FAYETTEVII/L
ANTED BY EDWARD J. II.
1851.
& SON.
INUTES
OF THE
OF FAYETTEVILLE,
AT THEIR
SEVENTY.SIXTH SESSIONS,
S
HELD AT
Sl\ PAUL'S CHURCH,
.ROBESON COUNTY, N. C.,
lOtli, llili and 12th April, and at Grove Church, Duplin Co., May 1,2,3,
1851.
WITH AN APPENDIX,
SEVENTY-SIXTH SESSIONS
OP THE
PRESBYTERY OP FAYETTEVILLE.
Presbytery met, at St. Paul's Church, in the County of Robeson, and
State of North Carolina, on Thursday the 10th of April, 1851, at 12
o'clock, M. according to adjournment; and was opened by a sermon by
the Moderator, Rev. Hector McAlister, from Mark, 4th, 14th: "The
sower soweth the word."
Opened with prayer.
PRESENT,
Rev. Messrs. Hector McLean, Evander McNair, Hector McNeill,
Archibald Smith, Hugh McLaurin, F. K. Nash, Hugh A. Munroe,
Colin Shaw, Andrew McMillan, Daniel Johnson, Arch'd D. Campbell,
Neill McDonald and Hector McAlister; with Messrs. Daniel McNeill,
Sen., Joel Williams, John Bethune, Archibald Smith, William C. Bur-
ney, Arch'd Kelly, Kenneth McLeod and John Ferguson.
ABSENT,
Rev. Messrs. Robert Tate, John Mclntyre, Simeon Colton, D. D.,
Samuel Paisley, Archibald McQueen, William N. Peacock, Adam Gil¬
christ, John R. Mcintosh, James 0. Stedman, Malcom Conoley, Neill
McKay, Duncan Black, Angus 0. McNeill and George McNeill.
The Rev. Andrew McMillan was chosen Moderator; and the Rev.
Daniel Johnson was appointed Clerk.
The Rules of the Judicatory having been read, the Moderator took
his seat.
On motion, the reading of the minutes of the last Stated Sessions of
Presbytery, was dispensed with.
Absentees from the last Sessions of Presbytery were called upon and
excused.
On motion of Rev. E. McNair, Rev. Malcom Conoley was, at his own
request, dismissed from this Presbytery to join the Presbytery of Texas.
The Rev. A. D. Campbell was, at his own request, dismissed from
this Presbytery to join the Presbytery of Harmony.
Rev. E. McNair-and Mr. Archibald Smith were appointed a Com¬
mittee to audit the Treasurer's Book.
Mr. Kenneth McLeod was appointed to collect the Contingent and
Commissioners' Fund.
Rev. Hector McNeill, Rev. Neill McDonald, and Mr. John Bethune,
were appointed a Committee on Religious Exercises.
4
Rev. Colin Shaw, Rev. Hector McAlister, and Mr. Joel William.1-,
were appointed a Committee of Supplies.
On motion, the Rev. William II. Hogshead, of the Presbytery < »f
West Hanover, was invited to sit as a Corresponding Member in this
Body.
Rev. H. S. Munroe, Rev. H. McLean, and Mr. Archibald Smith,
were appointed a Judicial Committee.
The free conversation on the State of Religion, was made the order of
the day for 10 o'clock to-morrow; and Rev. II. McAlister and Rev. N.
McDonald were appointed a Committee to take notes and prepare a nar¬
rative.
The Committee, authorized at the last Stated Sessions of Presbytery,
to organize a Church in Bladen County, near the Columbus line, re¬
ported that they had attended to the duty assigned them, and recom¬
mended that the Church be received and enrolled in the list of Churches
under the care of this Presbytery, and that it be assessed Two Dollars;
which was done accordingly. The Church is called White Plains.
An application was made to Presbytery for the organization of a new
Church at or near the Cross Roads, South of Lumber River, in Robeson
County. The application was referred to a Committee, consisting of
Rev. H. McAlister, Rev. Colin Shaw, and Mr. Archibald Kelly.
Rev. E. McNair made a verbal report of what he had done as Agent
for the Cumberland Academy.
Rev. F. K. Nash, Agent for Domestic Missions, made a verbal re¬
port of what he had done in his agency.
The Committee appointed to visit Union in Cumberland, and collect
facts touching the expediency of organizing a Church at that place,
made their report, which was received and adopted, and is as follows:
"The Committee appointed by the Fayetteville Presbytery, to attend to
the matter of organizing a Church at Union in Cumberland County, re¬
port that they have attended to the duty assigned them, and recommend
to the consideration of your Body the following facts, as the ground on
which your Committee would report favorably, relative to the said or¬
ganization.
