The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1879-11-05
NEWS FROM THE CHURCHES
Southern Presbyterian.
AMELIA c. H, oAe, 29th,

AMELIA c. H, o. 29thr 1879
Mc88ers Edjtors,-About .S4 weeks since we
commenced a meeting, at point in our congre-
CATION which was convenient and accessible to
majority of the members, for prayer and pre-
paration for our communion This meeting was
well attended, and in the course of few days
it was apparent that there was deep interest
among the unconverted. In consequence of this
interest our meeting was continued at night, (t
being very busy time with our people, until the
dav of communion. There was no excitement
at any time during the progress Of these services
and we resorted to no new measures-nothing
but the plain, earnest preaching Of the gospel
and prayer, followed by an inquiry meeting
There was, however, deep concern shown by
many, and some sought the pastor in private
and told him their great interest and asked for
instruction. The old, middle aged, and young,
have been brought, as we hope to Christ. For
this blessing all hearts rejoice and our church is
greatly encouraged and refreshed. About twen-
tv have expressed hope in Christ, and others
are still concerned We received fourteen into
our full communion on Sabbath before last.
G.
l{cssrs. Editors,-At the Third Presbyterian
church Of this city sermon, appropriate to the
occasion, was preached on last Sabbath by the
pastor, Rev William N Scott, it being the 4th
anniversary Of his pastorate. The following
facts were cleaned which may prove Of interest
to some of your readers:
/. During the four years there have been
added to the church liz persons Of whom about
two thirds profession of faith, being an aver
age of 2S each year. Of the above, II were re-
ceived during the past year.
2 During the same period the church has
raised for all purposes the sum Of $1l ,268. Of
this more than one thousand dollars was raised
by the Ladies Sewing Society within a year,
1S77-1S7S) These figures are an honor to a
church which is financially perhaps the weakest
selfsupporting church in the city.
5. A comfortable and attractive house of wor.
ship has been built and furnished, upon which
there remains now debt of only SS25.
T. The church has lost by death during the
past year six Of its members of whom all but
one were advanced in years
5. The most discouraging fact presented was
that the church has lost in the year by dismis-
sion or removal to other parts of the city, eight
or nine of its largest families. This is the great
drawback to our work in this end of the city,
imperiling as it does frequently our very exist
ence as an Independent church, and casting
shadow over the brightest prospects.
1t is lesson sorely needed in these days that
the Master calls his people often to sacrifice per
sonal comfort and advancement to the interests
of his Kingdom CHURCH HILL.
Some thirty or forty colored persons have their
membership in the Bethel church, in Fayette
county, KY. and the colored people attend there
in larger numbers, perhaps, than any other Pres
byterian church of its size in the State. They
study the Shorter Catechism, and have part in
the Sabbath School-Chisiiaa Observer