The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1871-08-02
From the Presbyterian and Index.
Quincy Church, Florida.

Mr.. Editor,-Feeling well persuaded that you
take an abiding interest in the prosperity of our be-
loved Zion IN any one, as well as In all its various
branches, have thought that you as we'll as many
OF your numerous readers would be gratihed to
hear what the great Head of the Church has been
doing for the Presbyterian church at Quincy, Flor
ida, in the last few years. The anniversary of the
fourth year OF our PASTOR the Rev. James Little,
was observed few Sabbaths since by very APP
propriate sermon from Acts ii: 46-"Aud they,
continuing daily with one accord in the temple.
1t is proper on this anniversary occasion, to fur
nish you with brief statement of the present con
dton of our church. and of its workings during the
year which has just closed.
|. First we turn our eye to-, and glance over the
roll of the church as it was year ago. We see the
names of goodly number who are no more among
US. Six times during the year has death visited
usand taken as many of our loved brethren from the
fellowship of the Church below to that of the
Church on high. They were all, with one excep-
ton, male members. Their memories shall long be
affectionately preserved and cherished by U.s. Six
Others all sisters in Christ have received letters Of
dismission to unite with other churches in places
where they have found new homes We trust and
pray that they all may, in the new spheres In which
their lots are cast be greatly best and made bless
ing There have thus been twelve names removed
from our roll who were on it year ago.
2 Again, and gratefully We record the fact, that
during the year we have been blessed with an unu-
sually large increase. God has ENCOURAGED us with
growth in numbers during each year of Mr.. Lttle's
ministry here, but in no previous year so largely as
in the one Just closed There have been added to
our number on profession of faith forty three, and
by certificate two-making in all forty-fve. Of this
number twenty two we're heads Of families seven
teen were children Of the church six were drawn
from the world under the preaching OF the
word and of their own choice entered the church.
By these additions fifteen were added to the num-
Der of our families In six families both husband
and wife united with US. In nine there was only
one head surviving, or only one who united with
US. La some cases the husband without the wife,
in others the wife without the husband. God has
as OF old taken one of city and two OF family
and brought them to Zion There have also been
dedicated to God in baptism upwards of thirty per
sons Some ten were adults, the remainder chill.
dren. So that by baptism and on profession of
faith about seventy have been added to the church
during the year.
8. In regard to the temporal and benevolent
interests of the church, it is pleasing TO observe
that notwithstanding the depression of the times
and scarcity of money, they have not been neg
lected, but have been successfully and diligently
carried forward. While it is true we have not
done as much as we ought, aud as much as we
hoped would have been done on behalf of the be-
nevolent schemes of our Church-its Home and
Foreign Missions, Sustentation, etc.-yet some.
thing has been done for every one of them, and
for all other benevolent objects fairly claiming our
aid. There has been upwards of two thousand
dollars raised for church purposes during the year.
The entire salary promised the pastor has been
paid, and | am requested by him to say many
token of affection besides bestowed; so that on en-
tering on the duties of new year, there is no en-
numbering debt of the past one to be cancelled.
This improved state Of things and these happy
results are DUE first, to the willingness as a con
gregation to meet the demands OF the church they
love- 1t is also due to the diligence and energy
Of the board of deacons In laboring faithfully to
discharge the duties of the trust committed to
them, and in large measure due to the earnest
and unremitting efforts of the Secretary Of that
Board and, it must be added, to the hearty CO.
operation and liberal efforts of the devout ladies
of the church. We feel also that the church s
greatest prosperity has been in good degree ow-
ing to the efficient and arduous labors of our be-
loved pastor They have indeed been unremitting
The field is widely extended, and the ingatherng
of the year has been from every portion OF it. We
can truly say the gospel has been plainly, forciby,
and practically preached from Sabbath to Sabbath
Christ Jesus and him cruciGed has been the alb
sorbing theme. All those who have united with
the church came in at or about the time OF our
quarterly communions.
Lastly, as we review the workings of the church
for the year. and consider the multiplied evidences
of the divine blessins owed upon us-as we
consider the general -mony, unity, and cordial
cooperation of the whole congregation-we have
much reason to thank God and take courage al
ways remembering that it is only the blessing Of
God that maketh rich.