The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-10-13
For the Central Presbyterian.
Memorial of Rev. James M. Rice,

ADOPTED BY THE PREsBYTERY OF MONTGOMERY
Our beloved brother, so long connected with
this Presbytery, indeed at the time of his death
the Oldest member on its roll, departed this life
at Covington, Va, on the 18th of August, 1880
In the language of the people of his last charge,
whom he had 80 long served in the holy minis
try, he died in full assurance of faith in the
Lord to join the saints in glory
Mr.. Rice was received under the care of this
Presbytery as licentate from the Presbytery
of West Hanover, October Sth, 1S47. He was
ordained at the request of Mountain Union
church, October 10Th, 1S47. He served this
church as Stated Supply till October II, 1913
at which time Presbytery ordered his installa-
ton as pastor of Mountain Union, refusing the
request Of Covington church for part of his time
His pastoral relation with Mountain Union was
dissolved June l, 1855, and be was installed
pastor OF Locust Bottom church July %, 1855,
which he served about four years.
He was installed pastor of Covington church
on the 9Th of August 1859. His pastoral rela-
ton with Covington continued nearly twenty
one years; it was dissolved on the 18th of June.
1880, on account of his ill-health. In connec-
ton with Covington church he served Oakland
as pastor from the 4th Sabbath in Septenber
1871, to the time of his death Oakland was a
recent organization, the fruit of his labors as
was also Greenwood, organized about the same
time, and transferred to Lexington Presbyterv.
Rich Patch, organized a few years ago, was also
largely due as an organization to his efforts
which extended to various other parts of Allie
ghany county, as Williamsons, Low Moor Mt.
Pleasant, Callahan's, and Palestine. The re.
cords of Presbytery show that during his earlier
ministry at Mountain Union and Locust Bottom.
his missionary labors were abundant
OF our brother it may be said that all his life.
long he had heavy burden to bear in the wav
of physical disease this was his thorn in the
flesh, the infrmity he had to endure, and he
bore it without murmur. Yet in despite of
all it was manifest that he strove to discharge
every duty put upon him in the ministry by the
Master, zealoUsly faithfully most conscientious
ly. How we'll he performed his part as one who
acted upon the principle that he was the Lord 8
servant-that it was His commentator and not
mans, which he sought, can we'll be attested bv
those OF us who knew him best, and especially
by the people under his immediate charge.
AS a preacher he was honest in dealing with
souls, not stunning to declare the whole counsel
OF God, at the same time tender and affection.
ate-and so his labors were not in vain in the
Lord - WV
As pastor he was firm and faithful. and ever
looked to the spiritual interests of his aock as a
true Bishop himself under the eve Of and sub-
Ject to- the chief Shepherd and Bishop of souls.
1T was seldom indeed that he was found alb
sent from his place in our Church courts. and
none more than he desired and strove that all
should be done decenty and in order according
70 the spirit and letter of our high standards.
we tender our sympathies to his bereaved
family and charge, in this our loss we how sinh.
mlsslvely to the will of our God. infinitely wise
ana good IN all His dealings with His own
Ieeling and confidently trusting that the loss Of
our brother from our midst is his gain.
G.. A. MILLER.
A. MCALLisrER.
Committee.