Resolution of Bethel Church, Falls Church, Fairfax County, Virginia
The Church at Bethel, Fairfax Co., Va., at her regular meeting, held on Saturday before the 5th Sunday in September, 1889, proposed to adopt a resolution of non-fellowship for Sunday-schools, Foreign Missions, Female Missionaries, &c., but as some of the members could not be present on account of ill health, it was suggested that we defer action until the 3rd Saturday in October, and in order to give each member an opportunity of being represented, it was ruled that all who could not be present at that time, could vote by proxy. Our pastor, Elder C. L. Yates, informed us that if we adopted the resolution, it would cut him off, as he was opposed to it, and on Sunday he preached his farewell sermon.
Pursuant to adjournment, the church met on the 3rd Saturday in October. After praise and prayer, Bro. S. L. Thompson was chosen Moderator. The Minutes of the previous meeting were read and adopted. By request, the Clerk read the following preamble and resolution:
WHEREAS, Certain departures having been introduced among our people in different places, such as Foreign Missionism, Female Missionaries, Sunday-schools, and other institutions of this age, all of which have been unknown in the doctrine and practice of the church, and also in the word of God, and as we greatly desire the peace and union of this church in the future as in the past, therefore,
RESOLVED, That we do declare non-fellowship for all of these innovations, as above named, and we do earnestly beseech such of our dear brethren as have been deceived into tolerance and support thereof, to reconsider, and return in faith and fellowship, to the end that peace may again bless the Zion of our God, and fellowship be restored upon the foundation of truth, and we pledge ourselves to abide by God's holy Word, and the things that are clearly taught therein as Christian duties.
After considerable discussion, it was put to a vote, twenty-three voting for it, and eighteen against it. Nine members were not represented, but three of the nine have since endorsed it.
At a meeting, held on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in November, Elder T. N. Alderton was called to the pastorate of the church without a dissenting voice.
Some who opposed the resolution were present, and did not vote for Brother Alderton, but made no objection. Three ofthers of the nine voted for Brother A., making a total of twenty-nine, in favor of him.
Done by order of the church, at her meeting, 3rd Saturday in November, 1889.
L. E. OLIVER,
Church Clerk.
Copied from "Zion's Advocate," 1890, p. 6-7.
