MINUTES OF THE THIRD PRESBYTERIAN AND CONGREGATIONAL CONVENTION,

Together with the Organization of the Evangelical Association of Presbyterian and Congregational Clergymen of Color in the United States.

In accordance with a previous notice this Convention Inaugurated its Third Annual Session, by an able interesting Sermon, from the Rev. A. N. Freeman, moderator of last convention in the Talcot Street Church, Hartford Conn. (August 18, 1858.)

The Convention was called to order, by its moderator. The Roll being called the following persons answered to their names:CONNECTICUT.Talcot Street Church, Hartford. Minister, Rev. E. Adams. Elder, J. Cross.NEW HAVEN.Temple Street Church, Luke Lathrop.PORTLAND, MAINE.Minister, Rev. A. G. Beman. G. T. RUBY.NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND.Elder, John J. Duboise.PITTSFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS.Minister, Rev. Samuel Harrison.NEW YORK.Seventh Av. Church. Minister, Rev. H. M. Wilson. Elder, Mr. B. Schank. 00044BROOKLYN, N.Y.Silloam Pres. Church. Minister, Rev. A.N. Freeman, Elder, Professer W.J. Wilson.NEWARK, NEW JERSEY.Plain Street Pres. Church. Rev. E.P. Rogers.

ELECTION BY BALLOT.The Rev. Samuel Harrison of Pittsfield, was elected moderator. On motion the Convention adjourned to meet to-morrow morning at half past eight o'clock.

Thursday Morning, August 19th. 1858. Convention assembled as per adjournment, moderator in the chair Half an hour was spent in devotional exercises, after which the Convention proceeded to business. The Election of officers was further proceeded with, and the following gentlemen were elected.

Secretary of the Convention, Professor W.J. Wilson. Permanent Clerk, Rev. H.M. Whilson. Treasurer, Rev. A.N. Freeman. The following Committees were then appointed on devotional exercises: Rev. Messrs E.J. Adams, A.N. Freeman, and Luke Lathrop.COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.Messrs Isaac Cross, Luke Lathrop.COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS.Messrs Rev. J.N. Gloucester, E.P. Rogers, A.G. Beman, Luke Lathrop, N.B. Schank.

Rev. A.N. Freeman presented a paper on rules--for the permanent government of the Convention; on motion it was referred to the Committee on Business.

On motion, Resolved that a Committee of five be appointed to take some fitting notice of the death of our beloved Brethren, the past year. Rev. P. Hunt of Reading, Penn. Rev. B.F. Templeton, of Phila. Rev. Messrs E.P. Rogers, E.J. Adams, J.N. Gloucester, H.M. Wilson, J. Harrison.

Thursday Afternoon, August 19th. 1858Convention assembled as per adjournment, Moderator in the chair. Prayer by Rev. J.N. Gloucester.

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On motion, the Rev. J.D.S. Hall of the Methodist Church at Newport Rhode Island; Deacon J.T. Livingston, of Temple Street Congregational Church of New Haven, were invited to sit as corresponding member.

On motion of Professor Wilson of the Silloam Church of Brooklyn, that this Convention do now proceed to form a permanent organization, as contemplated, and on presenting his motion offered an able paper as a basis for such organization.

On motion, it was referred to the Business Committee. Reports from the Churches of Philadelphia were read and refered to the Committee on Devotional Exercises.REPORT;--Rev. A.G. Beman will preach in this Church this evening on the subject of Missions and Education, having been appointed at the last Convention, and that it be followed, if time will permit, by brief addresses from Rev. A.N. Freeman, Rogers Wilson, Gloucester, and Hall.

Thursday Evening, August, 19th. 1858.Convention met 8 o'clock as per adjournment. A large and highly intelligent audience assembled to listen to a Sermon from A.G. Beman. Text, John, 14th Chapter, 37, 38 verses. His theme was discussed ably and eloquently, and elicited deep interest throughout and was followed by brief addresses in harmony with the theme of discourse, by the above named gentlemen. Closed with doxology and prayer.

Friday Morning, August, 20th., 1858.Convention assembled at 9 o'clock A.M., as per adjournment. The first half hour in devotional exercises, after which the Convention proceeded to business.

On motion of the Rev. J.N. Gloucester, that the Sermon preached by A.G. Beman, on the subject of Education and Missions, a copy be requested for publication.

On motion of Rev. A.N. Freeman, that all the resolutions, rules, papers and whatever else hitherto accepted by this Convention be now laid upon the table for the purpose of receiving further report from the Business Committee.

