Chapter CXXXVI. *to incorporate the Congregation of the First Presbyterian Church of Washington.*July 7, 1868. *Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled*, The congregation of the First Presbyterian Church of Washington incorporated
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CHAP. CXXXVI.— An Act *to incorporate the Congregation of the First Presbyterian Church of Washington.*July 7, 1868. *Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled*, The congregation of the First Presbyterian Church of Washington incorporated. That Francis H. Smith, N. P. Chipman, Otis C. Wight. A. D. Robinson. Zenas C. Robbins, and their associates, who are now, or may hereafter become members of the congregation of the First Presbyterian Church of Washington, Exemption from taxes.in the District of Columbia, under the rules, regulations, or by-laws of the same, be, and Powers and duties.they are hereby, created a body corporate, under the name of “The Congregation of the First Presbyterian Church of Washington,” and as such shall have perpetual succession, may purchase, hold, and convey personal and real estate, make contracts, sue and be sued, plead and be impleaded, and may generally exercise and enjoy all such powers as are usually vested in corporations, and as may be necessary or incident to sustaining religious worship, Sabbath schools, missionary, and charitable enterprises in the District of Columbia, and no others; and said corporation shall be exempt from any taxes to be assessed upon their corporate property under Proviso.the authority of Congress, or of the city or county of Washington: *Provided,* That the value of all property so exempt shall not exceed two hundred thousand dollars.
Sec. 2. *And be it further enacted,*Title to certain lands and buildings. That the title to any lands, buildings, and property heretofore conveyed to said congregation, or to any person or persons for the use and benefit of the same, or of the said First Presbyterian Church, is hereby vested in and confirmed to said corporation. Sec. 3. *And be it further enacted,*By laws. That it shall be lawful for said congregation, at its first meeting subsequent to the passage of this act, to be held at such time and place as the persons named in the first section of this act may designate, by a majority of the members present, to adopt such by-laws as they may deem expedient, regulating the government of said corporation, prescribing the number, character, and duties of their Officers and their election.officers, and the manner of their election, defining the terms on which Membership.persons may become, or cease to be, members of said corporation, and Holding, &c. of real estate.providing in all things for the holding and disposal and conveyance of its real and personal estate, and for the management of said congregation, Amendment and repeal.which by-laws may be amended or repealed from time to time, under Proviso.such regulations as said congregation may adopt: *Provided,* That no by-laws shall be adopted or remain in force inconsistent with the government and laws of the United States, or with the constitution and authority of the Presbyterian church in the United States of America.
Sec. 4. *And be it further enacted,*Act may be altered, &c. That Congress reserves the right to alter, amend, or abolish this charter at pleasure. Approved, July 7, 1868.