The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1878-04-18
Church Dedication.

The little village OF CnurcnVlile3 III thio
county, we'll deserves its name, since with
population OF not more than 300, it now
contains four churches. These churches be-
long respectively to the Presbyterians,
Methodsts, I.ltherans and United Brethren.
The last named denomination has had an
organization in the Iicigbborhood for the
last 70 years, but never until now have the
United Brethren had there a church build
ing Of their own having used in conjunc-
ton with the Methodists church which
was erected, we believe, in 1925.
About IS months ago the United Breth-
rem began the erection of house of wor-
ship, and on Sunday last they dedicated as
handsome a country church as there is in
the State, one which would be an ornament
even to town of the dignity and preten-
tions OF Stanton. 1t cost about s., 900 and
the money was undoubtedly very judicions-
ly expended. The architect Of the building,
Mr.. John S. Craver, who also did the car
penter work, displayed taste and good judg-
ment in its whole arrangement. The brick
work was done by Messrs. Tinsley and
Jordan Of this city; the plasterirg by D.
| w. Shott, Of this city, and the tin work by
S. N. Giles, OF Middebrook; the fresccing
was done by Mr.. Rapp, Of New Market,
and Is as pretty piece of work as can be
seen anywhere. Mr.. Craver made and pre-
sented to the congregation the beautiful
black-walnut pulpit Mr.. 7. L. Shuey, of
Washington, donated the pulpit furniture,
and Mr.. A. S. Smenner, of Cumberland
Nd, gave the marble for the pulpit. The
handsome chandeliers, the stained window
glass, the bell, weighing $50 lbs, and the
carpet were purchased by the ladies of the
congregation, and silver pitcher and COB
let which decorate the pulpit were the gift
of Mrs. VIM. A. Read, of this city.
The building is 5sx39 feet and surmount-
ed by handsome steeple 1o1 feet high
The auditorium proper is 373x4s feet, the
vestibLle being 1871 feet. The pulpit is
built in a recess 35ax12 feet upon a platform
two feet high. On either side of the pulpit
is black walnutlamp pedestal Of octagonal
shape, and capped by carved urn in which
the lamp is placed. The whole structure is
model of architecture! skill and master
workmanship, and its completion so thor
oughly accomplished, is due in the main to
the industry and harmonious efforts OF the
building committee which was composed of
Rev. J. q. Whitesell, pastor, II. H. Hanger,
JOHN Brown, j. II. Roher, and Louelen
Kountz.
The Church has comfortable capacity of
about $50, but at loa a. m. OF last Sunday,
no less than 800 persons were crow ded in
side. Nearly that humber, too, were una
BILE to gain admittance and many of them
repaired to the Presbyterian church, which |
had been rendered for the occasion, and |
heard sermon by the Rev. Kenney Holt.
Those WHO We're fortunate enough to get
inside the rev church enjoyed an admirable
sermon from the Rev. Z. Warner, OF Park
ersburg, w. Va, preached from Eph., Y. 2.
At the close of The sermon BiShcr Clos
brenner rose allt, said that in order 10 free
the house from all intcl,i edness it would be
necessary to raise 81, 600. which would have
to be done, to,, bafrre he could "onscicnti-
ously offer the church as gift tn God. He
then dew from his pocket a subscription
paper, aud, although he had already given
with 500 more. Mr.. Hup.nan, who had
previously contribute | $780, subscribed an
additional 800 aud his wife an equal sum.
Mrs. Glosbrenner and Capt. IL. II. Hanger
each gave $50; five persons gave $25 each
ten persons gave $40 each !; thirty persons
gave s. each and minor contributions SWELL
ed the sum to $3.50. 1t was 1.30 p. m how
ever, before this was done and there was
still u considerable amount of money to be
raised. The dedication was, therefore,
postponed until night.
Almost as many persons were in attend
ance at night rs attended the morning ser
vice, and Mr.. Warner preached again short |
but very impressive sermon from Heb. VII,
is and GOV. There is a refreshing origin
ality IL the style of his preaching, and the
earnestness of the man adds force to his
arguments. He closed his sermon at night |
by relating the story OF ship-wrecked sail
or, who was clingng to the mast of a sink
ing vessel. just near enough to shore to
hear the voices of his friends and just far
enough away to render aid from them i'm
possible. When a voice from the shore
came over the waves telling him that no
help could be given him and advising him
to look aloft and pray, he said he could not
pray but in voice which was heard on
shore above the flashing of waves and the
roar of the tempest he sang and went |
down Singing
Jesus lover of my soul,
Let me to thy bosom fly,
While the pillows round me roll
While the tempest still is high
The speaker sang this stanza, called on
the congregation to join in the chorus aud
then resumed his seat.
The venerable bishop at once proceeded |
to raise the needed $lG5. Names represent
ing S. each were sent up, then So and 81 |
subscriptions began to be made until, at
last, only s. Of the $1,000 debt remained |
unprovued for. A collection was then ia
ken up and the church was released from
every cent of Indebtedness. Then. with |
simple but impressive ceremonies, it was
dedicated to the worship of God.
Rev. J. E. Whitesell is now the preacher
in charge i
Bishop Glosbrenner has build han lsome
residence on a lot adjoining the grounds of
the church; and expects now to make
Churchville his permanent home.