The Synod of this Church held its first meeting on the evening of Tuesday, 22 January 1850, in the Protestant Hall, Stephen Street, Melbourne.

Present: Rev. Andrew Mitchell Ramsay, Rev. Thomas Elliot Richardson, Rev. Lachlan McGillivray, and the Rev. William Jarrett, Ministers of the Gospel: and Mr. Walter Adamson, Ruling Elder from the Church at present assembling in the Protestant Hall, Stephen Street, Melbourne.

The Brethren being assembled, proceeded to the election of a Moderator and Clerk: when the Rev. Mr. Ramsay was chosen Moderator of the Synod, and the Rev. Mr. Jarrett, Clerk.

Mr. Ramsay then ascended the pulpit and opened the meeting with devotional services.

These exercises being concluded, the Moderator took his seat in the Precentor's desk, and after a few introductory remarks in reference to the object and fundamental principles of the Synod, called upon the Clerk to read an outline of the Constitution of the Synod, which being done, the several members proceeded to speak to the various heads or divisions of the Constitution in the following order.

To the Summary of Doctrine - Mr. Jarrett.

Prayer by Mr. McGillivray.

To the Ordinances of the Christian Church - Mr. McGillivray.

(Here Mr. McGillivray lifted up a very convincing and impressive testimony against certain prevalent errors in regard to the Headship of Christ and the administration of Baptism and the Lord's Supper)

Prayer by Mr. Richardson.

To the principles of Church Polity - Mr. Richardson.

Prayer by Mr. Adamson.

The following Resolutions were then moved, seconded, and unanimously adopted.

1st. That the 'outline' submitted be adopted as the Constitution of the "United Presbyterian Church of Victoria": that it be printed and published for general information, and that copies of the same be forwarded to the various congregations in connection with the Synod, to be read to them on a convenient Sabbath, at the close of Divine Service by their Pastors.

2nd. That a correspondence be opened with the various Evangelical Bodies in the Australian Colonies, and in Europe and America: with a view to obtain and diffuse intelligence, and to cultivate Christian sympathy and intercourse.

3rd. That a 'Periodical' be established as soon as it may be practicable, for the more general diffusion of the sentiments of the Synod, and the advancement generally of Truth and Godliness in the land; and that the necessary arrangements for such a 'Periodical' be entrusted with Messrs. Ramsay and Jarrett.

Next Meeting of Synod to be held (D.V.) in the month of January, 1851, on a day to be afterwards determined, and duly advertised.

The Meeting was then closed with prayer by the Moderator.

There was a large and encouraging attendance at the Meeting, who appeared to sympathise deeply with the proceedings of the Synod.

The meeting commenced at 7 o'clock, and terminated about 10 o'clock.

1st. The United Presbyterian Church of Victoria holds and declares herself to be a separate and independent Ecclesiastical Community, owning no authority or jusisdiction beyond herself.

2nd. This Church extends the right hand of fellowship to all who love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity and truth, by whosesoever name they are known, and engages to respect the Scriptural discipline of any Christian communion, when that discipline shall be directed against error and ungodliness.

3rd. The Lord Jesus Christ is held the Supreme and sole head of the Church, having no vicegerent in Heaven or earth.

4th. All interference of the civil magistrate in matters of religion is abjured and protested against.

5th. All connection with the State is repudiated, together with all State endowments of religion, whatever shape they may assume; and the entire support of the Christian Ministry is derived from the free-will offerings of the people, according to the doctrine of Christ - Galatians, Chapter vi., Verse 6: "Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things."

6th. The membership of the Church consists of those only who profess their faith in Christ and show by their walk and conversation that they are the subjects of the renewing grace of God - such only are admitted to the Lord's table.

7th. In regard to Infant Baptism, those infants only are baptised one or both of whose parents are of acknowledged Christian character, and where attainable, in the full communion of the Church of Christ.

8th. That there are but two perpetual orders of office bearers in the Christian Church - Bishops and Deacons. The first specially entrusted with the edification, discipline, and spiritual oversight of the church; and the second, with the care of the poor, and the superintendence and management of all secular and financial affairs. The terms Bishops, Presbyters, or Elders, Rulers and Pastors, are in the New Testament indiscriminately applied to persons holding the same office.

9th. The election of office bearers is vested in the members of each church in full communion and in them only. The elective franchise being enjoyed without distinction of sex, age, or condition in life.