Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1878-10-22

On the 18th December, 1874, brethren R. Sum-
merson. w. H. Peyton, B. Sears w. d. Gambler
and J. B. Hoge were appointed q committee to
make arrangements as soon as possible to pro-
cure a dwelling to be owned by the church for
the Pastors Home. On the 10th of the follow
ing October, the committee were authorized to
purchase for S., 900 the dwelling in which the
Pastor now resides !, d The ladies OF the church
and it is hoped that the other payments will
be met promptly as they fall due. The church
On the sOth June, 1875, Bro. w. o. Thomas
and John B. hoge were elected Deacons.
The present Church Manuel.was adopted May
8th, 1876 setting forth the articles of Faith and
methods of work adopted by this cb urch.
On the 9th of October following, Bro. J. s..
Gillian and ]. S. Hammer. with the Pastor,
were appointed delegates to convention at
Goshen Bridge church, at which Augusta Bap-
fist Association was formed, on the 9th day OF
the month.
"A committee appointed for that purpose was
directed, March 9th, 1873, to have the steps In
front Of the church repaired. The cost was
On the 9th of April, 1873, it was determined
| to hold an annual meeting on the 4th Lords
| day in May. at which every member is expect
ed to be present, when all the standing COM
mittees will make report of their Work for the
| year,
first time. on the 18th of May, and proved to be
highly interesting and valuable. 1t was espe-
cially encouraging, in that provision was made
| for lQuidating TALL the Indebtedness of the
church on account OF current expenses-the de-
| felt amounting to $353.89. The amount, includ-
| ing this sum. paid for current expenses during
the year then closing, was 81, 9S97l. Tho Treas
urer OF the mission fund reported total cOntri-
! buttons sii4.79. The Superintendent of the
Of
| of whom los are members of the church. Col
| lections during the year were slOS.O5.
Five years ago, last Sunday, the present Pas
| tor began his labors with this church. There
| were then 298 members. There have been since
S2l added and 1874 lost. making the present num-
ho, Tho uh01o hor n w
| the church since its OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES of
the colored members, Of whom no register can
| be fOund-is ISL.
| After this the letter of Rev. Geo. B. Taylor
was read. 1t gave full account of his connec-
ton with and love for the Stannton church !;
of his labors before and during the war In its
behalf and among the generous people of Staun-
ton. We regret that our want of space. this
week, prevents us from giving the letter in full
as we had intended doing, but promise our
readers they shall have it next week.
We quote az this time the following words =
| II take pleasure in testifying TO the kindly
relations which always subsisted between us
and the other churches and ministers of the
town. In the period before the existence OF our
church, Staunton had not been remarkable for
| friendliness between the different denomina-
tions Fortunately, the Presby terian and Epis-
copalian Pastors and all commenced in Staun-
ton about the same time, and we were all dis
posed to live together as brethren, and labor
| for the salvation of souls,
"The successive Pastors of the other congre-
cations united with us in the same spirit, and
we all were accustomed to meet with more or
less regularity for social converse, and for con-
ference in reference to the spiritual state of the
community Without pretending to special
| intimacy we sympathized with and helped one
another, and each felt that he was safe in the
! hands of the rest. believe that the example
of the ministers was not without its effect upon
the churches and the people generally. At any
rate, the fact was as have stated, and peace
and good feeling prevailed among the different
congregations. All my experience eonvinces
me that there is perfect compatibility be-
| tween firmly holding and frankly announcing
what we believe to be the truth, and an exquis-
lite courtesy toward those who differ from us,
and large heartedpess which embraces all
| who bear the image Of Christ"
| Speaking, in conclusion, of his labors in
Rome. he says.-"I have, indeed. secured on
eligible site in this city and have just won, after
a hard fought battle, the victory over those who
sought to hinder us in the enjoyment of our just
rights. But our tolls are only begun; and, hui
manly speaking, the gathering of a congrega.
| ton and the building up of q New Testament
| church in this city of superstition and ipfdeli-
ty is a forlorn hope. compared with which tine
work in Staunton was an easy task. But the
| remembrance of the past greatly encourages
me. And after all the work is Gods with
whom nothing is hard. Therefore, my heart is
in him. We also helping together by prayer for
u.s."
At night Rev. Dr. Curry again filled the pull
pit, and preached powerful and forcible SER
mon, in his happiest manner, to jammed house
many persons being unable.to geteven stand
ing room and were compelled to leave. His
text was. Acts 9th chapter and S1st verse;
''Then had the churches rest throughout all
Judea and Gallilee and Samaria, and were ed
flied; and walking in the fear of the Lord and
in the comfort Of the Holy Ghost, were multi
Piled
| We regret that want of space prevents Us
| from giving fuller account of the ceremonies
accompanying this celebration of the twenty
! fifth anniversary of this church, which has
| been so sngularly successful in the good work
to which it addressed itself quarter of o GEN.
tury ago.