In accordance with the following deed of the "Synod of the United Presbyterian Church of Victoria," dated Melbourne, April 30, 1851:

"Agreed that the brethren in Melbourne and Geelong, and the Eastern District generally, constitute themselves into a Presbytery, to be called "The Melbourne Presbytery," and to have its stated place of meeting in that City; and that the brethren in Portland and Port Fairy, and the Western District generally, form themselves into another Presbytery, to have its seat at Portland, or in any other place judged most convenient by the brethren themselves, and to be designated as they themselves may think proper."

The ministers of the Western District met at Portland this day December 1, 1851. After devotional exercises the brethren took into consideration the remit of the Synod and unanimously agreed to form themselves into a Presbytery in connection with "the Synod of the United Presbyterian Church of Victoria." The Rev. Thomas Elliot Richardson, A.M., the Presbyterian Minister, being the longest resident in the Portland District, was requested to constitute the Presbytery by prayer, and the Presbytery was constituted accordingly.

Agreed that the Moderator of the Presbytery be annually elected, and that the Rev. Thomas Elliot Richardson, A.M., Portland, be Moderator for the first year. The Moderator then took the chair.

Agreed that the Rev. Andrew Ross, Portland, be Presbytery Clerk.

Agreed that the Rev. Lachlan McGillivray, Warrnambool, be Presbytery Treasurer.

Agreed that the name of the Presbytery now constituted be the "United Presbyterian Presbytery of Portland."

Agreed that the Presbytery shall not confine its sittings to one locality, but shall hold them from time to time in such place as it shall see cause.

Agreed to declare that this Presbytery does not claim nor interfere with the property of any Congregation under its inspection or oversight.

Agreed to overture "The Synod of the United Presbyterian Church of Victoria," requesting that the foregoing declaration be made a Fundamental Article of said Synod.

Agreed to declare, that whilst "The United Presbyterian Church of Victoria believes the voluntary principle to be the Bible principle, it does not make, and has never made, the holding of this principle a condition of Communion or Membership."

Agreed to overture "The Synod of the United Presbyterian Church of Victoria" to take immediate steps for ascertaining how far Union with other Presbyterian Denominations is practicable, and where practicable to use all diligence in seeking to bring to a satisfactory issue a matter so deeply involving Presbyterian interests.

Agreed to overture "The Synod of the United Presbyterian Church of Victoria" to take into consideration the propriety of not holding its Sittings exclusively in Melbourne.

Agreed that this Presbytery prepare and issue a short paper on the 'Reasonable and Scriptural Duty of Supporting a Gospel Ministry.'

Agreed that the next meeting of the Presbytery be held at a time and place to be hereafter named by the Moderator.

Agreed that the Clerk be instructed to transmit a Copy of the foregoing Minutes to "The Synod of the United Presbyterian Church of Victoria," and to take measures for giving publicity to the formation of this Presbytery.

Closed with prayer.

ANDREW ROSS

Presbytery Clerk.