United Kingdom House of Lords Decisions

This question, as to the right to possession of the meeting house and session house belonging to the Society of Burgher Seceders of Perth, was raised on the occasion of a split in that body, in regard to the formula of their church as respected the power of the civil magistrate. The appellants were the body who separated themselves, but, contending that they adhered to the original doctrines and formula of the Seceders' body, which were identical with those of the established church, and were therefore entitled to possession, while the respondents were parties who had altered, or were inclined to modify the formula on this head. The Court of Session were of opinion that nothing had been done to alter the formula by the respondents, and confirmed them in possession of the meeting house, &c. On appeal to the House of Lords, the case was remitted for reconsideration. Vide infra, (second appeal.)