"1st. That the Presbyterian portion of that community are exceed¬
ingly anxious to have a Church at the said point.
"2d. That the Presbyterian influence is abundantly strong to support
a Church at said point, provided that strength could be concentrated.
"3d. That an acceptable Minister would unite their strength, and by
the blessing of God, build up a prosperous Church'.
"4th. It is an interesting field of labor, and promises happy results
to the faithful laborer.
"5th. It is an isolated portion of our people, exceeding twenty in
number, who cannot conveniently attend preaching at any other point.
"All of which is respectfully submitted to the wisdom of this Court,
by your Committee.
, -"HECTOR McALISTER, } n ... „
"EVANDER McNAIlt, j Committee.
Rev. Hector McNeill, Rev. Hector McLean, Rev. Daniel Johnson,
5
Mid Mr. Joel Williams, were appointed a Committee, to organize a
Church, at the above point, if the way be clear.
Rev. Adam Gilchrist appeared and took his seat.
On motion, Rev. Joseph Mahon, of the Presbytery of New Bruns¬
wick, was invited to sit in this body as a Corresponding Member.
Rev. Adam Gilchrist, Chairman of the Committee on Education,
made a verbal report of what had been done by that Committee.
The Supplies appointed at the last Sessions of Presbytery were called
upon to report.
Rev. Messrs. Gilchrist, McAlister, Johnson, McNair and McDonald,
had fulfilled their appointments. Mr. Sellers had failed, for which he
gave his excuse.
A note was received from the Board of Trustees of the Robeson In¬
stitute, tendering to the Presbytery the use of their Academy Buildin
during their remaining Sessions.
The tender was accepted, and the thanks of the Presbytery returned
to the Trustees.
Adjourned, to meet to-morrow Morning at 9 o'clock, in the Institute.
Closed with prayer.
FRIDAY MORNING, April 11.
Presbytery met in the Institute, according to adjournment, and was
opened with prayer. Had a recess, to meet immediately in the Church.
After spending some time in devotional exercises, the Sessional Re¬
cords submitted for Presbyterial inspection, were referred to the follow¬
ing Committees, for review, viz: The Records of Brown Marsh, to Rev.
F. K. Nash and Mr. John Ferguson;—of Rockfish Factory, to Rev.
Neill McDonald and Mr. Kenneth McLeod;—of Ben Salem, to Rev. H.
McAlister and Mr. John Bethune;—of Mt. Horeb, to Rev. A. D. Camp¬
bell and Mr. William C. Burney;—of Fayetteville, to Rev. H. McLean
and Mr. Archibald Kelly;—of Bluff, to Rev. Adam Gilchrist and Mr.
Daniel McNeill;—of Antioch and Philadelphus, to Rev. Hugh A. Mun-
roe and Mr. Archibald Smith;—of Sardis, to Rev. Colin Shaw and Mr.
R. W. Gibbs;—of China Grove, to Rev. A. D. Campbell and Mr. Henry
Elliot;—of Wilmington, to Rev. F. K. Nash and Mr. Jas. Cromartie;—
of the Grove, Rev. Hector McNeill and Mr. John Elliot.
The following Members appeared and gave their excuses for absence
on yesterday, which excuses were deemed sufficient, viz: Ministers—N.
McKay, James U. Stedman, and John R. Mcintosh. Elders—Messrs.
H. Elliot, John felliot, R. W. Gibbs, Alexander Kelly, James Dixon,
and John C. Baker.
The order of the day for 10 o'clock, the free conversation on the state
of Religion, was now taken up. ^
Mr. Daniel Lamond, Elder from Beth-car,^appeared and took his seat.
It was moved and carried, that the reports^ on the subjects embraced
in the free conversation on the State of Religion, behereafter in writing,
6
but not to the exclusion of verbal remarks; and that these reports be
handed to the Committee on the Narrative, as the" data from which to
make out their report.
The Committee on Religious Exercises reported in part.
Presbytery took a recess of 10 minutes, to meet in the Institute.
After recess, Rev. N. McKay and Mr. James Dixon were appointed
a Committee to examine the Records of Laurel Hill. Rev. J. 0. Sted-
man and Mr. James Cromartie were appointed 'a Committee on the Re¬
cords of Beth-car.
Calls from the Churches of Brown Marsh and Elizabethtown, to Rev.