Business Committee report that after mature thought and examination of the paper and resolutions, as presented by Professor Wilson, Submit them to this Convention as setting forth a proper 00066basis for such a contemplated organization--and thus worthy of entire adoption. Ordered to a second reading, after which, on motion of Rev. J. N. Gloucester they were unanimously adopted.

On motion a committee of three were appointed to nominate officers for the Association. The moderator appointed Rev. E.P. Rogers, Luke Lathrop, and A.N. Freeman.

The Committee on nomination reported the following names as officers of the Association.

OFFICERS OF THE ASSOCIATION.For President Rev. A. Freeman, of Brooklyn. Vice President, J. C. White, of Philadelphia. Anthony Mandeville, of Newark. Rev. J. Gibs, of Troy. Rev. S. Harrison of Pittsfield. John Parrs, John Duboise of Newport Issac Cross of Hartford.

For Treasurer, Rev. E.P. Rogers of Newark.Recording Secretary, Rev. H.M. Wilson.Corresponding, Rev. A.G. Beman, Professor William J. Wilson.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.Professor J.N. Gloucester, Rev. E.J.Adams, Rev. E.P. Rogers, Professor W.J. Wilson, Luke Lathrop, Esq, Rev. H.H. Garnet, Moses Schank, Esq.

Friday, August 20th. 1858.Conventional assembled as per adjournment, and was opened by prayer by the Moderator. The report of Committee on nomination for officers for the Association, was acted upon and the selection was unanimously received.

On motion, resolved that immediately on the adjournment of this Convention, the new organization, known by the name of Evangelical Association, will take effect and that all papers, books, moneys and all other appurtinances, or effects whatsoever belonging to the Convention be forthwith transfered to the afore-said Association.

On motion the business of the Convention proper, that was-laid on the table for the purpose of that of the new organization be now taken up.

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The hour for hearing reports on the state of the Churches having arrived the Rev. E.J. Adams of the Talcot St. Church being the first in order, gave a very good history of his Church, at the same time introducing to the notice of the Convention the Rev. J.D. Hall, of the Methodist Church at Newport, as desiring to connect himself with our branch of the Church, and wishing direction and counsel Also Mr. Ruby of Portland, Maine, as an intelligent and pious candidate for the ministry. This was followed by brief statements from Bros. Beman, Wilson, Rogers, Freeman, Harrison Lathrop, Cross, and Thomas, an encouraging and healthy state of their respective Churches, at the same time lamenting our sad deficiency in point of numbers among our ministry to meet the pressing demand of our several Churches.

REPORT FROM THE CHURCHES OF PHILADELPHIA.

Dear Brethren, I am instructed to inform you that a meeting was held of the Elders of the Presbyterian Churches of this City, August, 9th, in reference to your approaching meeting on the 18th instant.

It was resolved there as the sense of that meeting, that we yet confidently expect, beneficial results from your assembling this year, from the earnest that was given us last year, by our beloved Brethren, Garnet, Beman, Freeman, Wilson, and others, whose presence so cherished us, and whose deep pathos, and eloquence in our Pulpits, left impressions upon us long to be remembered.

Recommend the appointment of delegates to your coming meeting and furthermore recommend our several Congregations to aid in contributing to the object of the Convention, after which the meeting adjourned to meet on the 16th instant.

According to adjournment they assembled, organized by Prayer and the calling to the Chair, Elder Samuel Nichless, and Robert Jones, Clerk.

1st, Presbyterian Church, Reported, that no member of session being able to attend, they could send no delegate.

2nd. Church, Reported, no delegate would be sent, but that they expected to contribute to the support of Convention.

Lombard Central Church, Reported, that no delegate could be sent on account of illness and abscence of members of session.

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The following was then adopted. Resolved, that we the Elders of the Presbyterian Churches of Philadelphia do hereby express our deep regret that no delegate can be sent to the Convention, but our prayer to God, is, that he may bless its labors, that they may redound to the glory of his name, and the good of his Church.Signed,Robert Jones,Clerk.

NOTE.

It is to be deeply regretted that our brethren in Philadelphia were not represented by delegate in the Convention, for they are the eldest Presbyterian Organizations composed of Colored persons in America, and have a priority (if not in efficiency) in age, and should have been present to Counsel with us, (if not to lead us in Counsel) for they have among their Officers, men skilled in Church legislation, of deep piety, and an enlarged view of Christian activity, and such men the pressing desire of our age need.

