The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1872-02-16
evening Stats Sa,traaI.
FRIDAY EVENING, FEB. IS, 1872.
Celebration of the Silver Wedding OF the Rev.
7. w. Greer, at Wylliesburg, Charlotte
Countv. Xa.


w. Greer, the wcll-known Baptist minis
ter, was celebrated with festivities at Wyl-
liesburg on Saturday, February 10th.
Among the company who assembled at
the mansion of Mr.. Greer, were Colonel
r. A. Barnes, of Alta Vista, GAINESVILLE;
Zachariah Bugg, Esq. Mr.. Samuel Barnes,
of GAINESVILLE; Justice John Boyle Barnes,
j. j. Barnes; Captain John Mexican, of
England Colonel TONNES, of Boydton I;
John Donaldson, of Carroll county, Ohio /;
Richard Templeton, of Wayne county,
Pennsylvania; II. Dysart, of Franklin
county, Ohio w. ID. Pugh, of Franklin
county, Ohio S. jackson, of Columbiana
county, Ohio; Horace Bailey, of Erie
county, New York Spencer Franklin, of
Allegheny county, New York; @. r.
Boyce, Matthew Hsdgson, G. w. Grille,
Sewell Aten, Norman Parkinson, j. A. III.
st. Andrew, and others, including num-
Der of elegantly dressed ladies'.
Mr.. J. A. Ii. st. Andrew addressing
Mr.. and Mrs. Greer said:
Reverend Sir and Madam--In England it is
customary to elect two sheriffs for the city OF
London and county of Middesex, but in the eye
of the law, they are only one sheriff There are,
as you know, two vice-presidents of the National
Virginia settlement Association, but, on this oc-
oasion, you will please consider that / am repre-
senting my esteemed colleague, MIR. Boyce. as
much as myself. 1t is my pleasing duty to tell
you that have this morning presided ut a gene
raj meeting of the stockholders of your associa-
ton, at which an address was adopted which
now call upon the secretary to read
Mr.. Francis J. Barnes then spoke as
follows:
Rev. Sir and Ma,ictm--In answering the call Of
the chairman on this occasion, as do with plea-
sure, it is not improper that should call atten-
IN your llaQ at nee nj in tnta nd
community.
Ofyou, sir, 1 may say that, coming amongst us
after efficient service Evangelist of the Bap-
tist General Association of Virginia. first as a
visitor, and since, for years dwelling amongst us
as pastor of churches, the whole course of Your
service in the Gospel ministry has been marked
by the turning of many from the ways of this
world, to the ways of holiness, and great Increase
in the membership Of the churches.
should not pass nnnoticed your kindness at
all times to all, and especially during our late
war, your readiness to help all who needed your
services. Or your efficient service Immediately
after the war, in bringing promptly into
friendly relations with our general government,
the effect of which may still be seen amongst US
And last, would not overlook your very i'm.
p0Ttant service to our community in introducing
emigration and capital, which have ad vancedn
much beyond other sections of our State on the
way to returning prosperity.
In view of these facts, feel that do not as
sumo too much in saying that the action of our
association on this occasion represents the senti
ment of our community.
that there is still an opening for usefulness be.
fore you--that you are not yet laid on the shelf
but that it is contemplated to make you further
useful to us in making you the leader in an effort
TO build a church in our village worthy of the
religious sentiment of om village and neighbor.
hood.
To you, Madam, l feel that Imay say, for all,
that you have filled well the difficult position of
minister's wife, amongst us, and that none
will deny Your merit of your share of the honors
of this occasion, as having been in every respect
hpln napf tn vOO hI1sd nd
The following address expresses the sim
cere feeling of all your friends and neigh
bors:
pleasure that we address you on the suspicious
occasion of the twenty-fifth anniversary Of your
wedding day
On behalf of the members and friends of the
National Virginia Settlement Association, we de-
sire to assure you of our high respect for your
character and worth, and to express our hearty
good wishes for your future welfare.
1t must be satisfactory to you to know that you
have won the esteem of those who have enjoyed
your friendship, and the respect OF all who are
interested in the advancement and prosperity of
the Commonwealth of Virginia.
We ask you to accept the accompany ing silver
tahkard, salver and goblets, as a small meneato
OF this, your silver wedding day, and we pray
Almighty God may long spare you both to a life
of happiness and usefulness.
Unanimously adopted at general
meeting Of the stockholders of the National
Virginia Settlement Association to the mo-
ton Of Colonel r. A. Barnes, seconded by
Zachariah Bugg, Esq.
The presents consisted of a splendid
SILVER tankard, supplied by the eminent
firm of w. D. and A. Mclean, of Cohoes,
New York, (who have taken great interest
in promoting immigration to Virginia. and
an elegantly chased silver salvor and COB
let's, supplied by Richmond firm. The
following is copy of the inscription:
Presented to the Rev. Thomas w. Greer,
president and Mrs Greer, by the members and
sociation, on the occasion of their silver wedding.
February 10Th. 1872"
Mr.. Charles r. Boyce said he entirely
concurred in the remarks of his brother
vice-president, and heartily wished long
life and happiness to Mr.. and Mrs. Greer.
Colonel Barnes said it was unnecessary
for him to say more than that no one man
sine .rely felt good wishes and esteem for
Mr.. and Mrs. Greer than himself.
Captain, John Mexican, said that though
it might be presumptuous in one whose ac-
quaintance with Mr.. and Mrs. Greer was
30 slight to attempt to add to the testimony
already borne, he would respectfully claim to
represent that numerous class among
whom MIR. Greer was known by reputa-
tons, (he need not add, good reputation);
and SO testify to the wide diffusion of the
influence of such character and work as
his. Mr.. Barnes had witnessed to what
such pair were to their own family and
neighborhood; he (the speaker) would draw
attention to the far-reaching nature of a
" good Dame.o He concluded by reading
a representative letter from Jno. A. Daily,
ESQ.,, of Farmville, in which the writer
congratulated Mr.. and Mrs. Greer, and ex-
pressed the hope that the bond OF unisn
which was now silver might slowly pass
into the richer and more indestructible
gold.
Mr.. st. Andrew said:
Mr.. and Hrs. Greer--I have now to ask You to
uccept these tokens of warm remembrance OF
your friends On an occasion like this, long
speeches would be out of place. During your
extended ministerial experience should think,
Mr.. Greer, that you have had enough preaching
TO satisfy any reasonable person, and shall not
!. weary you with many moral reflections" We
not very old friends, but meeting daily in
business ayocations, we have, probably, more
knowledge OF each other than many years OF orti-
mary intercourse would have supplied. do not
pretesd to say that our opinions are always
ldals5.cal, but believe we are both open to con.
yiction on all matters, and the opportunities
have had of learning your character have only
served to strengthen my regard and esteem for
your public services and private worth In your
presidential, pastoral and private relations
wish with all my heart that you may always be
sas happily placed as you are on this memorable
ebay. For you, Mrs Greer, feel not the less re-
Ifr