Hugh A. Munroe, were read. On motion, these calls were put into the
hands of Mr. Munroe.
Mr. Neill McPhail, Elder from Long-street, appeared and took his seat.
Mr. Malcom Morison, of Mark's Creek, appeared and took his seat.
A call from the Grove Church, to Mr. James M. Sprunt, was read,
and put into the hands of Mr. Sprunt.
A call from the Church of Wilmington, to Rev. James 0. Stedman,
was read, and put into his hands.
Messrs. Munroe and Sprunt accepted the calls put into their hands.
Mr. Stedman wished to retain the call put into his hands until the next
Stated meeting of Presbytery.
Presbytery now took a recess of 30 minutes.
After recess, Mr. Hugh McDonald, Elder from Mineral Spring, ap¬
peared and took his seat.
A letter from Dr. Colton was read. His excuse for absence was sus¬
tained, and the further consideration of the letter deferred until after
the reading of the Report of the Trustees of Presbytery.
The Report of the Trustees of the Presbytery was now read and ac¬
cepted. [Nee Appendix.
The Report of the Board of Directors of the Cumberland Academy
was also read and accepted, and is as follows:
"REPORT of the Directors of the Cumberland Academy to the Pres¬
bytery of Fayetteville.
"At a meeting of the Board, in November last, it was thought expe¬
dient to raise the price of Tuition, and it was increased from former
rates to 6, 8 and 10 dollars per Quarter. We also authorized a Com¬
mittee to rent the Hotel to Mr. Hugh C. McLean, the former proprie¬
tor, upon such terms as they thought equitable and right. A rule of
long standing in the School, requiring all the students lodging in the
dormitories connected with the School, was at that meeting repealed,
and the Students are now permitted to board wherever they please.
"The Principal was authorised to employ a suitable person to assist
him in teaching. We have since learned that Mr. J. C. Denny, of
Guilford county, has been employed for one year, at a salary of $450,
he paying his own board, &c. '
"We are gratified in being able to state, that the School, during the
current session, has been thus far in a prosperous state. The whole
7
number of pupils has been 43. We are not prepared to say what the
Tuition fees of the session will amount to, but suppose about $650, and
the probable expense about $750. But little has been done during the
past year in relation to buildings and other property belonging to the
Institution. The house called the Steward's Hall has been underpinned.
We are informed by the Principal, that the house he occupies requires
immediate attention,—that if not underpinned very soon will be seri¬
ously injured.
"The Board of Trustees having collected all the facts necessary for a
full Beport on the title of land, condition of buildings, &c., you are re¬
ferred for further particulars to that Report.
"All of which is respectfully submitted.
"HENRY ELLIOT, Chairman."
These Reports, together with Dr. Colton's, were referred to a Com¬
mittee of four, viz: Rev. H. A. Munroe, Rev. H. McLean, Rev. H. Mc-
Laurin, and Mr. James Dixon.
It was resolved that this Presbytery hold an adjourned meeting at the
Grove Church, to meet on Friday before the 1st Sabbath in May, for
the purpose of Ordaining and Installing Mr. James M. Sprunt; and
Rev. J. 0. Stedman preside and preach the Sermon, and that Rev. C.
Shaw give the charge to the people, and that the Rev. Duncan Black
give the charge to the Pastor; and Rev. Messrs. A. Gilchrist, N. McKay
and H. McAlister be their alternates.
Ephesians ii, 10, was assigned to Mr. Sprunt as the text for his Ser¬
mon at his Ordination.
Rev. Messrs. Nash, McDonald and Shaw, with Rev. Messrs. Mcin¬
tosh, McLean and H. McNeill as their alternates, were appointed to In¬
stall Rev. H. A. Munroe as Pastor of the Churches of Brown Marsh and
Elizabethtown. The time fixed for the Installation was the Saturday
before the 1st Sabbath in May.
The Committee to whom was referred the application for the organi¬
zation of a Church at or near the Cross Roads, South of Lumber River
in Robeson County, made their Report, which was adopted, and is as
follows:
"The Committee appointed to attend to the matter of organizing a
Church at or near the fJrSiSS Roads, Robeson county, report that the
matter has been attended to, and the facts are as follow: 1st. There are
thirteen families who cannot conveniently attend Presbyterian worship
at any other poAit. 2d. That while thS total number composing the
above families 4s more than one hundred, there are among these twenty-
nine Church members. 3d. The neighboring congregations approve of
said organization. 4th. It is believed^ that the Church, if organized,
will be able to sustain itself. 5th. Forty persons are now ready to unite
in said organization.
