Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1878-05-03

mated by lady member of the church.
Suspended from the centre of the ceiling
is a beautiful chandelier of twelve burners
with large globes, whilst over each door is
fixed bracket of two burners. The
stained glass for the windows, the chande
lier, and the massive outer door of walnut
were purchased by the ladies. just within
the auditorium between the aisles, upon
raised platform stands large organ OF
handsome design and finish displaying up
up its pannels, medallions Of Rosslnl and
Auber. The pews, which are of ash with
walnut scrolls and pannels beautifully tin
ished, with a seating capacity Of over three
hundred, We're made by Mr.. 7. W Lambert.
The aisles are covered with very neat
mating. Where there has been such
display of architecture, skill and fine
workmanship, we are sure the tout ensemble
of this church has few equals IN our Val
ley.
THE DEDICATION.
AS we entered the church the scene that
was presented to us was both beautiful
and impressive. The sun had just burst
from behind the lowering clouds. it's golden
beams falling athWart the stained window
glass, as the organ pealed forth in rich full
notes, and from the choir came that grand
old anthem sit is a good thing to give
thanks unto the Lord The pulpit was
occupied by the Rev. Dr. B. M. Smith, OF
the Union Theological Seminary, Rev. w
L. Richardson, of Staunton and Rev. N.
II. Graybill, of the Methodist Church, OF
WayneSboro The services proper began,
with prayer by the Rev. DR.. Smith, followed
by the singing of the S4th Psalm, (Migdo),
after which Rev. Frank McCutchan, the
present pastor of the church, read brief
resume of the history Of the church from
it's organization to the present, which we
have given above. In concluding it he
said The work upon which we then en-
tered in fear and trembling has, by the
blessing of God, through the efforts of our
committee sustained by the congregation
and friends without the congregation,
been completed, and we to-day for the first
GlLlo WOlollIp lPl Ulllo 1OOA'
In the harmony and success which have
characterized and attended our efforts we
have most abundant reason for gratitude
to God, who has been so good to US. The
expense involved in the enterprise up to
the present time, including the cost of the
lot, church, furniture, &c., amount to
81, POS, 26, all of which has been paid, not
simply subscribed, but actually PAID, and
to-day we are permitted to dedicate this
house unto the Saviour, who hath bought
can sit by and sneeringly say, "These peo-
pie are defeating to God my money"
Our directory Of worship lays down no
specific form for the dedication of church
and you will of course expect no exhibit
ton Of novel forms OF rites to-day, and We
do not know that there is q more becom-
ing form of dedication that we could
adopt than that of simply using this house
now for the first time for Gods worship
according to the simple and unpretendlng
order generally obtaining in the Presbyte-
rian church. BY prayers and praise, with
the reading and study of His word, let us
now dedicate this house unto him who
hath redeemed US and washed us in his
own blood"
Prayer was then offered by Rev. Mr..
Graybill. Following the singing of the
132d Psalm (Peonie) Rev DR.. Smith took for
his text thea6, 10, % verses of Genesis, and
preached very able and appropriate ser
mon, of which we regret that the crowded
state of our columns, will not permit a
more extended notice. DR.. S., fulfilled the
duties as pastor Of this church many years
ago las will be seen from the statement
and i'll concluding hisremalks alluded to the
fact that Of the church membership at
that time-but nine were living here now.
His hearers were visibly affected by the
touching words that closed his address.
Rev. w. 7. Richardson, next offered up a
prayer. after which the exercises closed
with the 564th hymn and L. NJ. Doxology.
THE CHOIR.
Finer music than was given by the
choir on this occasion was rarely if ever
heard in this community, and as an Or
ganist of superior order, Capt. Stebbins
fully sustained his reputation. The choir
was composed Of the following persons: :
Sopranos, Misses a. Fishburn, L. With
row and Mrs. G. r. Haines; Alto, Mrs.
Dr. Gibson Tenors, Messrs E. G.. Fish
burn and DR.. VIM. Jones; Bassos, Messrs
e.. D. Fishburn, j. A. Patterson, and DR..
r. Il. Fishburne.
PERSONAL.
Among the visitors we noticed many
former townsmen, viz Messrs G. D. Fish
burne and E. B. Massie, of Char
lottesville; DR.. n. Wayt, J. Howard
Wayt, DR.. J. st. P. Gibson, Stanton DR..
R. B. Fishburne, of Rockingham also the
Messes Euritt, of Staunton. Services
were again held at night, the sermon be-
ing delivered by DR.. Smith.
The Dairy Maids.