The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1877-12-03
From the Southern ChurchmaD.
A RichmONd Church Sketch.

A Richmond Church Sketch.
Rev. and Dear Brother: Your letter
asking for sketch OF Christ church is re-
ceived. 1t gives me great pleasure to COM
ply. Christ church is now living its ftth
lite. 1t has succumbed to three great
diSaStcrs-tire, war, and prosperity. But
you desire to know how, PhnniX-likc, it
has persisted in renewing its strength, and
does still live. LwiIl tell you.
In 1912 the great Dr.. Rice. OF Presbyte-
rian fame, carried Richmond by storm. His
denomination, desiring to show their ap-
probation OF him, built him church. IT.
was then the finest in Richmond. Every
body remembers it-strictly 'ungothic," !"
huge, square. solid, plain. On top was
the high, straight steeple, adorned at its
summit with great pineapple, which
gave title to the whole edifce-
1.-THE Old Pineapple Church" 1t
was a great church. 1t was the cathedral
OF Virginia Presbyterianism. Here met
presbyteries and Synods. The ups and
downs, failures and successes, struggles and
triumphS Of Il church life centred here, i'm
til the congregation became too fine for the
building. Then they moved in body to
another temple. Life.No. l was over. The
old church was vacant.
At this time December, 1920 there was
an alteration in st. Johns church which
caused the rector, the Rev. Mr. Lee, and
forty OF his members to resign. Having no
other place to go, they purchased the "Old
Pineapple Church." and changed its name
to Christ church. But the Rev. Mr.. Lee
was not here long. In 1888 throat trouble
made an editor Of him, and we ought to
thank God for the day, for he founded the
Southern Chasrchmdn. The present renera-
bic rector of the Monumental church was
then newly-made deacon. He succeeded
Mr.. Lee, and remained the rector Of Christ
church for twelve years. Under him the
church was very flouriShing. Ii had time
| could tell you OF many earnest Christian
workers, ministers. d. DIS, and theOlogi'
cal professors who were Sunday-school
scholars here at this time. Once more the
ups aud downs, joys and sorrows, of a
church-life centred in the cold Pine
apple '-ever called by its old name as
long as the symbol crowned the spire.
But after twelve years of faithful service the
old building was again to be deserted. In
lS45 st. PaufS church was completed, and
the large majority Of the Monumental con-
eregation moved over and occupied it. The
Monumental church being thus made for
the most part vacant, the Pineapple peo-
pie came up and united with those that re-
manned there. The old temple was again
desolate. One Sunday night the sexton
locked it up, and for eighteen years it was
occupied by nothing but mournfuI associa-
tions and tender memories; there were
plenty Of them in gallery. and pulpit, and
pew No responses were heard, but when
at night the horses hoof had ceased to grind
upon the pavement stone the passer-by
could hear the time-worn corners and
weather. beaten roof and solemn spire re-
spending to a Iitany OF midnight storm. 0,
the recollections that flood the soul in old
churches Do we not all know OF vene-
rated pews, where we could sit for hours
tonight and think, and think, and think ?
Well to go on, in 1868 this irrepressible
church started up again Rev. Mr.. Car
michael took charge. He remained year,
and was succeeded by Rev. 9Ir. Webb.
Again a good beginning was made-con-
gresations were assembled, salary paid, bap-
tisms, conhrmations, marriages, funerals
4 regular church life. But one night in
bells; great arm OF flame entwined about
the old steeple, and soon all was a black
ruin. Here endeth the third life. Good
bye Old Pineapple! The next chapter is
equally brief. After another trance OF two
wears, Rev. r. III. Wilmer, now Bishop OF
Alabama, re0reanized Christ church in the
old lecturc-room. He drew crowds, OF
course, and all went on well until the in
fantry tread and cannon thunder, which
shook so many other schemes and enter
prises, scattered the y-organized band
OF aborers in Christ church; and thus
cndeth the fourth part OF its history.
Now, before proceed farther, desire to
call your attention to the fact that in all
these deaths the old church never died, but
was killed. Homicide is no evidence OF un-
healthy atmosphere. Twice the swarm was
too large for the hive; once it was destroy ed
by fire, once by war.
shall now very briefly notice the recent
history OF Christ church. In 1870 4 num-
Der OF young men determined to re6rgan-
ize this church. Two years later they sold
the old lot and built new gothic church in
a better location. Every one who is familiar
with this work will support me in saying
that from that day to the present this band
OF brothers have labored with wisdom and
a zeal which is bright example to the lay
men OF Virginia or any other diocese. In
1873 one OF their number, Rev. Dallas
Tucker, took orders and led the van. lie
continued the faithful, efficient, and greatly
believed pastor until June, 1876, when he
resigned. Rev. Mr.. Sans succeeded him,
but remained in charge only two months.
You are aware that my own ministry
began here in January. The chief event OF
interest since / came is the completion of a
new rectory, which we consider an impor-
tant gain, as identifying the interests OF
pastor and people.
And now, in closing this sketch, let me
say that we are full Of hope. All the con-
gregation are cooperating with me in the
Sunday school, the Brotherhood, and the
Woman's Aid Society. We have SD
yiour who, In the past extiactions OF this
church, has said, "She is not dead, but
sleepeth.'' He will say in future difficult
ties. as lie has said in thespast, Daughter,
say unto thee, arise.'
With the hope, my dear brother, that
these few incidents may interest you in a
parish that still needs the aid which your
valuable society has already so kindly rem
dered. ! remain yours most sincerely,
ROBERT S. BARRETT,
Rector of Christ church. &:
TO Reu. r. M. Baker, Secretary Diocesan
Missionary Society.
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The Virginia people propose to apportion
fo West Virginia one third of their debt.