The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1873-07-16
Fr0m .he soath western PresbyterIan.
The Church at Dallas, Texas.

June 23d, 1873.
Yesterday we had the pleasure of wor-
shipping with the Presbyterian church at
Dallas, Texas. And as it occurs to US that
some of your readers might be encouraged
to patient perseverance, by the history of
this enterprise, it will not be thought super
Auous to speak Of what has been done there.
Dallas is situated in Central Texas, per
haps little north of it, in the midst of mag
ni6cent prairies, already famous as wheat
lands. Railroads are passing through it and
circulating round it, giving it every requisite
for a great depot Population is flowing
into and from every side, and property is
rapidly rising in value; some has already ad-
vsnced ten times in price, beyond what it
was even four years ago. So this whilom
land-locked village, is assuming large pro-
portions. 1t tresai lds yea Of the rapid growth
of many north-westeF. towns, and equals if
not surpasses most of them in energy. You
find the town expanding beyond the river
bank on which it was built, rising up on the
higher grounds, and wandering through the
woods. Aud it is nothing uncommon to
stumble upon handsome house or block of
houses, where you would expect to find moth
ing else than the primeval forests. This
population ought certainly to have provided
for them the means of grace. The other
denominations have been already represented
there. The Methodist, Baptist, Cumber-
land Presbyterian, Episcopahan and Camp
bellite denominations are already repre-
sented. Our own has not been so early in
securing a position perhaps, but mono of
them can boast more honorable record
The Presbyterian church here was organ
lied by Rev S. A. King, evangelist of the
Synod of Texas, in 1868; it was composed
of twelve members. The number had dwin-
died down to seven in 1872; and Ruling
Elder DR.. G. w. Ewell, was the only male
member present 1t was decided to build q
church, however, and the kind cooperation
of friends and well-wishers was secured, and
the work was begun in the spring of 1872,
and finished in the autumn of the same
year.
In 1871, the Episcopalians and Presbyte
rians used in common, for their Sabbath
School, blacksmith shop which was kindly
furnished them. When the Episcopalians
built their church, the Presbyteriaus for a
while enjoyed the exclusive use of the black
smith shop, but finally had to move to a
printing Office; thence, to a school house !;
thence, to a Female college; and ended their
itinerating by getting at last into their own
unfinished, neat and comfortable wooden
building, capable, we suppose, of seating
two hundred and fifty persons, or more
The exterior is completed, the interior wisely
waits till the funds are forthcoming.
Recently Mr.. Henry Hensley, lately from
the Union Seminary, has been conducting
their religious worship; and the Sabbath
School with such antecedents could not be
otherwise than Aourishiug. Mrs. A. I.
Hensley has just presented a fine Bible for
the pulpit; a city merchant donates a pair
Of pulpit lamps, and an unknown friend has
presented an elegant chandelier.
AS we have said, it was our privilege 70
worship on yesterday, with this congregs7
ton. It was also our privilege to moderate
meeting of Session after the morning SER
vices. Ou that occasion fourteen persons
were received into the membership of the
church, all of them by certificate. We sup
pose that ten or twelve more, may be ready
to Join by letter next Sunday. Besides, We
learned of others who desire to join upon
profession of faith.
In the evening, Mes8rS. A. 7. Hen8ley,
and Elan Sharp were elected and installed
as Ruling Elders, constituting session of
more than usual worth, consisting of DR..
Egell, Mr.. Hensley and Mr.. Sharp.
The prospects of this church now seem to
be enviable indeed, and its usefulness promises
to be great. 1t is striking instance, of
how God bleases the fidelity of Presbyte-
rians who stand by their church and main
tain its principles. They have to wait, and
endure the trial of faith and patience. But
the reward shall come, and God will honor
their fidelity, and "the word of the Lord
shall prosper in their hands"