Dumartrait, Adrien, St. Martinville, Louisiana, 1843 June 29

The Council of St. Martin Church met today in a special meeting; all were present. The following resolutions were passed: Deblanc, not agreeing on all points, withdrew, handing in his resignation. It was resolved that any priest officiating at St. Martin's could not speak of any temporal affair which could attack any civil or religious administration but could preach the gospel only. If he did, he could be relieved of his position. It was also resolved that the pastor be asked to establish the distinctions which should exist, even in the church, between whites and persons of color Negroes or slaves when approaching the holy table or adoring the cross. The law makes it a duty for free persons of color not to make themselves equal to whites. They cannot make their devotions until after all white persons have made theirs. The slaves cannot fulfill these ceremonies until after the free persons of color; a priest admitting a slave to Communion must have the permission of his master. Resolved that these resolutions be published in the two newspapers of the town and affixed to the church doors. Also that a copy be sent to the pastor. Newspaper Clipping French 1 col. Enclosure: