Proceedings

For example, Kemnay is a sanctioned charge. The mass of the congregation resides from two to three miles from any Free Church place of worship, and the proprietor of the ground in the neighbourhood, though himself a dissenter, and taking advantage of the toleration permitted to him, refuses the unanimous request of the Presbytery of Garioch for ground whereon to build a church for the people over whom they are placed.

In Aboyne again, the Presbytery of Kincardine O'Neil have approved of the Free Church being removed from the south side of the Dee, where there are scarcely any inhabitants, to the vicinity of the village, which is the centre of the population; but they report to the Committee that, in consequence of conditions attached to the kind of building to be erected, by the proprietor, who reserves the right of veto, they have not yet been able to secure an available site, although there is ample ground to be feued for other purposes.

There are one or two other cases which it seems unnecessary to specify. In these, as well as in the last-mentioned case, Aboyne, the Committee have not had the opportunity of conferring with the proprietors referred to in the representations which have been brought before the Committee, and they cannot but hope that, as in other cases, a little time and explanation may have the effect of removing difficulties and objections which proprietors of ground applied for may entertain. It is gratifying to be able to report, that as last year the Committee had to mention Culsalmond as a place where a site had at length been conceded, so this year they have to state that a favourable site has been given by Mr. Farquharson in Alford, and the erection of a Free Church has there been already commenced. The Committee, however, deeply regret, with the whole Church, the evil and inconveniences which congregations so much feel from the refusal of sites, in the few cases of site-refusal that still remain.

The opportunity has not seemed favourable for bringing the subject under the consideration of Parliament, by petition or otherwise; but, possibly, when the minds of politicians are less occupied than at present by the great changes in the constitution which are now being discussed, there may be a more fitting occasion for asking the attention of Parliament, and through Parliament of the country, to an acknowledged wrong for which some remedy should be provided.

F. BROWN DOUGLAS,

Convener.

Free Church of Scotland.

STATES REPORTED BY THE GENERAL TRUSTEES TO THE ASSEMBLY.

MAY 1867.

No. I.

STATE showing the Sums received and paid by the GENERAL TRUSTEES of the FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND during the year ending 31st March 1867.

RECEIPTS.

1. Balance in hands of General Treasurer on last account, £34 6 11 2. Balance in hands of Clydesdale Bank, at date of last