The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1867-02-27
&eliaiuns Sntelligrnfe.
FROM THE SOUTHERN STATES.

Il Nec Lhlrch on me ocdcOd@ 81 UtWy'"'
Rev. g. B. King writes to the Southern I,rcs-
Lytcrian:
1.-The immediate call for my visit, under the
general instructions of the Presbytery OF Geor-
gia, was pressing invitation from Mr.. L.
Goulding Stacy, in behalf of himself and other
Presbyterian families, to come and organise
church for them. On this mission, | was .ac
complained BY Rev. Mr.. j., of this. Synod,
who was on a visit to the coast from the lnte-
rior of the State.
This work was successfully and pleasantly
accomplished by us; the church was organised
on Sunday, January p, with some fifteen
names of members from various Presbyterian
and Congregational churches. Mr.. Stacy was
elected and ordained the ruling elder, and the
communion of the Lords Supper was ccle-
brated by the new church in its organic capaac-
ity. The services were well attended. and the
congregation apparently deeply interested
throughout. Indeed we were told there were
persons present who had not been seen in
church for years Every thing passed Oft as
smoothly and pleasantly as possible; and Provi-
dence seemed to favor our work; tor the
weather, which had been very threatning and
gloomy on Friday, cleared off aud gave us cool
but clear and bright days Saturday, Sunday,
and Monday, for our services.
Some interesting facts about this little church
claim our attention
It's ruling elder is young man of most ex-
cellent promise. Passing through the war, he
came out unframed by temporal or spiritual
foes. He has settled in this place with his
Young family, and has the charge OF the acad-
emy He was of old Liberty County, which
has furnished our Church and country with so
many of its best ministers and teachers. In his
present position, his influence is most admlra-
bic, having secured the esteem OF the entire
community, SO far as | could learn lie is
man of earnest spirit, energy OF purpose, and
zeal in the service of our divine Master The
other members of the church are almost all
| females; only two more young men from the
North uniting in the organisation. VI these
| females, cne-half or more are widows, and IN
very much reduced circumstances from the
disastrous results of the war upon our lnstItu-
tions and finances. But they seem to have
heart to watch and pray If not power to give
and labor.
But one of the most important grounds Of
hope for future usefulness among the colored
people is in the membership of a man named
Sherman member of the colored church m
Macon He is greatly interested in the growth
of Presbyterianism in this region; and being
superior mechanic, has the means OF dong
something more than usual for his race. lie
has the respect of all the people for the re,
markable propriety dignity, and pollteness, OF
his conduct and his superior intelligence has
/ secured him great influence among the colored
people He says he and his wife, also MEM
Der of the Presbyterian Church, can and will
do much to bring the colored people under our
ministry; that, for the present, it is best for
both classes to worship together and when the
church becomes strong, their portion OF 1t
could, if desirable, colonize and form a sepa-
| rate congregation for themselves.
There are some four or five persons expect
ing to unite at the first opportunity, clrcur'-
stances preventing their doing so at this organ
isation; among them is another young man
from Liberty County As the place grows,
l from the elements combined in our church as
organised it must grow and strengthen into
1 powcr md influence under proper fostering
care. That is now needed, needed at once, in
the person of good, jealous, and able minis
ter of the gospel, as Presbyterian missionary.
The field is strictly a mission field at this
time. The people are able to do very little to-
wards supporting a minister, struggling as
they are for the support of their own families !:
but they arc willing according to and beyond
labor among them"
Systematic Benerolence-" Saddlebags' a
correspondent of the Presbyterian Inder wri.
ting from Roanoke Presbytery in this State
says:
"The scheme has been in working order at
Charlotte Court House for five ox.six years
1t had been practised (if mistake mott long
ago, by the Rev. John III. Rice, of Mobile.
Ala, when that notable editor was pastor Of
the "Village Church =" Brother Brown, Of
Bethesda and Hermon, is strong advocate OF
the plan, and has recently put it in operation.
He tells his people that fre cents a Sunday,
by every church member would keep the
Southern Church afoat without aid Brother
Martin, of Roanoke, has come up nobly to the
work. Brother Vaughan (who is, in the Proyi-
dence Of God, laid aside from most Of the ac-
tive duties of the ministry, gave us stirring
speech on the subject at meeting of Presby-
terry, some time ago. 1t was powerful effort,
and worthy of any ecclesiastical floor in the
country. Brother Lacy is very earnest in this
cause, and will probably bring his two congre-
cations up to the point of giving every Sun
day. But must not weary you. Oar expe,,
rience is, that the amount raised by small
weekly collections taken up during the interval
between the regular quarterly collections, IS
Just so much added to actdt lcould other,rise be
contributed. Two or three hundred dollars CT
ira can be taken up in this way, without any
ones feeling it. "
Work of Grace in Memphis.-We rejoice TO
learn by private letter from brother who
lives in the neighborhood of Memphis, that
the Lord has been pleased to pour out his
spirit upon the three Presbyterian churches
in that city, and that they are enjoying time
of refreshing from the presence of the Lord.
Presbyterian Mder.
United Presbyterian Chmch-Rev DR..
Read, the Pastor of the Church, who is now
visiting some of the Southern cities to obtain
aid in rebuilding their church edifce, has met
with very liberal donations to the enterprise
froM members Of our Church in Augusta,
Macon and Columbus. Christian OJserrer.
Fourth Church, Memphis, Ttnn.--Rey. Phil
lip H. Thompson, formerly pastor of church
in Memphis, Tenn, which during the war was
broken up by the dispersion of its members,
and the burning of their house of worship,
has returned to the city, and commenced a
new effort which we hope will be crowned with
abundant success.
Rer. Thomas IL La,c of Hartsville, S. c.,
has been appointed by the Presbyterial Com
mittee of Domestic Missions to act as eyangel-
list within the bounds Of the Presbytery of
Charleston. Mr. Law has removed to Charles
ton, and will at once commence his labors in
his new field.
Rev. Rufus K. Porte, has entered upon his
duties as pastor of the Central church, Allan
ia, Ga. The Presbytery of Hopewell, at it,
meeting on the oath ult, dismissed him to the
Presbytery of Atlanta.
Rer. r. B. anderson, President of York
vile Female College, has accepted an invita-
ton to supply the Bethesda congregation, in