God grant that if their lives are spared, that nothing may deter them from being present at our next anticipated meeting, and it is also, a like source of regret, that neither our esteemed Brother Garnet or his Church was represented in the meeting, as he has now the most efficient Church North, among us, the history of which, for the past three years fills a delightful place in the history of efficient Churches, efficient for Piety, for work of Christian elevation and love, his Church has been distinguished for this, and, had we have had, the presence and counsel of this excellent brother, and some of the intelligent, warm-hearted Officers of his Church our meeting might have been far more interesting and profitable.

On The Death of Bros. Templeton, and Hunt.

Rev. E. P. Rogers, Rev. E. J. Adams, from the Committee appointed to take some fitting notice of the departure of these much beloved brethren the past year, spoke in high terms of their christian excellence, their fervent self-sacrificing labors, in the cause of the Redeemer, bearing upon our memories, remembrances most precious, and in our midst a gap we fear, not easily filled. Brother 00099Rogers was peculiarly impressive, when he refered to Brother Hunt's early career in Philadelphia, and his subsequent self-sacrificing Christian perseverance and spirit, in the organization of the Church at Newark, for which, labor of patience, and love, that Church, still retains for the memory of our departed brother, the sincerest of Christian affection, but our brother, with Templeton, as it was said in the remarks made, is gone, gone, no doubt to a glorious reward in heaven.

Those, who knew Brother Templeton, never doubted of his virtues as a Christian, or in his zeal, or in his intelligence and faithfulness, in preaching the gospel, for they shone brilliantly in his brief career; this, said brother Adams, he most happily bore test to having been a Pastor with him in Philadelphia; indeed the Presbytery to which our brother was a most esteemed member, bore witness over his opening grave, of his high worth and excellence, as a Christian Minister; the loss to their circle, and in the Colored community in which he moved, thus said, Brother Adams may we whom God has left, yet, in the ranks be like this brother departed, faithful to the sacred trusts reposed in us, that like him also, in the last, we may be hopeful and joyful, ready and willing to go, to wear the crown.

RESOLUTIONS.

The following Resolutions were then offered and adopted as the sense of the Committee appointed. Whereas it has pleased the Almighty Ruler of the Universe, since we last assembled, to remove from our midst, by death, our Father and Brother in the ministry, the Rev. T. P. Hunt, late Pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Reading, Pennsylvania.

Therefore resolved, that while we bow submissively, to the divine will, we nevertheless deeply mourn our loss, for he was a warm, affectionate Father and Brother in Christ, a sound, zealous, and faithful preacher of the gospel.

Resolved, that alike in the death of Rev. B. F. Templeton late pastor of Central Presbyterian Church at Philadelphia, we also mourn; so suddenly, so prematurely to all human estimation, was he taken away in the midst of his strength, his promise in the glorious ministry. But here we must bow with the same submission to the Divine hand, trusting that he the great head of the Church 001010will bless this affliction to us and to these Churches, and soon supply them again, with such faithful and able servants of the Lord Jesus.

Resolved that a copy of these resolutions be sent to each of these Churches, as a mark of our deep sympathy with them in this, their severe loss and sorrow.

ON TEMPERANCE.

Resolved, that we repeat what we uttered on our last assembling, on the vast evil of Intemperance, its growth--its increasing power in the Country, amidst all classes, and calls for the same united effort on the part of our Ministry to aid in its entire suppression.

ON SLAVERY.

Resolved, that yet in the light and glory of the Nineteenth Century, Slavery still maintains its infernal power in the great mind and policy of the nation, crushing us, who are but partially free, and four millions who are abject Slaves, trusting, however, to the over-ruling Providence of God, associated with the wise and energetic friends of freedom, that this high crime, against God and Man, may be speedily abolished.

CHANGES THE PAST YEAR.

Rev. A. G. Beman has dissolved his connection with the Temple Street Congregational Church at New-Haven, a position which he had held for the last twelve or more years, with great Christian usefulness and success, but having been called to pass through very deep affliction in the loss of almost his entire family by death, the Church though still enjoying his Ministry--his desolate home had lost its once powerful attractions, and he sought almost irresistibly a new field; hence he has gone to Portland, Maine, a Church formerly under the Pastorate of the Rev. A. N. Freeman and Adams, now an interesting, hopeful body of professing Christians; his promises of success here, is encouraging, may the Lord greatly bless him.

CHURCHES WITHOUT PASTORS.