On the above facts your Committee \yould ground the following re¬
commendation, viz: That a Committee^, be appointed to organize said
Church as soon as practicable. ^
"All of which i/respectfully submitted to tbq wisdom of this body.
I _ _ .
"II. McALISTER, ) n ...
"COLIN SDAJF, j Committee*
8
The Committee appointed according to the recommendation in the £r-
Ibove report, were Rev. Hector McNeill, Rev. John R. Mcintosh, and
Mr. Alexander Watson, Elder.
A communication was received from the Building Committee of the
Church, near Rockingham. Rev. A. D. Campbell, our Agent to solicit
funds to build said Church, made a verbal report, which was accepted.
The communication of the Building Committee of the Church near
Rockingham, was referred to a Committee consisting of Rev. Neill Mc¬
Kay, Rev. Neill McDonald, and Henry Elliot, Esq.
Reports from Candidates were called for. Verbal reports were made
in relation to Messrs. Hugh G. Livingston and John Darroch, and a
written communication from Mr. James McQueen was read.
The Ministers were called upon to state whether or not, and how far,,
they had complied with the order of this Presbytery, in seeing that the
families in their Churches were supplied with the Confession of Faith.
The order had generally been attended to.
The Committees to whom the Sessional Records had been referred, for
review, severally reported, and recommended the approval of the said
records—some with, and some without exceptions; which was according¬
ly done, as follows, viz: The Records of the Session of the Bluff Church
were approved with the exception that an offence is noticed, with the
names of parties, without specifying what the offence was. The Records
of the Session of Bethel Church were approved with the exception that
in a late judicial case, the punishment inflicted on the offender was too
light for the offence. The Records of the several Sessions of the
Churches of Fayetteville, Laurel Hill, Beth-Car, Brown Marsh, Sardis,
Wilmington, Antioch, Philadelphus, Rockfish Factory, Grove, China
Grove, Ben Salem, and Mt. Horeb, were approved without exception.
Adjourned, to meet to-morrow morning at 9 o'clock, in the Church-
Closed with prayer.
Presbytery met according to adjournment.
A half an hour was spent in devotional exercises; after which it was
ordered that the Minute respecting thcjudicial case fr6m the Church of
Smyrna be not published in the printed Minutes.
The Committee on the Narrative made their report, which was adopt¬
ed, and is as follows:
"The Committee a]
port as follows:
"That in the Providence of God, we have closed another Ecclesiasti¬
cal year, and that our labors', though not attended with any uncommon
exhibitions of the favpr and blessing of God, yet we have reason to ac¬
knowledge the specig| manifestations of his grace in many particular
congregations. The increased attention and interest of all the congre-
APRIL. 12, 1851..
etteville Presbytery,
9
gations which are favored statedly with the appointed means of grace;
the strenuous efforts now making to supply our Churches with the best
religious literature the world ever saw; the marked increase of attention
to biblical and catechetical classes; and the general and growing interest
manifested in the instruction of the colored population, are the surest
indications that the Lord is sowing by his own appointed instrumentali¬
ty, the good seed, even the word of eternal life, very extensively in our
bounds. We think that the facts reported to your body in the free
conversation on the state of religion, abundantly encourage us to wait
patiently on the Lord, and to continue instant in prayer. But we are
sorry to report that this most efficient arm of the Church, prayer, is
sadly palsied. Her great, her most efficient means—by which she takes
hold of almighty power for strength and deliverance—we are compelled
to report that this means is in a great degree rendered inefficient by dis¬
use. We pretend not to account for the fact, nor do we think it proper
here to point to the wretched results. This belongs to your body to
search out and apply the healing remedy, that the seed sown may not
be cast in vain. Another fact of unwarrantable neglect, and which we
must believe amounts to a calamity, is, the sad declension of interest in
Sabbath Schools. May not the children of our Church truly say with
David when forsaken by his friends, "No man careth for my soul."
While the Sabbath, with suitable religious instruction, is the best of all
days to our youth, yet we must say that in too many cases, for the want
of proper attention, it is the worst of all the seven; when, without the
usual occupations of the week, the day is spent in dissipation and idle¬
ness, and wicked hearts unite in mutual destruction. We are pleased
to learn the growing interest of our congregations in the benevolent in¬
stitutions of the day. The power wielded by our Boards to the build¬
ing up of the Redeemer's kingdom, is to some considerable extent, ap¬
preciated by our people, as their contributions show; and there is reason
to hope that as the tree spreads its branches, and yields the more abun¬
dant fruit, so the roots will bury themselves still deeper in the soil, the
very heart of the Church, and be abundantly able to sustain the grow¬
ing burden.
