Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1865-12-05

NS4 ii-S.-LI IS one OF Lle GllSIOr-
tunes OF var, That men become irrevcrent as
to what they had been taught hitherto to re-
gard WITH sacred veneratiOn. This has been
most shainoluily exempli6ed in the wanton
Dissertation, and in some instances almost
demolition, of the Churches of our town.
The p esJyterian Church, though occupied
at times by troops, escaped with compara-
lively little injury, owing to the fact that its
Pastor was in such close proximity. as to give
his unwearicd watchiulness and care to its
preservation. For many months it was the
only Church in the town suitable to open
for public worship, and was occupied alter.
natcly by the ministers of the several congre>
cations, and always with large and apprecia-
tive audiences. Owing to the protracted in-
disposition of Rev. Mr.. DUTroN, the faithful
head ofthis Church for the last 20 years. the
pu! pit has been most acccptaLIy filed by the
Rev. Mr.. HOPKINS, whom weregret to learn
Will leave in Il few days to make his home in
South Western Virginia. He and his family
will carry with them the earnest prayers of
the Church, and the universal good wishes of
the community, for happiness and health in
their distant field Of labor. The Rev. Mr..
BEDINGEE, as we are informed, will fill the
place Of Mr.. H., until the health OF DIR. Dut-
ton is sufficiently restored to resume lis min>
isterial Office.
The Episcopal Church was greatly dam
aged; having been 4 rem ~lczvous tor months at
Il time Of those who sacriligiously destroyed
every thing within reach. Indeed there
were wa'ton acts OF Dissertation committed IN
connection with this Church, which it could
hardly have been supposed would occur in
amy civilized community. At considerable
expense and much labor, however, the pews
in the Church have been replaced, the fine
organ again erected, and the House opened
regularly every Sabbath for public worship.
The health OF its Pastor, the Rev. Chas. T..
AMDLER. is quite prccarious, but his brethren
in TIE ministry supply lis place with cheer
tulncss and zeal whenever he is not able to
o~Giciate.
The Methodist Church by no means cs-
capped. It's pews were carried OF, windows
broken, pulpit mutilatcd, and occupied alter
natcly as shelter for horse or man. With
commchIabic efforts, however, the member
ship Of this congregation have gone to work
and rc.itted it in 4 manner to rcudcr it entire
ly comfortable, if NOT 50 attractive as hereto
fore. The Rev. Mr.. MARCH is the preacher
in charge; who has been holding for the last
week or more as ries OF meetings which give
promise OF good.
or the Baptist Church, a new and band>
some ediice, nothing remains but the walls
and roof. Its tlmbcrs from top to bottom
were removed, the windows. doors. &c. des-
troyed, and its general ruin compile c.-
Whether its Pastor. the Rev.AIr. SHEPHERD.
Will be able to have it repaired at this time.
we fear is doubtful, as his congregation is
small and it will require considerable outlay.
lie occupies the pulpit Of the Presbyterian
Church, the first Sunday evening or night of
each month. 1t is universally regretted that
his ministrations are not more frequent.