Talcot St. Congregational Church, at Hartford, Conneticut. 001111Presbyterian Church, at Newport, Rhode Island.Temple St. Congregational Church, at New-Haven.Presbyterian Church, at Greenport, Long Island.Presbyterian Church, at Buffalo, New-York.First Presbyterian Church, at Philadelphia.Second Presbyterian Church, at Philadelphia.Lombard St. Central Presbyterian Church, at Philadelphia.

NOTE.

May the good Lord` early send efficient laborers into these several interesting fields, that we may hear no longer the anxious appeal, "come over and help us."

CHURCHES WITH PASTORS,

Not Yet Been Represented, Or Come Into The Measure.The Bethesda Congregational Church, New-York City, Pastor Rev. Charles B. Ray.

Presbyterian Church, at Washington, District of Columbia, Rev. Cato. Pastor.

Presbyterian Church, at Baltimore, Pastor, Blank.

These Churches at the South, are understood to be very interesting, efficient Churches, under the Pastorate of faithful, intelligent men; we should love to have their presence and counsel, we hope it may be so at our next meeting.

P.S. Unless they too have caught the inspiration of some Southern Institution, and then they wont, but stay at home; but soberly we believe better things of our beloved and Honored brethren.

STATISTICS.

We have no statistical map to accompany our report this year, the reason mainly, is, that our position is substantially what it was the past year, except too New Organizations; the one at Newport brought together mainly by our Brother Garnet; and the other at Elizabethtown, under the indefatigable labors of the Rev. Mr. Vandivier. With some few additions of members to our several Churches, the next year we hope to improve in this matter.

CANDIDATES FOR THE MINISTRY.

But two, we have heard of in all our Churches; this ought not to be; let us arise honored Brethren, from our want of Christian activity in this department of labor in the truth, and hasten on the day, when our youth shall so consecrate themselves, to the service of Christ.

ON AN EVANGELIST.

Resolved, that this Convention appoint an Evangelist to visit our several Churches, to secure if possible, to vacant Churches, stated supplies of the Gospel; and otherwise, by wise, discreet, prudent Council, further on the blessed work.

On Motion Resolved, that an annual meeting of Evangelical Association be held in the City of Brooklyn, on the 2nd, Wednesday of September next, and that the Rev. A.N. Freeman, Gloucester and Wilson, be empowered to make suitable arrangements.

On Motion, that the Rev. Samuel Harrison, of Pittsfield, preach the Sermon at the opening session.

On Motion, that the thanks of this Convention be tendered gratefully, to the Colored citizens of Hartford, for their kind and liberal treatment during its entire sitting.

The Convention then concluded its Sessions by a Doxology, and a fervent address to the Throne of Grace, by the Moderator.

ON THE PRICE OF MINUTES.

On motion, Resolved that the Executive Committee, fix the price of Ten Cents a copy for all minutes hereafter, and send the same, with each package, to be disposed of, in the several Churches.

On motion, Resolved, that the several Churches, having Copies of the printed Minuites of the last Convention to dispose of the same, and forthwith return the proceeds to the Treasurer of the Convention.

On motion, Resolved, that the Proceedings of this Convention be published by the Executive Committee.

BASIS OF THE NEW ORGANIZATION

The sole aim and end of the Church is to promote the Gospels of Peace, extend the Redeemer's Kingdom among men.

Thus Peace, Harmony, Spiritual life are among the elements, that distinguish it, that indicate its character--the Church is bound so to represent herself to the world, but in order to do it efficiently she must understand her true position--her vast resources, and the best method of applying them to the world.

Thus what is true in the history of the Church universally--is also true in the history--we as a co-ordinate branch of the great Church of Christ, need such distinguishing characteristics--Peace--Harmony--Spiritual activity among us is greatly desired.

But the greatest obstacle to the success of this, is Isolation, Isolation produced by having little or no bond of Union--so long as each Church among us in the land, stands single and alone, so long will feebleness instead of strength be exhibited.

And Organization as thus contemplated--that can bring the united strength of our Churches--their sympathies together--may accomplish much give them, in all Christian activities a glorious efficiency.

Our connexion with the various Presbyteries and Associations, is not sufficient for this object; these bodies legislate for the general welfare of the Churches connected with them, and do so unquestionably for us, but our peculiar position requires peculiar Church action, that action that can enter into all the sympathies of our position, and thus meet it in all its extended necessities. No body of men can do this so effectually, as we can do this so effectually, as we can do for ourselves, guided by the light of intelligence, which now so eminently surrounds us.

An Organization then, will not only give direction and strength in the structure of our Churches, but heart and cheer to those among them who are feeble minded.

