Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1878-05-31
RIDAY MORNING. MAY 81, 1878.
Local
INTERESTING CHURCH NOTES.

Local
INTERESTING CHURCH NOTES.
COMMUNION AT MENEsE (TUNKER,
CHURCH-THE SACRAMENT AND THE
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES AT THE
EPISCOPAL OVERWHELMING OF THE
BISHOPS PASTORAL ADDREsS-ROUNI
DANCING AND LIQUoR-DRINKING,
&C., &C., sc.
The fact that communion services were
to be held at Hildehrands Church (Menese)
on last Sabbath served to attract large
number of people of all denominations,
from both this county and that of Rock
ingham. The roads leading thither were
thronged with persons in vehicles, on horse
back and on foot, clearly manifesting that
something more than ordinary was on the
tapis. Hildebrands Church 1.-THE only one
of this denomination in the county, is
situated in d very pretty grove. about six
miles northwest of Waynesboro, and is so
named in honor of the late Rev. Jacob
Hildebrand, who for many years was a
shining light in the Menese Church, and
was well known throughout the country,
particularly in the West and in Pennsyl-
vania. The present pastor of the church
is Rev. J. D. Hildebrand son Of the above
mentioned minister, who is also Bishop of
Virginia. He is man Of fine personal ap-
pearance, with smooth and rather CLASH
cal face, by profession farmer, and that,
too. one of the best Augusta county can
boast of.
THE CHURCH
was dedicated in May, 1877. It is a sub
stantial frame structure, of neat appear
ance. painted a pure white, having neither
vestibules nor galleries, with a seating
capacity of about five hundred. The in
terror is characterized by simplicity of
the severest character.-In striking con-
trast to the carpeted floors, grained and
cushioned pews, carved pulpits of rare and
costly wood, richly tinted frescoes and
glittering chandeliers, as exhibited by the
average church of our day, here we beheld
plain pine floors; simple pews, with rigid
backs, scarcely suggestive of comfort;
plain pulpit, behind which was placed an
ordinary bench, and the ceiling and walls
just as they came from the hands of the
plasterer. Suspended from the ceiling
were three ordinary coal oil lamps, whilst
two large stoves, one on each side, furnish
the necessary warmth. The building we
found very much crowded, about five hun
dred persons having gained admittance,
whilst probably hundred or more were
on the outside. On hooks placed on either
side Of the pulpit hung, On one side the
snowy white bonnets of the females,
whilst on the other were the broad
brimmed hats of the males.
THE CONGREGATION.
One half of the church is set apart for
the males. Sitting together promseuous
ly, we believe is not countenanced. The
female members of the church all wore
small caps of white muslin, beneath which
their hair was combed straight back
gathered into simple, low coil behind-
which, in spite of the simplicity of their,
ground, as was frequently the case, to
pair of sparkling black eyes and rosy
cheeks, looked every bit as wicked and
coquettish as "Gainesborough,' or any
of the dashing head gear worn by q fashion
able belle. Their dresses generally were
of alpaca or some dark material, fastening
close to the throat; with small capes; tight
fitting sleeves; plain, short, fingered
skirts, totally devoid Of shirring, Kilt
plating OF ruffiing, with black silk aprons
and no ornaments. The males wore
principally the usual cutaway (swallo@-
tailed) coats, with tight sleeves and no
buttons, vests buttoning to the throat and
large, roomy pants. The most CT Them
have their hair long and parted in the
middle.
THE CoMMUNIoN-FEET WASHING.
The opening services were conducted by
the Rev. Mr.. Grove, and were followed
by a sermon from Rev. Mr.. Coffman, Of
Rockingham, whose style was terSe,
straightfor ward and instructive. At the
close of his remarks the communion servi-
ces began, which consisted simply of the
minister breaking the unleavened bread
and handing it to the communicates who
remained in their seats, and afterwards
handing cup Of wine which was passed
from one to the other. After singing and
PRAYER. recess OF some fifteen minutes was
taken, the greater portion of the congrega
sion adiourning to the grounds aid parta-
king of their lunches. Upon re-assem-
bling a hymn was sung appropriate to the
exercises that were to follow, thea Rev.
Mr.. Coffman read portions OF the 18TH
chapter of St. John, and urged upon his
hearers the Importance and necessity Of
following the injunctions OF tile Saviour as
set forth in the 18th verse Of same chapter,
viz: IF then your Lord and Master have
washed your feet; We also ought to wash
one another's feet" Rev. J. K. Hide
brand made similar remarks and gave out
hymn, during the singing OF which, two
small tubs were produced and placed one
on each side Of the pulpit. Two at time
the communicates, having removed their
shoes and stockings at their seats, walked
with barred feet to the tubs. the men taking
possession of the tub placed upon the left
of the pulpit whilst the women used that
upon the right. This ceremony was by no
means mere formality, but Was gone
about in very m liter Of fact manner.
Each of the couples rolling up their sleeves
(hsing seated one on the lover step OF the
nulpit. the other upon bench Immediately
.onnnsite. the tub being placed between
them,) proceeded to wash the feet OF Els OF
her yis O. sis in very industrious manner.
After wiping them dry with towel, they