"H. McALISTER,
«n. Mcdonald."
The Committee on the -documents from the Church at Rockingham,
made their report, which wgs adopted, and is as follows:
"The Committee to whom was referred* the communication from the
Rockingham Cnurch, Report: That from the facts stated in said com¬
munication, and information gathered from other sources, they are clear¬
ly of the opinion, that it is both the privilege and the duty of Presby¬
tery to secure to the Building Committee of said Church, the amount
necessary for the ^completion of the samec and recommend that Presby¬
tery instruct the Committee of Domestic? Missions to make application
to the Board of Domestic Missions foiL the sum of $200."
The Committee c^n Religious Exercises" reported in full.
Rev. A. D. Campbell requested that the Pastoral relation existing
between him and t^e Churches of Ashpole aql Smyrna, be dissolved;
which was accordingly done.
10
The Commissioner from the Church of Sardis appeared in Presbyte¬
ry, and the parties being heard, the Pastoral relation existing between
that Church and Rev. N. McKay, was dissolved.
> Rev. James. 0. Stedman, and Rev. Evander McNair, with Rev. S.
Colton, D. P., and Rev. Colin Shaw, as their Alternates, Ministers;—
and Mr. R. W. G-ibbs and Mr. Joel Williams, Elders, with Mr. James
Dixon and Mr. Archibald Smith, their Alternates, were duly elected as
Commissioners to the G-eneral Assembly.
Presbytery took a recess, to hear a Sermon from the Rev. Joseph
Mahon, on Publication and Colportage.
After the Sermon, Presbytery took a recess of 30 minutes, to meet in
the Academy.
The Committee to whom were referred the Documents relating to the
Cumberland Academy, made their Report, for which the following Re¬
solution was substituted:
"Resolved, That Rev. Colin Shaw be appointed an Agent to raise
funds from our Churches immediately, for the payment of our debt at
the Cumberland Academy, and that Dr. Colton be requested to continue
the School until further arrangements are adopted: Provided, that no
pecuniary liability shall accrue to Presbytery in the mean time from the
operation of said Academy."
The following Resolution was adopted:
"Resolved, That the Trustees of this Presbytery be, and they hereby
are instructed to execute titles or certificates to the Scholarships of the
Cumberland Academy, according to agreement entered into by this
Presbytery with the several gentlemen claiming said Scholarships."
The Committee on Supplies made a Report, which was adopted, and
ia as follows:—That Union in Cumberland be supplied one Sabbath
each, by Rev. Messrs. Gilchrist, McNair, McAlister and Johnson,—
Beth-car one Sabbath each, by Rev. Messrs. Gilchrist, Johnson and
McDonald,—Lumberton one Sabbath each, by Rev. Messrs. Mcintosh,
Nash, Munroe, Johnson and Gilchrist,—Mt. Pisgah one Sabbath each,
by Rev. Messrs. McKay, McNair, Dr. Colton, and McAlister,—Cypress
one Sabbath each, by Rev. Messrs. McNair and McKay,—Union in
Moore one Sabbath each, by Rev. Messrs. McAlister and McKay,—
Rockingham one Sabbath each, by Rev. Messr^. Nash, McLaurin and
McMillan,—Carthage one Sabbath etch, by Rev. Messrs. McKay and
McMillan,—Mt. Carmel one Sabbath each, by Rev. Messrs. Peacock
and McMillan,—Macedonia on£ Sabbath by Rev. Mr.OIcLaurin; and
Harmony by Rev. Mr. Peacoclw"
Messrs. Herring and Sellers were requested to supply Rev. Mr. Shaw's
pulpit during his absence on the agency for tha Cumberland Academy.
Rev. H. McAlister got leave of absence from the remaining Sessions
of Presbytery. (
The Committee appointed to collect the Commissioners' and Contin¬
gent Fund, reported that $179 50 had been received. The report was
accepted, and the Funds handed to Rev. A. Gilchrist, to be conveyed
to the Treasurer of Presbytery. I
The Church at Evcrctjsville, in Wayne County, was chosen as the
place for holding our next Semi-Annual Sessions,—-to meet on Thurs¬
day before the las^Sablnth in September next, at 12 olclock M.
