The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1877-11-28
IN MEMORIAM.

At meeting of the session of the Presbyterian
church at Ohristisnsburg on the 10Th Of Novem-
Der, 1877, the following memorial was adopted.
Our beloved brother in the Lord, RICE d. Mon
TAGUE fell asleep in Jesus November 9Ih, 1871
He was born in Cumberland county, Va, October
10th 1901, and removed to this county in the year
1921 Though not protesting Christian he took
an active part in promoting the organization OF the
Christiansburg church in 1927. lu August, 1881,
be connected himself with the church on profession
of faith, and in August, 1882, he was chosen ru-
ing elder, to which office be was solemny ordained
the November following. He at once assumed the
duties of clerk cf the session, to which position he
was regularly chosen in February, 1888. During
this long period of As years service as an elder he
was faithful efficient, and increasingly acceptable
to the church. Unless detained by proVidential
cause he was always present at the meetings OF the
session, and took an active part and deep inter-
est in all its proceedings He loved the church,
and entered with energy and prOmptitude into all
schemes to promote its prosperity. Though man
full of business he was ready to visit With his
pastor the sick and the aged. He was a good
Presbyter, and when no one else could so, as was
often the case, he was always ready and took de
light in attending Presbytery aud Synod Proba
Div no elder within the bounds of Presbytery was
more frequently member of that body, or better
known than he. But in his own session and
church his loss will be most keenly felt de was
ever among the foremost among US to engage In
the Masters work. For long years he supern-
tended the Sabbath School successfully and this
branch of Christian work he loved to the last
When he ceased to be superintendent several years
ago, he took the pssce cf assistant superintendent
and no one was more regularly in place than he
every Sabbath morning, even to the last. For
three or four years before his DEATH together with
another elder, he undertook the establishment Of a
country Sabbath School, and regularly, to within q
short time of his death, he would ride to this
school, distance of three miles, on Sabbath after
noons We shall miss him everywhere in all the
departments of church work. He was a man Of
clear convictions, earnest piety, great decision of
character, and justly noted for his devotion to
duty. Though not demonstrative 10 manner, he
had fine social qualities, and warm, generous
heart. His temperament was equable and his
piety of very decided and uniform type. 10
times of affection and adversely, as of wealth and
prosperity his faith was clear, intelligent, aud firm.
During his last sickness, which from the first he
thought would be fatal, his mind was constantly
occupied, even when wandering, with religious sub
iects He had no ecstatic experience, but to his
pastor gave clear and touching statement of his
faith in the Lord Jesus alone, and of his willing
ness to place himself wholly in his hands. Not
long before his death he asked for his Bible. He
could not see, but eagerly grasping it with both
hands and holding 1t thus as the anchor of his
hope, he engaged IN prayer. Among his last u
terances were the whispered words, the same with
which his departed wife testified to the presence Of
the Lord on the borders of the river, Comfort
great comfort.
And now as a session and with the church which
we represent, we thankfully adore that grace by
which Christ was magnifed in the life and in the
death of our beloved brother His memory will be
precious among US, and his name will remain
among the most cherished in the history of this
church which he loved, and for which he labored SO
long and faithfully.
"Servant of God, we'll done
Rest from thy loved employ;
The battle fought, the victory won,
Enter thy Master JOY"