Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1877-06-05
rom the "Faithful Word" bV Rev. Wn
Price.
Sketches of RehobOth Church.

The interesting congregation that is
known by this name, occupies the south
western limits of Highland Co., along
with an adjoining portion of Bath CO.,
Va.
The homes of its people, are sequester-
ed amid hills and wales, where springs
| OF purest water abound meadows of
| richest Verdure, orchards and pastures.
The writer was the first Presbyterian
minister that ever officiated here stated.
ly.
His first visit here was for the purpose
of baptizing name-sake, whom he had
never seen. In connection with this
service, there was preaching one Thurs
day afternoon in the summer of 1850.
He also had it in view to visit Mrs
Lightner, the venerable mother of the
excellent gentlemen of that name, who
reside In the vicinity of Rshohoth, and
whose families compose an important
part of the present congregation.
The house that afternoon was filled to
overlooking. and the writer's feelings
were warmly enlisted in the psople's
favor.
In speaking of the community to a
Ruling Elder, and suggesting the pro.
priety of having regular services here, he
said the move did not impress him favor
ably.
1--WE have no church there, othors
haYe, and have had for forty years or
more. To me it looks too much like ag-
gression and pushing in where others
have something like the right of possess
sion."
He was asked If ether parties were as
particular and guarded in their line of
policy.
"Well, now, that is something I had
not thought about. I belisve, since
come to think of it, they will preach
whether they have any building of their
own or not, or any organized eongrega-
ton either, as missionaries"
A member of Lexington Preshytery at
the instance of the writer was appointed
by Committee on Supplies to visit this
point. preach and administer the COM
munion. Like a wise and discreet broth
er, he never leaped before looking where
to alight, especially if fthe leap involved
a rocky mountain ride of thirty miles.
Upon learning there was no Presbyterian
organization here, nor house of worship,
he declined going.
His excuse was given to- the effect, that
he did not see either reason or sense in
a Presbytery appointing supplies for a
place where there was neither Presby-
terisn organization nor house of wor-
ship.
Presbytery in its wisdom sustained
the excuse as satisfactory, whereupOn
the writer felt rather crest-falleA, and
was ready to conclude, that possibly his
zeal had gotten the hettSr of his discre-
ton, and for season his interest sub
CT Il Hnd on s.kz - L
the principles of Presbyterianism to en-
tertain, as understood by Lexington
Preshytsry.
1t so happened soon after, thst-R r.
P. Kennedy, of GreenbrieS Presbytery,
was invited to supply Pisgah church.
The friends at Rehohoth invited him
to preach, at somebody's instance, not
necessary to mention here.
In the years of 1S66-'69, the writer
preached here once a month, and il
proved one of the most Interesting
charges he ever served. The attendance
was unifcrm and NEST fiattering; the
people took pride and pleasure in "pay.
! ing the paraan' more than was pledged
in the papers.
1 Some OF the most pleasant ministerial
arecollections are associated with scenes
that transpired in this vicinity.
On one occasion in 1872 it was rumor
ed far and wide on the authority of s
paragraph read by some one in a Rich
mond paper, that DIR. Handy and Rev
VIM. E, Baker would attend a meeting
here.
/ Solitary and alone the writer appeared
upon the scene, jaded by weary journeys
farther West, and depressed by the grea
sorrow of his life.
| These brethren are among the Mosi
popular and instructive of preachers, ant
their not being present, was disap
peintment very hard to bear. Though
deeply disappointed the people bore thei
disappointment so cheerfully that tn
writer wAa greatly relieved, and he en-
tered apon the services more hopeful,
than he could have done, had his ear
been filed with regrets, that Dr.. III. O.
Mr.. B. failed to come. The people KEEP
it all to themselves through that mic
sense of propriety that distinguishes tn
better class of mpantaineers.
All possible pains were taken to en-
courage the minister and make him fee
he waa the very one they wished to sec
There was tremendous gathering O
the Sabbath, and while arrangement
were making for public services in tn
grove, the minister and Charles Hamil
ton, an infirm and very aged Ruin
Elder Of 80 years. held a meeting of Sci
J sion in the meeting house. A youn
man was received into the church, wh
has since become Ruling Elder, and
now superintendent of schools for Bat
: and Highland.
Session adjourned, and while on tt
l