11
Mr. Arch'd Kelly, Mr. Burney and Mr. Arch'd Smith, obtained
leave of absence from the remaining Sessions of Presbytery.
Resolved, That 500 copies of the Minutes be printed, and that the
Report of the Trustees of the Presbytery be printed in the Appendix.
Resolved, That the Treasurer be directed to pay the account for print¬
ing the Minutes of the last Semi-Annual Meeting of Presbytery.
Rev. Messrs. Johnson and Gilchrist were requested to assist the
Stated Clerk in preparing the Minutes.
Presbytery adjourned, to meet at the Grove Church, on Friday be-
fore the 1st Sabbath in May, at 12 o'clock M.
Closed with prayer, and the Apostolic Benediction.
GROYE CHURCH, May 2, 1851.
Presbytery met according to adjournment. Opened with prayer.
Present^—Rev. Messrs. Robert Tate, A. Gilchrist, C. Shaw, and D.
B. Black, with Mr. James Dickson, Elder. Rev. A. Gilchrist having
been previously appointed, presided; and Rev. C. Shaw was appointed
Clerk. The unfinished business was then taken up, when Rev. Daniel
Johnson was appointed to preach a Sermon on Domestic Missions at the
next Stated Sessions of Presbytery, and Rev. D. B. Black his Alter¬
nate.
Presbytery then heard a Sermon from Mr. Sprunt, from Ephesians
ii, 10 v., and examined him according to the prescribed form in the
Confession, and his trial was unanimously sustained in all its parts.
Presbytery adjourned, to meet in this place to-morrow, at 11 o'clock
A. M. Closed with prayer.
SATURDAY, May 8, 1851.
PresbyteryAnet agreeable to adjournment. Present as above. Rev.
A. Gilchrist pre'ached the Sermon, ,and delivered the charge to the
newly elected Pastor. Rev. R. Tate propounded the usual questions to
the people, and Rev. C. Shaw charged the people. When Presbytery
adjourned, to meet at Everettsville, on 25th day of September 1851.
Closed with prayer.
^ C. SHAW, Clerk pro tern.
12
APPENDIX.
When the Trustees submitted their Report to Presbytery last Fall,
they promised to lay before Presbytery, at its Spring Sessions, a fair
and impartial statement of the affairs of Cumberland Academy. In
compliance with this promise the Trustees would state, that they con¬
vened at Summerville on the 28th of November last, and then and there
made a searching examination into the fiscal affairs of Cumberland Acad¬
emy,—its relation to Presbytery,—its wants, present and prospective;
and the Trustees are now prepared to make the following statements
and suggestions to Presbytery, to-wit:
1st. As to the legal rights of the Trustees in the lands now held by
them in trust for Presbytery, under titles conveying the same to them,
by John McNeill and others.
2d. As to the obligations of bondsmen, their indebtedness, and what
redress the Trustees have against the same.
3d. As to the condition of the Academy,—its. wants, present and
prospective.
First, then, as to the legal rights of the Trustees in the lands con¬
veyed to them on the 17th Nov. 1847, by John McNeill and others.
We make the following statement, and leave to the Presbytery to de¬
cide, with the lights before them, whether or not our titles are valid.
The instrument conveying the said property is what is called a quit
claim deed, and the lands lie in three contiguous plats, containing, re¬
spectively, 19, 34 and 16 acres, and some fractions, which, included,
amounts to 72 acres and 84 rods. (See plan herewith submitted.)
The 19 acre tract, which fronts the main road or street, was patented
by Buie in —, and Buie sold to "McLean, and McLean sold
to Angus Cameron, and Cameron sold, to Faucet^ and McLean, (Maj.);
then Faucett sold his share to Col. A. S. McNeill, and McLean and
McNeill conveyed to the Trustees. "
The 2d, or the 34 acre tract, was patented by John Gray1 Blount, on
the 26th Sept. 1794, and sold by Phil Hodges, Sheriff of Cumberland
county, 18th Oct. 1799, for the taxes of 1797, and was purchased by
James Atkins, then Atkins sold to P. Hodges on the 9th July 1802.
The same was sold by Sheriff Gilmore in 1811, under execution, as the
property of P. Hodges, and James Atkins re-purchased it, and the same
was sold by John McNeill, Sr. m 1818, by order of Court, as the pro¬
perty of Jas. Atkins, when t{ie aforesaid John McNeill, Sr. purchased
it, who having held the same under known metes and bounds since the
year 1818, did, on the 17th Nov. 1847, convey his right, title and in¬
terest in the said land to the Trustees of Faycttevillc Presbytery. (See
Records of County Court of Cumberland.)
