The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-04-29
For THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
A History of the Congregation and Church
of New Providence, Lexington Presby-
tery, Va

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bounds of Hanover Presbytery presented
calls for his ministerial service they were
declined, and he asked a dismission to
to the Presbytery of Lexington. This
was done in order to accept the call from
New Providence above mentioned. He
preached his first sermolA. New Provi-
dence, after the acceptance of the call,
on the 5th of June, 1896. The pastorate
thus formed was long and happy one.
For twenty-five years he labored faith
fully in the performance of the arduouS
duties of a country pastor, and exerted a
very wide influence not only within, but
also beyond the bounds of his own charge
For several years, in addition TO his pas
toral labors, he taug hit a classical school
of high order, which drew students from
beyond the mountains. Among his pu-
pills may be named Governor James Nc
Dowell, Governor McNutt, of Mississippi,
DR.. Samuel B. Wilson, of the Union
Theological Seminary, Rev. James G..
Wilson, of Waynesboro, and Rev. DR..
John McElhenny, of Lewisburg.
Concerning Mr.. Brown and his pasto-
rate, Mr.. Thos. HI. Walker, who was long
one of his most efficient elders, and who
was himself man of unusual informa-
ton, and very sound judgment, thus
speaks: ellis talents were of a
very high order. His judgment in all
matters was sound and practical. In
cases where it seemed difficult to arrive
at a correct decision, he seemed to seize
with facility the true view, and the clear
ness of his statements hardly failed to
bring others to concur with him. His
preaching was impressive and interesting
In his personal appearance he was tall
and lean, his eyes sunk deeply in his
head. His voice, though not sweet, was
distinct; his manner earnest, seeming
to be inspired by a deep conviction of
the truth and Importance of his subject
His gestures. according p my recollec-
ton, were few, but apprc pirate. In his
addresses from the pulpit, he was emf
nent for strength, concisencss, and per-
spicuty. 4 Plain, instructive, and
practical in his discourses, he brought the
principles of the Bible to bear upon the
conduct of his people in all their rela-
tions. He also held forth very strongly
the great Calvinistic doctrines of the
Scriptures. He preached repentance to-
wards God, and faith in the Lord Jesus
Christ. He dwelt prominently on the to-
tai depravity of human nature, and on
the necessity of regeneration. He fire.
quently became very much animated when
preaching, and sometimes the tears were
seen to trickle down his cheeks. His
sermons were short generally. x
The longer he lived among his people,
the more they became attached to him.
He mingled amongst them in easy and
familiar terms; took an interest in their
welfare both temporal and spiritual.
X He was man that never shrank
from any responsibility, that properly be-
longed to him, in any circumstances in
which he was placed; and his opinions
probably carried more weight with them
than any other man in this end of Rock
bridge county. * x His piety was
undoubted. He died universally lament
ed in the prime of life, in full intellect
ual vigor, in the midst of his useful
ness, and when the love of his people so
far from abating, was becoming deeper
and stronger.
In 1904, when the whole country was
excited by the great revival, which was
attended by those strange excitements
and bodily agitations called the clerks,
Mr.. Brown took firm and decided ground
against them, and succeeded in keeping
them out of his congregation almost en-
tirely. In this position he stood almost
alone, but subsequent events have made
it clear that he was right
There are 10 means of determining the
size of the congregation in Mr.. Browns
time. That it increased considerably un-
der his labors, may be inferred from the
fact that it was during his pastorate that
the old stone church was taken down, and
brick one erected on the same site
This was done in 1912.
Mr.. Brown died as he had lived-at
his post. On Saturday, Sabbath, and
Monday according to the old custom in
communion seasons, he preached with his
usual fervency, and power, and died OIL
Tuesday, Oct. 18th, 1918, very suddenly
while making preparations to attend the
meeting of Synod at Staunton. At his
burial on the 18th, while his grave was
being filled, the whole congregation unlteC
in singing the hymn
"When | can read my title clear
DR.. Specie, when invited to preach hi
funeral sermon before the Synod Of Vir
ginia, few days subsequent to his death