The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1871-06-28

A Sketch Of the Congregation from its Origin to
the Laying of tie Corner Stone Of the Church
Building.
Deposited in the Cornerstone, June 3, 1871
CONTINUED.
During the summer of 1870, the question OF a
separate church organization was agtated, and a
petition for this purpose sent up to East Hanover
Presbytery at its fall session. In compliance with
this request, the Presbytery appointed Rev. Drs.
Hoge, Baird and Read Rev. Mr.. Preston, and
ruling elders Messrs. Thomas Sampson, VIM. E.
Taylor, and James Gordon, committee to organ
ize church in Manchester.
This committee performed the duty assigned
sthem, on the 2lst of November, by organizing a
church of twenty-five members, chiefly from the
lst church, Richmond. One elder and three dea-
CONS were elected and ordained. Five members
were afterwards added on profession of faith; one
was lost by death, leaving twentysix as the present
number.
The Sunday School had heretofore been held in
the afternoon, and was attended by many mem
bers of other schools. in the town. 1t was now
deemed best to change the time Of meeting to the
morning. A good many scholars from other de-
nominations we're lost from the roll by this means
but those who remained could be counted on as
permanent. During these two years religious ser.
vices we're occasionally held by ministers from
Richmond The Methodist and Baptist churches
kindly rendered the use of their pulpits whenever
they had no service of their own
But now this little band began to look anxiously
for a pastor of their own. In the providence Of
God they were directed to Rev. VIM. A. Camp
bell, of Powhatan. He began his labors among
them and preached his first sermon May 2lst, 1871.
God has very surely indicated His willingness
to work with His people in this effort to build q
house to His name. The task is little more than
commenced, but commenced it is, and in earnest.
And now since so much has been done, who that
has put his hand to the plough will look back?-
Every prospect invites to renewed conservation and
effort. Under the leadership of Him who hath
all power both in heaven and in earth. it is ignobe
in any to halt even for moment, when by His
providence He is so plainly saying, Go forward. F"
This imperfect sketch will now be committed to
the keeping of that most fttin, a.. IN
upon whom the true spiritual CaU' the
Cornerstone" as there shall into
the building none but tried and apo na ate
RIAL so in the spiritual house which shall be ere ted
here upon the true and living Corner Stone, Christ
Jesus, may there be found none but true and liv.
ing members.
Mr. Editor,-From the above sketch it will be
seen that the foundation of this spiritual structure
was laid with faith and prayer, and that the build
ers have labored with fidelity and patience. Oh
the twenty-six members only five are males; and
very few have any means beyond comfortable
support Yet by persevering effort they have sup.
ported their Sabbath School at no little expense,
have bought and paid for lot, and have raised a
very considerable portion Of the money necessary
to pay for the building now in progress. Only the
Lecture Room, part Of the basement of the
church, will be built at present We must wait
till we grow stronger before we undertake to com
plete the church. And yet for this building, after
all the efforts of our own people, we need 81 500
or $4,000 from abroad. The work is going on, the
house will be ready for use in a short time, and
we ask our friends to help us at once and literally
w. A. CAMPBELL. 4