The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-03-31
From the North Carolina Presbyterian.
The New Church at Little Rock, Ark.

We are in receipt of brief business letter from
the Rev. Evander McNair, of Pine Bluff, Ark,
dated March 9th. He says: 81 am home from
Little Rock, where 1 was aiding brother WEIGH in
the dedication of his fine new church. 1t is
splendid edifce, costing 100000. preached the
dedication sermon, and the meeting was continued
FIVE days. 1t was a time of much interest. In
closed send you an outline Of Exercises clipped
from secular paper of the city"
This outline is interesting, and did our space
permit, considerable part of it should be repro
duced in our columns. A very interesting letter
was read by the pastor, Rev. Thomas R. WEIGH,
from that venerable man of God, Rev. j. w.
Moore, the pioneer of Presbyterianism in Arkan-
sas He had been invited to be present at this
dedication, but was prevented by failing health
He says in his letter:
when I reached Little Rock in January, 1928,
as a Missionary of the General Assembly, Board,
found there no Presbyterian church in the entire
territory of Arkansas, and after the most dilgent
inquiries, found there were but two individuals
who could, even in the widest sense, be called
Presbyterians One of these was Mr.. Garvin in
Washington county, and the other Mr. DUNCAN
in Little Rock. The town then contained about
twenty families
II first preached in log school house in the
western part OF the town, which soon became too
small for our congregation. l then rented frame
house which stood about one hundred yards south
of the point of rocks which gives name to the city.
After year this house was required for other pur-
poses, and we then worshiped in an old frame
building, called the state house, which stood but
short distance west of where your new house
stands. This was very small, and uncomfortable
on account of leaky roof, and having no means
Of heating it.
Mr. Moore proceeds to give brief sketch Of
Presbyterianism in the capitol of Arkansas, fom
that time until he left the place in 1910 He then
concludes his letter with the following paragraphs
full of food for reflection for the congregation of
Little Rock, especially, but not without something
of profit for all of us:
"Were I present with you on the day of your
church dedication, | know | should be greatly
struck by the contrast of things now and long ago.
How different would be the style of your beautiful
edifce from the homely log cabins, and shaky old
frames in which [ used to preach. | would rejoice
to see the honor rendered to the Lord by the re
spect shown to his earthly courts-and yet would
remember that in those buildings there sat before
me the eloquent attorney, the profound judge. and
the distinguished statesman, listening attentively
to the simple, but glorious doctrines of crucifed
Saviour and also among our audiences there sat
of the chief women not few, besides many
of the humble poor, rich in faith, from whose
hearts arose the incense of sincere alteration.
Were present with you | would suggest to
your people to beware lest they worship their
house more than Him for whose glory it has
been erected. would say, be grateful for it, but
remember that its true glory will depend upon the
visitations of the Holy. I would say, moreover
often vOu enter IL LEFT vOur hearts arise in
silent aspirations for the presence of the promised
Spirit, to assist your pastor to proclaim the un.
searchable riches of Christ and that he may be
wise to win souls. If so, in the great day it will
be said of many that this man and that man were
born there"