Whereas, above two centuries ago, extensive Colonies of Presbyterian settlers from Scotland and elsewhere were planted in Ireland, whose Ministers and Elders afterwards formed themselves into an Ecclesiastical body, holding the Standards and adopting the Discipline of the parent Church of Scotland; which Ecclesiastical body was for a time designated “The Presbytery of Ulster”; and subsequently received, and has ever since been known by, the name and designation of “The General Synod of Ulster”.

And whereas about a century ago, another Presbyterian body, being a branch of the Secession Church in Scotland, likewise holding the Standards and adopting the Discipline of the Church of Scotland, but seceding from the Jurisdiction of that Church, was introduced into Ireland; which last mentioned body, being for a time divided into two Synods, bearing the designation of “The Associate Synod of Ireland”, and “The Associate Synod of Ireland in subordination to the General Associate Synod of Scotland” respectively, subsequently united into one Synod, which has been, and is now, known by the name of the “Presbyterian Synod of Ireland distinguished by the name of Seceders”.

And Whereas, it hath pleased Almighty God in His merciful providence to remove the causes of difference and alienation hitherto unhappily subsisting between the said General Synod of Ulster and the said Presbyterian Synod of Ireland distinguished by the name of Seceders, and to dispose these two Churches to unite under the same Standards as aforesaid, as founded upon and agreeable to the Word of God, in Christian communion and fellowship, as one Ecclesiastical body under the Great Head of the Church.

And Whereas, has been severally agreed, by the said Churches, in Synod duly assembled, to constitute themselves, as aforesaid, into one Church, in the manner and under the designation hereinafter mentioned.

And it is hereby further resolved and agreed upon, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Great Head of the Church, by the said General Synod of Ulster and the said Presbyterian Synod of Ireland distinguished by the name of Seceders, on this the 10th day of July, in the year of our Lord, 1840, duly assembled together, that they do now, and in all times hereafter shall, constitute one United Church, professing the same common faith, as set forth in the Standards as aforesaid; and in all matters Ecclesiastical, and subject to, the same Government and Discipline; each nevertheless retaining and reserving, in respect of any temporalities belonging thereto, or to the several Congregations respectively under its care, or to any persons in trust for them or any of them, all civil rights, interests, and estates whatever, in as full and ample a manner, to all intents and purposes whatsoever, as if the said Union of these Churches had not taken place, to and for the same uses, and upon the same trusts respectively, as heretofore in anywise are or have been expressed or declared of or concerning the same.

And it is hereby further resolved and agreed upon, as aforesaid, that the said United Church, so constituted, shall henceforth bear the name and designation of “The Presbyterian Church in Ireland, consisting of the General Synod of Ulster and the Presbyterian Synod of Ireland distinguished by the name of Seceders”; and that its Supreme Court shall be styled, “The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland”.

And it is hereby further resolved and agreed upon, that, notwithstanding said Union, the two Synods asaforesaid, shall reserve, and they do hereby reserve, to themselves and to the Ministers and Elders of the Congregations under their care respectively, and to the successors of such Ministers and Elders for the time being, the right of meeting hereafter in Synod, but only concerning such temporalities as aforesaid, as distinct Bodies, with the necessary Officers, as heretofore, as such General Synod of Ulster, and as such Presbyterian Synod of Ireland distinguished by the name of Seceders, from time to time, as occasion may require, with full power to make all arrangements, and to do and perform all proper, legal and equitable acts necessary to protect and preserve all their separate rights, interests, and estates, as aforesaid.