Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1869-03-25
Renaissance.
NJ GA1IAHrR-Danr Sir:

Mr.. GAILAHER-Dyar Sir:
As this is q very diSagreeabe day out
doors and cannot be in the saddle, thought
would while away an hour in sending YOU a
Remiuisceuce, which may awaken some pleas
ant memories. Of th.rty-fyc years ago, in the
minds Of some Of the people Of that day.
You Mr. Eii,or, with some others vet alive,
may remember that In tic beginning of the
wear 1886 there was a very eloquent lecturer
and dcbater passed through the Valley Of Nir-
.iuia. He VISA Mr. Fisk, a UniverSaliSt. and
was Iecturing on the doctrines of that sect
tn a lecture 20 IIarpcrs Ferry Mr. Fisk chal-
lergei the diyiues II any Of the churches 90
meet him in debate His challenge remained
uuacccpted Lr several da-S, and he was about
20 leave the place; IN >e Of his persuasion
were highly ei5tei. aud alleged that no minis
ter Of the place 31re3 o. meet him I'm debate.
At this wucture Of affairs the ladies' Of the
place az sl denominations, CtbU,irS and Pro-
,e>,sa-s, prevailed upon pr. Joseph Guest
HAYS tD accept the challenge This he finally
consented Q, d1. aud the debate t1os place In
the OId Fr.r Cburch-mluv years ago laid Ia
ashes, aud 10th tbe priaclpIl actors. and most
pf tie heaters ut that exciting and memorable
iiscu>,.ru have gone On that undiscovered
country. from whose bourn no traveller returns.
The old church large as IL was. was crowded
toexceSs, isles aud windows; people had come
f.r miles O. hear tie discussion some. verify
hc,5eye imf 2iuei that their future salvation
was in some way connected with and % Lp de-
q. 'si lv that debate and bv Dr. HAYS defence
of c'r,slritv. The discussion was ably and
a',-rert'v conducted nn both sides; Mr. Fisk
wa, yauquiShef, not only jy the decision Of
,hc vast assembly, hut hv his own admission,
rs DO sail 90 Tor tie first time ''Del
Tie religious part of the Community were
greatly delighted and Or. Hays received ma
,v condiments and congratulations. and A.
7l0r-s' them vas the following. accompanied
by O. beautiful Sci Riur'
UARPEG's FERRY. VIRGINIA.
February 9th, 1886.
Prv. JoSFPV c. HAYS NJ. d.
The members of orr fimilv DESTROYS 10
testify % Won the arttf,a'ian they falt al
v.r- faithful defence of the great Fundamental
lt.tr.0o, ? Ell I'm common hv III time CHRIST
inns have selected this Rip7 "jhc emblem &c
Eterni'v.' as token % their regard and we
desire rc>ncctfu'lv o. present f. % Won as an
emblem ofrhat love and true happiness which
we hope YOU will enjoy I'm the life which is o.
cone. ANN G. STEPHENSON.
Avs AMELIA DECKHAM.
MARY T.. IFvFRTNG
AUGUSTA STEPHENSON.
TRvir- now accomplished the task had
assigned myself I'm the setting ont / must
bring 'liS imperfect communication ~ close
sl1'y def ierf in rcvivifviug the stirring scene
c, which e. relates. Int If any # those who
were there should chance % read this 7 have
no jHrht that their memory will carry them
hack % tho good oh days now gore forever.
Many of them viii remember In their aSsocia-
ti1rS NJ memory with the cd Free Church
the Old School Room and the Masonic Hall.
whore n noble bond If Brothers once met. up0n
@ level. Now. Mr. Editor wishing you many
wears 81 prosperity and happiness and also
those rf the ol1cn times Of which write who
are yet alive, am, yours tru'v.
"REMINISCENCES.