The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-05-26
ooRREsP PoNDENCE.
semi-centennial of a Passionate.

MeSSrs Editors,-In these times, when
the pastoral relation is almost as easily
dissolved as formed, and when the sun
dering of the sacred ties which bind pas
tor and people together is so common that
it scarcely excites remark, so rare and
interesting an event as the semi-centen-
NAL of pastorate should not be allowed
to pass unnoticed. Such celebration
took place at Old Providence Associate
Reformed Presbyterian Church, Augusta
county, Va, on the 18th of this month,
it being the fiftieth anniversary of the in
stallation of the venerable Dr. Horatio
Thompson as pastor of that church 1t
was an event in the history, we will not
say of Old Providence, but Of the entire
community. The people of all denomi-
nations for miles around manifested their
interest by their presence. Six ministers
of Lexington Presbytery, the three mem
bers of the Associate Reformed Presby-
terry of Virginia, and one Lutheran
preacher were present. And why should
not all honor pastor and people who
have so controlled the restless, fussing
tendencies of human nature as to live to-
gether in perfect harmony for half cen
tury? 1t is to the credit of the people
that they turned out en- naaSSe on this oc-
casion.
Only brief account of the exercises of
the day can be given. Religious worship
was first in order-singing Psalm, read
ing the Scriptures, and prayer. The let
ter which led to Dr. Thompsons coming
to this church, dated Baltimore, 1928,
was read
The aged pastor, now in his eighty
third year, then made short address.
He said he wished to pay tribute to his
divine Master-that throughout his long
ministry he had found Him never-fail-
ing friend, always faithful to His prom
ises and worthy of the utmost confidence.
He spoke of his work as that of the
painter who, with taking care, made
every stroke of the brush, because, he
said, " am painting for eternity" He,
in the long period of his labor, had given
precept upon precept, line upon line, be-
cause he was painting for eternity-paint-
ing the image of God upon the dark can
vas of the human heart
A paper adopted by Lexington Pres
bytery at Fairfield last week, was read
by the Rev. Henry Brown, rendering tc
DR.. Thompson and his people their cor.
dial Christian salutations, and expressing
the prayer that the divine blessing might
continue to rest upon them.
Rev. D. G. Irwin followed with very
appropriate address, one point of which
we will mention-that the success of 8
pastorate of fifty years could not be Judged
Of by visible results, showing that m1cl
Of the fruit of his labors must have beer
already gathered into the heavenly gar
ner and that the silent working of tn,
truth taught in so many sermons anc
private conversations, often taking roo
in the hearts of persons who removed t.
distant localities, could not be estimated
in this world, but would be revealed in
the next.
After a recess Of an hour, during which
an ample dinner was provided in tn,
grove, the people promptly re-assemblec
in the church, and were further enter
tanned by short addresses from several o
the visiting ministers Thus ended ;
most pleasant and interesting day.
A. H. H.
&eeJe's Tavern, Va, May 18, 1880.