The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-03-03

THE xELLYs, OF CHARLOTTESVILLE.

THE KELLYS, OF CHARLOTTESVILLE.
In the fall of 1918, Mr.. Reuben Post, a
native of New England, having completed
his theological education at the Princeton
Seminary, wishing to spend some time as a
missionary, made enquiries of DR.. Alexan.
der for proper place of labor. The Doctor
eonceiying him peculiarly fitted for Virginia,
turned his attention to Albemarle as place
in which he might be useful, and to the
Young Mems Missionary Society of Rich
mond for his commission. His pleasant
manners, and earnest, afectionate way of
preaching made him very acceptable. He
passed the succeeding winter preaching to
the people in the neighborhood of Walkers
Church and Charlottesville. His ministra-
tons were followed with a special blessing
both in Charlottesville and around Walkers
Church; and number of persons professed
faith in Christ. Among others, three young
men in Charlottesville, by name Barksdale,
Fretwell, and DarneIl These were all con-
nected with the Sunday School; Mr.. Oar
nell, an adopted son of Mr.. Kelly; and the
others intimate in the family. Mr.. Barks
dale, from the time his attention was arrested
by the question and answer in the Sunday
School, had cherished his religious thought,
and under Mr.. Posts preaching was led to
profess faith.
In the month of May, 1919, these three
young men attended Sacramental meeting
at the Cove, and made public profession of
their faith. This event was to Mr.. Robin
son great cup Of joy. He had now six
professed Christians in Charlottesville in con-
nexion with his church.
These young men were all short-lived.
Mr.. Darnell was taken out of life by a fever
in the following October. From the time of
protesting faith he was earnestly and afec-
tionotely engaged in the cause of Christ; his
death was a triumph. Mr.. and Mrs. Kelly
mingled tears and thanksgiving over their
adopted son. Mr.. Barksdale devoted him
self to the ministry of the Gospel; and hav-
ing completed his course of study at Hampden
Sidney College he entered upon his work in
Amelia county; blessing attended his la
bors. In 1923 he was summoned unexpect
edly to meet his Redeemer in glory. His
memory was cherished in Amelia.
Mr.. Fretwell wished to prepare for the
ministry, but his race on earth was short.
The year 1878 had been year of great
excitement on religion in Mr.. Robinson's
congregation. Prayer meetings of public
nature, prayer meetings of more private
nature, and family prayers, were all sources
of great religious Improvement and enjoy
meut. Christian people delighted to meet
and pray together. Mr.. Kelly set up fami-
ly prayers the day he professed his faith in
Christ. In little time he embraced his
servants in his worship. This year he pro,
ceeded further and opened his doors to any
that would meet and pray with him at ap-
pointed hours. This was an innovation, and
together with the Sunday School embracing
all children that could be induced to attend,
excited remarks. What is coming to the
little village?" was the enquiry. The dig
ni6ed manner and exalted character of Mr..
Kelly only made the wonder greater, "What
is the matter with John Kelly?" The af
fected dislike took the harmless turn of little
merriment. Mr.. Robinson, in letter to
Mr.. Hendren, thus speaks of it, May 18th,
1918: II have to-day letter from Mr..
Kelly. He commenced his prayer meeting
the Sabbath evening after he left US, and
kept it up, and determines to keep it up,
though the number, he complains, is small
and cold. One of his neighbors has in deri-
sion of him, bought Bible, bell, and a
Hymn Book. But why the bell Why,
because Mr. Kelly's dOmestics, at the hour
of worship, are called in by the sound of the
bell. Now all this is as it should be. /
was glad to hear it. That bell bought in
derisiOn will yet, l trust, ring dreadful peal
in this fellows conscience, wish you would
write to Mr.. Kelly and encourage him; he
seems down. know it would be thankfully
received" But as time passed on, Mr..
Kelly found helpers in the prayer meeting,
and hearers that were profted.
Mr. Post was importuned to remain in
Albemarle; but his mind was set towards
the city Of Washington. That locality was
urged upon him while he was in Princeton; /;
and the correspondence went on during his
stay in Albemarle; and the conclusion was