The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-03-10
For THE CENTRAL PREsBYTERIAN.
A Word from the Southwest.

Mr.. Editor,-I write FROM the city of Memphis.
where have been spending few weeks. 1t IS
large and growing city,-and now that the streets
are paved with the Nicolson pavement is a beautl-
ful one | have been much grati6ed to observe
the strides in advance, which Presbyteriansm is
makingin this portion of our country, and have
thought it might interest some of your readers, TO
hear word from the South. west.
There are now in this city four Presbyterian
churches all enjoying the services OF regular pas
tors, and all in prosperous and thriving condl'
ton There is also mission enterprise conducted
under the auspices of the Second Church, which
looks to the establishment of fifth. During my
stay in the city, [ have attended the services In
the First Presbyterian Church, and have been
much gratifed by what have seen and heard.
This congregation is fortunate in having large
and admirably arranged building. The main au-
dience room seats comfortably about eight hundred
and fifty persons. For six or seven months, last
year, they were without pastor. But in the fall
they called the Rev. F. H Bowman, of Virginia,
who in response, removed to this city, and com.
menced his abors in November. The congrega.
ton. am informed made very generous provi.
sion for the comfort of their new pastor, and his
family.
learn, from many sources, that during the four
months he has served them, there have been most
gratifying proofs, that the church in her choice OF
pastor, was guided by the Holy Spirit in answer
to believing prayer. The warm Christian affection
with which they at first received him has, am
persuaded, been constantly gaining strength, and
by the blessing of God on bis ministrations, the
Lords people have realised, in a large measure,
their expectations of obtaining spiritual good, SC
that in their happy experience, they feel called on
to express devout thanksgiving. The congrega-
ton has been largely augmented in number-a
the pews for rent having been taken as | am in
formed, with one or two exceptions. And there
has been steadily growing interest in the services
of the sanctuary. A good many additions have
been recently made to the membership of the
church, aud others, 1 am told, are soon to be re,
ceived. To degree which it is gratifying to wit
ness, this is aoork6g church, and seems to evince
readiness to take part in every work. by which
the Redeemer's kingdom can be advanced.
:, The Sabbath School for the white children is
very large, and is conducted in way that makes
| it an efficient means for good One of the elders
singularly well qualified for the office, is Supern
tendent. On the afternoon of every fourth Sab
bath, there are special religious service, by the
pastor, which are adapted to interest the children
and are designed, primarily, for their benefit
They are held in the church, and are attended, moi
only by the scholars and teachers but by gooC
many of the parents. Several pieces from the
Songs of Praise, are sung by the Children
lady teacher accompanying on the parlor organ
brought in from the Sabbath School room for the
purpose The pastor then leads in prayer, anG
after that breaches a sermon to the children. -
They listen with great interest, and seem to enjoy
the whole exercise very much indeed. 1t cannot
fail to be productive of blessed results; for He
who, when on earth, received little children, vii
surely bless these efforts to bring them to Hin
now.
In connection with this church, there is also
what is rare thing in the present age-a large
and Furnishing Sabbath School for colored children
and adults 1t numbers learn, ordinarily, about
two hundred-sometimes reaching two hundred
and thirty The Superintendent Of this school il
also one of the elders; and like the other by hi
piety and talents is admirably fitted for usefulness
in this important sphere of labor. The adult por
ton of this school-many of whom are members
OF the First Church-immediately after the schoo
exercises are ended, on every Sabbath afternoon
enjoy the preaching of Presbyterian minister
who, by the concurrence and advice Of the session
is employed to preach to them regularly. 1t is ar
exceedingly interesting field of labor.