13
The 3d, or 16 acre tract, was patented hy Jas. Atkins in — year,
and sold in 1818 by John McNeill, Sr. by order of Court, when Eon-
aid Eobinson became purchaser, who sold the same to John M. Dobbin,
Esq., and James C. Dobbin sold the same as the property of J. M. D.
to Haralson and Williams, the Trustees of Haralson conveyed the same
to the Trustees of Presbytery. This we believe to be a fair statement
of the facts in the case. And it will be seen by reference to the plan of
the lands, submitted to the inspection of Presbytery, that all of our
buildings erected on the land are on the 34 acre lot, about which there
can be but little or no doubt as to the Trustees' rights. If Mr. John
McNeill, Sr. had a good and sufficient title to this tract of land, which
we think cannot be questioned with the present showing, and if the
Trustees have a deed pro forma from John McNeill, Sr., relinquishing
all of his rights, titles and interests in the same, then can the Trustees
hold against all other claimants whatsoever. And as it seems to us the
other tracts are held on nearly as good tenor, the only benefit in having
a warrantee deed would be to enable the Trustees to recover out of those
gentlemen, their heirs, executors and assigns, the value of said lands,
provided we lost them in a contest with other claimants. But this con¬
tingency is not likely to arise, as we can trace a chain of titles from the
donors up to the patentees: at least this much can be said, and said tru¬
ly, of the 34 acre tract, upon which are erected all of our buildings. If
there remains any doubt respecting the other lots, and the title cannot
be further perfected, we can at least hold against all claimants under
these gentlemen the donors.
The second itemrwhich claims our attention is the obligations and the
liabilities of the bondsmen, &c. We simply remark, under this head,
that the Treasurer's Book shows that these persons are not only good
and responsible for their obligations (with a single exception,) but most
of them have generously paid their bonds in advance, leaving but a
small balance due on the Treasurer's Book in our favor. There has been
paid up to this date, 26th Nov. 1850, on individual bonds, $4037 33
For Tuition in the year 1848, 528 41
u a a a a 1849, 754 21
« ti it u it 1850, 1337 00
Cash collected per Agent and paid into hands of Treasurer, 617 00
Making the whole amount of moneys received up to this date,
26th Nov. 1850, • 7274 68
The Expenditures for the same time are as follows:
Eev. S. Colton's salaries for the years"49 and '50,
amounts paid Assistants and other expenses, as
charged per .Bill, 1 $2792 48
To building Academy, 1200 00
« " Hotel, : 2800 00
« " Kitchen and other out-buildings, 160 00
1 __________
Making the whole amount paid out, up to elate, $6452 48
Which, subtracted from the amount received, leaves 822 20
14
Amount brought over, 822 20
To which add the amount due on bonds, 850 00
And the amount of subscription yet in the hands of Agent, 329 50
Also due on Furniture sold to H. McLean by Directors, 150 00
Will give the whole amount of assets as $2151 70
From this we must deduct the amount of Mr. B. F. Atkins, 500 00
Which will leave in the Treasury the sum of $1051 70
to meet the debts of the Institution,—which are as follows, as near as
we can discover from the Treasurer's Book and other sources:
Amount due on Rev. S. Colton's bill, for salary and for other
items allowed, Dec. 1, 1850, $730 67
Due on note in favor of State Bank, principal and interest, 929 35
" a balance to John G. McNair, for teaching, 309 00
" on old orders from Treasurer of Cumberland Academy, ' 180 00
" for Furniture sold to Trustees by proprietors of Cumber¬
land Academy, 400 00
" Messrs. Neill and J. W. McKay, 165 20
u Henry Elliot, 9 86
" Mr. Edward J. Hale, for advertising, 22 00
Making the whole amount of indebtedness up to date, $3066 08
From this subtract the amount of assets, exclusive of B. F. A., 1651 70
And it leaves the Institution in debt to the amount 'of $1414 38
to meet which the Trustrees must look to Presbytery for ways and
means. This footing up of our indebtedness properly introduces to the
notice of Presbytery the third item, to-wit: The condition of the Acade¬
my—its wants, present and prospective. Without trenching upon the
rights of the Directors—who, it is presumed, through their proper officer,
will lay before Presbytery at this Session some statement respecting the
government and progress of the Academy under their administration—
we, as guardians of the property, may with propriety call the attention
of Presbytery to any matters affecting the fiscal affairs of the Institution.
