boundary, Report of Committee on 36

Charters of Congregations 36

Church Extension Fund, Assessment for ordered to be paid 31

Classes, Report of Committee on Minutes of 10

Communications received 6

Complaint of Kev. F. A. Rupley and others 33

Constitution, Report of Committee to draft new 36

Contingent Expenses of Synod, Assessment of 30

Education, Report of Board of 16

Election of OflBcers of Synod 5

Examination, Licensure, and Ordination, Report of Committee on 13

Finance, Report of Committee on 30

German Maryland Classis, Organization of recognized 36

" " " Dismission of 37

Hymns, Report of Committee on Selection of 46

Incorporation, Act of 40

" Acceptance of 43

Members Present 3

Ministers from other Churches 5

Minutes of Synod, Report of Committee on 7

" " Report of Stated Clerk on Publication of 37

" " Publication ordered , 9

MisaioDP, Board of 29

" Report of Board of 21

" Report of Superintendent of 21

" Report of Treasurer of 26

" Report of Committee on 28

Newbury Charge, Transfer of to Zion'a Classis 12

Nominations, Report of Committee on 44

58 INDEX.

Opening of Synod , 3

Orphans' Home at Womelsdorf 44

Overtures, Report of Committee on 9

Publication Board, Preamble and Resolutions in favor of 44

Religion, Report of Committee on State of 13

Religious Services observed 7

Rules of Order read 5

San Francisco Classis, Organization of 37

Sexton's Collection , 43

Society for the Relief of Ministers and their Widows 43

Standing Committees 5

Statistical Reports 49

" " To be full and complete 36

Sunday School Board, Report of 34

" " Meeting held 35

Thanks, Resolution of 47

Theological Seminary, Semi-Cent ennial Celebration 47

" " Report of Board of Visitors of 19

Treasurer of Synod, Report of 29

Trustees of Synod, Report of Board of. 39

" " Election of a Member of Board of 43

Union with Reformed Church in America, Report of Committee on 36

Washington City, D. C, Church Property at 36

is-

7>

V>^y^,

't/K^ > ?

•.* » *. *■ -

> .' , ' ' ■>

:■£■

wm-