The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-08-18
NEWS FROM THE CHURCHES.
Southern Presbyterian.

Sinking Creek Church, Craig County.
Va.-Ihls church was organized about two
years ago Its membership, as yet, is only
eight and its growth in members will probably
for years be slow for Presbyterianism is com
paratively new in that section. Rev. w. R.
Coppedge is its present pastor In connection
with Sinking Creek, he serves Catawba church
IN Roanoke county, as pastor, and New Castle
and Bethel churches in Craig county, as stated
supply. He is much beloved, not only bv his
own members but also by those of other denom-
nations.
AT a communion meeting at this church in
which L assisted the pastor the first Sabbath of
this month, one young man was received into
the church on profession of faith On the same
day congregational meeting was held to con-
slder the resignation of brother Coppedge as
their pastor, who is contemplating removal to
West Virginia, to take charge of the Salem
church in Greenbrier county and Hillside and
Carmel churches in Monroe county. The church
resolved not to concur with brother Copnedoe
in asking the Presbytery to dissolve the pastoral
relation, but requested that Presbytery would
give them more assistance than heretofore
while they would endeavor to increase their
contributions towards his support. They also
resolved to make the effort to secure the mas.
toral service of brother Coppedge for one half
instead of one-fourth of his time. These resolu-
tions were prepared by brother Nelson one Of
the most energetic and determined workers in
the State of Virginia or any other State. One
such elder in any church is a tower of strength
to the pastor. The above resolutions have the
true ring about them.
There is another fact no less remarkable
than the above second resolution, and equally
characteristic of the man, mention it for the
encouragement of others that they may 20 and
do likewise, for there are many similar fields in
our churches. All the churches of brother Con
Pedge's charge are weak, numerically and
financially. Their minister was without q
home and his salary too small to rent one. A
short time after Sinking Creek church was or
ganized, brother Nelson determined that q
manse should be built. In short time tho
manse was built upon his own land and deedad
to the Presbyterian Church he experimenting
and carrying on the work as if for himself The
whole cost about 81 900, all of which has been
paid by Mr. Nelson he, after subscribing lib
orally himself, depending for the remainder upon
the voluntary contributions Of Gods people. At
his own solicitations he has received contributions
from New York, Boston, Canada, New Zealand
Scotland Ireland, etc. From these various
sources, andin response to circular letter sent
out to the churches, about $4OO have been
realized, leaving $500 or 5000 yet unpaid
Brother Nelson is a foreigner, native of Scot
land. Coming among us with such spirit Of
and work for the Master want
10 see him encouraged Will not every one
who reads this send what he can to aid in this
'auSo. Before going and seeing for myself I
thought in the midst Of 50 many pressing calls
1t home, l could not afford to give anything,
'ut now 1 think it privilege TO give, and feel
ure many others will look at it in the same
light when the facts are known. Send your
contributions to Rev. w. r. Coppedge Tor Mr..
Z. B. Nielson) Sinking Creek, Craig county, Va.
In conclusion l would not have you forget