The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1880-02-05

LARGE GATHERING AT CENTENARY CHURCH
LAST NIGHr-fxTEREsTING sERvICES-AD-
DRESSES ny BISHOP DoGGETT. REV. w. T..
JuDKrNs, Mr.. RICHARD rRBY, DIR. LAFFERTY,
&C.
A largely-attended mass meeting Of Meth
odists was held last night at Centenary
church. Bishop DoGge.t presided, and
prayer was offered by Rev. W. +. Judkins,
OF Trinity church. Nearly all the ministers
OF the various Methodist churches occupied
prominent seats. Bishop Doggett explain
ed The object OF the meeting to be the pro-
motion OF union among the Methodists OF
the city, as well as The increase OF sp-
rituaity In the various churches. He eX-
pressed bis qualification at the large number
present.
Thanks were due, he said, and ought 10
be rendered Almighty God for the decided
success that had attended rs os q Church.
Greater results would be accomplished il
the six or eight thousand Methodists were
fully alive TO their privileges.
The Meihodists now ranked, he said. with
any OF the Churches In the city in wealth,
social position, and picty. He only men,
toned these facts TO incite spirit Of thank.
fulness 10 God for His great goodness to us
as people.
Rev. w. E. aJudkins, of Thrifty church,
next addressed We % etisy. he endorsed
the remarks OF the Bishop. and said the
special reason for these union meetings was
the idea OF making Methodists more Ze1l-
Gus in the propagation OF our Methodist
doctrines. He believed they demanded the
very noblest type OF Christian character
and manhood, and closed by remarking that
Mcthodists were peculiarly missionary. and
he elOried in it. Their pastors were self
sacrificing. and went where they weresent.
The Church commended itself 10 all-her
doctrines, polity, and spirit challenged the
admiration Of all persons.
Mr.. Richard Irby, Of ashland, next made
some remarks. His place was exceedingly
fond Of Methodist doctrines. and the longer
be lived the more he loved the Methodist
Church. and was glad TO lend his influence
TO the propagation oi the same; believed i'm
eXcmpliIying the holy rellgiorwe profess;
loved to study the Bible, and recommended
il TO all present.
Rev. John j. Lafrerty said il was hardly
necessary for him to say that be believed in
Methodi>m. He Joined it because he thought
It did GOd's work better than any other.
Did not look at the preachers, organs, fres-
coed walls, &C., of other churches. When
any one could convince him that any other
Church was more successful in winning
souls, then he would be a deserter. He be-
lieved in heartfelt religion, and he loved
those churches where this was enjoyed, As
long as he lived he was going to stand by
the doctrines Of his Church aud defend
them against all comerS.
Dr.. w. W. Parker, Of Bro d-Street
church, spoke as to the loss OF spirituality
on jhe part Of Christians, especially MethO-
dists. He dcplored this loss, and coun-
selled all to return TO the old landmarks.
Faith IN God would bring the holy spirit
to US, and ii we only trust Him a sweeping
revival would he the result.
Rev. William b. McGilvray said he
thought one lack in the Church was the
taking care Of the young. The Old-fase-
ioned camp-meeting, he thought, was ahead
OF the Sunday school IN this respect. Dis
use OF class meetings was the cause OF de-
clensiOn Of piety in the churches.
After prayer by Rev. John f. Edwards,
ID. d., of Park-place church, the bcnedc-
tion was pronounced.