* That the Institution is considerably in debt, cannot be disguised.—
But upon inquiry, if we can satisfy Presbytery that this debt has been
contracted necessarily, and the funds expended judiciously, there will
be left no ground for complaint, and we may fairly confront this debt
with open purses, active hands, and willing hearts—with one strong
united effort, remove this incubus, and bid the Institution lift her head
among the tallest and fairest in the land! How, then, has the debt
been contracted, and what has consumed our' funds? (
It will be perceived by reference to the foregoing statement, that our
principal source of consumptioh is the outlay for teaching above the a-
vails from the tuition fees, por the 3 years ending 26th Nov. 1850,
the amount due for instructions, with the sum paid for the same, also
including some bills allowed Rev. Simeon Colton by Presbtery, amount
to $3,832 15, which exceeds the amount received from tuition fees by
$1,211 83. But this drain upon the funds will not likely occur again,
15
as ere is a strong probability tbat hereafter the tuition fees will more
t an pay the instructors. The Directors, at their last meeting, raised
the tuition per scholar from 4, 6, and 8, per quarter, to 6, 8, and 10;
and judging from the number of pupils in attendance during the last
two quarters, we may reasonably expect the number will range suf¬
ficiently high to cover all necessary expenses for instruction. Fifty
scholars, at $8 per qr., would bring into the Treasury $1,600, which
would pay the Principal and his Assistant, and leave $100 for inciden¬
tal expenses. Cannot the school' always command this number of
scholars? We think it can, and many more, if Presbytery will, as they
are pledged to do, give their united confidence and support to the insti¬
tution.
The several buildings erected under the plan of the Directors, have
cost the Trustees $4,125 20. These, as we have already stated, consist
of an Academy, Hotel, Kitchen and other Gut-buildings. All are ne-
cessary to the success of the institution, and their erection by the Di¬
rectors has been approved by the Presbytery. Thus you will see how
the funds have been expended, and what property we have in charge as
an offset. Exclusive of the tuition fees, and the moneys received on the
bonds, the Presbytery have already expended through the Directors,
$617 00 in cash. The Agents hold a subscription for $329 50; to this
add the deficit against the institution, of $1,414 88, and we will have
the sum of $2,366 88, the amount Presbytery have expendecj and are
required to raise to liquidate the debt of the Academy, and to place it
upon a proper footing. But for this outlay the Trustees hold property
to the amount of $8,210 00, which will in a great measure be sacrificed
if the School is not sustained. The only drawback that we can imagine
to the full and entire success of the School is the debt of $1,414 38.
If Presbytery can and will devise ways and means to raise this sum
within a reasonable time, the School can, in the opinion of the Trustees,
go forward, and sustain hereafter, as it now does, a high character for
morals and learning, under the auspices of our able and efficient Teacher.
Can and ought this School to be liberally sustained by Presbytery?
As to Presbytery's ability to sustain it, there can be no doubt on that
point; for we have anrpleTTrreans In 4-he hearts, the children, and purses
of our people. Say to them, but say it kindly, that Presbytery hath,
need of their money and children, to build the Kirk of Christ, and they
will give them liberally. Ought Presbytery to say so? Many have
their doubts, but we have none. The path seems to us plain, easy of
access, and leading up to the Mount of God. We have put our hands
to the plough; to turn back at this point and let go the work of the
Master, would, it seems to us, ever'disqualify us as a Presbytery to take
hold of such an enterprise any more. ^
A. few considerations why the Prcsbytcxy ought to take hold of this
School, and vigorously push it forward and upward, will close our report.
The location, f s to health and cheapness of living, will compare favor¬
ably with any pther place in tne Presbytery. Then its being far re¬
moved from any tov, n or village, and in a ■great measure out of the in¬
fluence of the wicked and licentious, who are^ont to assemble in such
places. BesideS the community in which the School is situated must
ever exert a salutary influence upon its members. This is a Presby¬
terian community, and is likely to continue so. Their patronage and
approbation will go far to sustain the institution. Besides the land and
water communication will, it is believed, in a short time, place Sum-
merville in easy access to different portions of our own and other Pres¬
byteries. Plank roads, the river improvements, and coal fields in its
vicinity, point to Cumberland Academy, as a place where many of our
sons may have their minds trained,, their consciences Enlightened, their
hearts cultivated, and their souls saved through the medium of the truth
COLIN SHAW, Chairman
Apeil 10 th, 1851
J