It is worthy here to note, that many of our Church members have by the force of circumstances, been compelled often to change their locations, and hence, sometimes are found in positions where they have not the benefit of their peculiar Organization, which to some is a severe deprivation. A concentrated effort, such as contemplated, 001414might remedy this, bring them within the circle of their Church, (and to them) its much loved principles.

Thus might we retain much vitality in our Churches, and cement them by a bond not easily broken.

It is now almost universally admitted that the standard of religious culture must be raised among us. Perhaps no class of men require more of this than we do, and feel more deeply the want of it.

It is attribitual to a neglect of an early education, more the fault of a wicked policy on the part of our country, than any thing else; and yet it is to be corrected greatly by our own action; energetic, upright power will accomplish it.

But our youth stands out in this, prominently before us; not only need they culture in secular things, but of the heart, in connection with the hands and the head we must educate the soul, we must bring to bear upon them the weight of a true religious power, surrounded as they are amidst vast temptations; how important is it, that they should have the shield of a sound religious culture, for upon them hang our highest hopes for the future.

This Organization then, must be two-fold in its character; not only must it be the ever guiding, controlling power to our erring youth, infusing as far as it may have the ability--religious life and training, but aim to extend the bonds and efficiency of the Church, by a wise judicious--able--pious Ministry.

It is the deep regret of the religious world to-day, that so few able judicious men out of the great ranks of intelligence in the country, consecrate themselves to the work of the holy Ministry; so few aim to realize the valued, the ever precious reward attached to the labors of the Cross.

Among us, in this, we are are sadly deficient in numbers, and in intelligence.

It will be the valued object of this Association, to aim to remedy this deficiency, to bring out our talent, our piety, and consecrate it to the glorious work, to use every feasible method so to do.

None have so great an opportunity as the Congregational and Presbyterian Church, to aid us in this matter; their sympathies are already with us, and undoubtedly, many among them only wait for a suitable opportunity to do us thus good.

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Let us then arise dear and honored Brethren, and thus pledge ourselves anew to the hallowed work.

With these views, therefore, be it resolved that the convention do now proceed to form a permanent Organization, to be known by the name of the Evangelical Association, consisting of Colored Presbyterian and Congregational Ministers in the United States.

1. Resolved, that a system of intercommunication be established throughout the Churches, within said Association, with a view to produce a better social state.

2. Resolved, that in order to raise the standard of religious culture, a system of Biblical studies, commensurate with our present wants be prepared in a catechetical form, and used in connection with our Sabbath School, and other religious instruction.

3. That the Sabbath Schools within the Association be consolidated into one great Missionary Enterprise, to further the promotion of the Gospel among the oppressed and needy, (the heathen of our land) and report the result of the same, each year to this Association.

4. Resolved, that the Pastors of the several Churches not only give spiritual council to the children within the Sabbath Schools under their several charges, but visit the every day institutions for these children, and the homes of their parents, giving in each wholesome advice relative to their mental training, and moral responsibility.

5. Resolved, that tracts upon these popular sins, that oppress the man of Color, especially Slavery and Prejudice, may be from time to time prepared, under the auspices of this Association, and circulated broad-cast over the land.

6. Resolved, that the Ministry be increased, numerically and in intelligence; each Church in the Association aiming to have in preparation, Candidates for the sacred office, and that a fund be forthwith established for that purpose, and an appeal be made to a generous public in aid of the same.

7. Resolved, that the Churches, each aim, not only to free themselves from pecuniary embarrassment, and the continual drain upon their Congregations, but by the securement of certain amount of Real Estate, render themselves wholly or partially self-sustaining.

8. Resolved, that this Association regard itself as engaged in one grand Missionary Church extension enterprise, and as such shall 001616aim to devise means for the promotion of the supplying of vacant Churches, sending Ministers into destitute regions within our reach, whenever opportunity presents, seeking out young men for the Ministry, urging them to prepare for the glorious work.

9. Resolved, that our success in this undertaking is greatly dependent upon the supreme head of the Church, to whom we look with confidence and hope--hope that in this blessed work we have his approving smiles, and must be followed by his blessing; but yet it is with humble reliance upon ourselves, with a manly--vigorous--persevering effort, may we hope for ultimate success.

10. Resolved, that we do thus pledge ourselves, before God and the World, renouncing all former hesitancy, or in-activity, in this long neglected work, regarding no hindrances--no antagonisms, but what legitimately meet us in the prosecution of our glorious work.

"Thus may we Triumph."Come out more than conquerous through Him that has loved us-and washed us-and redeemed us, by his own blood.