The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1878-01-16

directed 10 Teau tul6 W ooh'
gregation next Sabbath and declare the pulpit va.
cant.
Marion, Ala.-On Sabbath, December 30th, the
Presbyterian church in Marion, Ala, exchanged
the old frame church. built 10 1885, now IN very
diapidated condition, for new and beautiful
brick dwelling, and formally dedicated it to the
worship Of Almighty God, free from all cucumber
ing debt. Rev. DIR. Plumer, of Columbia, 3: u,
preached the sermon from Heb vii: 25; Rev.
Mr. Gowan, of Selma, Ala, offered the invocatory
prayer; Rev. Mr.. Foush, OF the Methodist church.
read the one hundred aud twenty second Psalm
Rev. Dr. Raymond offered the prayer OF dedica-
ton Rev. DR.. Winkier, of the Baptist church,
made the closing prayer, and Rev. Mr.. Lawson, OF
the Christian church. pronounced the benedictlon.
The services were impressive and solemn. Not
withstanding the ipclemency OF the weather,
large congregation filed every seat and the isles OF
the spacious building, and listened with profound
attention to the words Of the venerable Dr. Plumer
Though beyond three-score years and ten, and evil
IDENTIFY declining in physical strength, this aged
servant of God still breaches the glorious gospel
with no abatement of mental vigor, as we all telt
Sunday morning and night. -.
The Presbyterians of Marion deserve much credit
for the manner in which they have completed their
enterprise. The corner stone was laid August,
1872 From that time on the congregation have
had many difficulties to contend with, owing prlncl.
paly to the financial disasters of the country and
the failure of crops yet they worked on faithfully,
| overcoming every difficulty. till their efforts have
| been crowned with success in the completion OF
handsome church, at a cost of little more than sew
enteen thousand dollars. The outward appearance
of the building is rather imposing having, instead
of the ordinary spre turreted tower grazing the
| front. This, combined with row OF mock orange
nearly surrounding the church, gives it an ar OF
antiquity that is most pleasing. The interior Is
beautifully finished with frescoe possessing,
suppose, capacity for seating five hundred people.
The appointments are admirable. -Four excellent
chandeliers and couple of shaded pulpit lamps
give abundance of light. The pulpit is neat, after
the modern fashion. The platform and aises are
nicely carpeted and the room is comfortably heated
| by furnace.
| 1t is an interesting fact in connection with the
completion and dedication of this church, that Dr.
Raymond closes the first quarter of century OF
his pastoral labors with this people, lie succeeded
the Rev. B. j. Sparrow, d. D., to the passionate in
1858, and he now not only enjoys the confidence
and affection of his own people, but all classes OF
| citizens hold him in the highest esteem tor his
many excellent qualities of mind and heart. This
is his capital. far more precious than the gold OF
earth. May the doctor, still in the vigor OF man
hood be spared yet many years to tell his people,
| In their new home, the story OF redeeming love,
and the blessing of God rest on pastor and people
in beginning afresh their labors of love under cir
cumstances SO suspicious. Christian Observer.
Three Gratifed Ministers On Friday evening,
| the % of December, 1877, the three pastors Of
the different churches OF Rock Hill, South Caro-
| lima, viz Rev. Messrs. Boyd, Johnston and
terian churches respectively, were invited by the
citizens of Rock Hill to meet them at Hallars Hall
at II o'clock, p. NJ. o. arrival, they found almost
the entire village " en- masse" awaiting them, and
enjoying a general and genial expression of kind
regards TO each other, which was beautiful, com.
mendable and Christian-like. And while all SEEM
ed to enjoy themselves not the least gratied we're
the three above named pastors, who were pointed
to three separate stands, literally groaning with
good things OF every conceivable variety from the
richly pertumed toilet soap to the large, easy study
chair This pounding" as it is called, was not
only valuable, but gratifying aggregating in some
things almost to twelve months supply to the
larder But beyond this practical view. arises the
relative consideration, that it was public acknowl-
edgment the part Of the people of Rock Hill, Of
the esteem and appreciation in which they hold
their pastors, as well as the ministry generally. for
each donor not only pounded" his own pastor,
but those of the other denominations And we
only speak what we know to be true, when we say
compliment, and will enter upon the duties of the
New Year with increased energy and zeal. We
cite the example of Rock Hill to other churches !;
and ask them when they wish to encourage the
sometimes hardworked and respondent pastor to
try the exhilarating effect on him of good pound
ing. "-PREsBYTERIAN, IN the Christian Observer.
Taylorsvills Church, N. C.-We closed last night,
January LIST, series of meetings which we hope
has left an abiding impression upon our people and
raised the standard OF spiritual life. Our reg
ular communion service occurred on the second.
Sabbath of November The meetings were con-.
tinued for two weeks. There was preaching every
night, followed by an inquiry meeting and prayer
meeting at noon. The meetings we're sustained
with unhagging interest to the last and about IL
persons were hopefully converted, all of whom we're
connected with the Sabbath School. o. the last
Sabbath of the year, at special communion ser.
vice. nine of these young converts were publicly re-
ceived to the full communion of the church. two
received the rite of baptism. 1t was tender and
solemn scene, long to be remembered. The church
feels the qulckening impulse OF life and activ-
ty as perhaps never before in all its history; and
have good reason to trust that there are yet
far.reaching and fuller results to be enjoyed.
The minister and members of the Baptist and
Methodist churches were constant in their atten-
dance and cordial in rendering every assistance
heV w. IL McLelland, OF Concord church, Ire
dell, and Rev. P. 2. VIM, Of Lenoir both preach.
ed for us with acceptance and power. Within the
month an aged and honored member Of the Session
has gone home to his reward. Two new elders
we're ordained last Saturday.
I. G. T., IN the N. C. Presbyterian,
Bardstown, Ky.-The Bardstown Record sater.
that duriug the past year. the Presbyterian church
has been greatly improved, adorned with new stain
I'D mind Al ouaIg g., IL
lery to place prepared for it on the floor and the
stoves placed near the entrance Of the auditorium,
which is now one of the neatest in the county,
Rev Mr.. Converse, the pastor, received some very
presents at Christmas, an evidence Of
the attachment OF the people to their pastor.