Page:George McCall Theal, History of South Africa since September 1795, Volume 1 (1908).pdf/381

1826] were held quarterly by Dr. Thom until the 24th of November 1831, when the reverend William Robertson, who, after acting as teacher at Graaff-Reinet for some years, had returned to Scotland and studied for the church, was appointed resident minister. The present village and district of Robertson were named after him at a later date.

The second meeting of the synod took place in November 1826. Of the Scotch clergymen named in preceding chapters, all were still ministering in South Africa except the reverend Mr. Evans, who died early in 1823. Their influence was so strong that the question was discussed whether it would not be advisable to unite with the established church of Scotland. A motion to this effect was rejected, however, as a majority thought it better to remain independent. It was admitted by all that the English language could not be used in the church services, as Dutch was the domestic language of the people. The establishment of a theological seminary in the colony was favourably considered, but the means were wanting to carry the project out. The resolutions were laid before Major-General Bourke, then acting governor. He submitted them, together with those of 1824, to the council, by which body various alterations and omissions were made, and in that condition they were sent to England for approval. In December 1828 the various clergymen were informed that "the king was pleased to allow the resolutions of the synods of 1824 and 1826 to have effect, his Majesty reserving to himself the right of disallowing thereafter any resolutions which on more mature consideration it might appear inexpedient to confirm." So thoroughly subject was the church to the state in those days.

By this time it was found to be inconvenient and too expensive for the synod to meet so frequently, and therefore it did not assemble again until 1829. Its next three sessions were in 1834, 1837, and 1842.

The Lutherans had still but one congregation, in Capetown.

The English episcopal church had now six clergymen in the colony. The reverend George Hough, the senior chaplain,