The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-12-29

ciable," and it IS always looked for with
much and many pleasurable anticipa-
tions; usually excelling most extravagant
expectations.
Large Church-Long Pastorate of Rev.
j. B. Shaw. d. D.-Fortieth
Anniversary.
You will observe in my statement about
the churches of this city, that the Pres
byterian takes the lead among the Pro
testant churches in numbers, viz, eleven.
The Presbyterian churches are not only
the most numerous, but their member
ship is probably the largest and wealth
lest. The church to which we belong,
the Brick church, while not the oldest
(for it was organised in 1926 while the
First Presbyterian church was organised
in 1879 is not only the largest in Ro
chester, but the second or third largest
in America, (Dr. Cuyler's in New York
and DIR. Talmage's in Brooklyn, exceed
ing it). Upon It's church roll there are
nearly 1,500 names. This roll has lately
been closely expurgated, and 1854 active
members is its present strength. Last
Sunday the pastor, Rev. James B. Shaw,
D. D., preached his fortieth anniversary
sermon to crowded house of loving
hearers, for he is beloved and honored
above most men, All men, of all denom-
nations, delight to do him honor. Al
though he has preached to the same peo-
pie for forty years, he continually fills
his church building, which seats comfort
ably twelve or fifteen hundred people,
without any falling off, He is now 70
years old in days, but 27 in vigor and
strength. He is the farthest removed
possible from clap-trap and sensational
ism; never breaches himself or politics;
but breaches the simple gospel as it is in
Jesus, always. The cross is his one only
theme, and that theme, under his plain,
pungent preaching, never has satiated
the people. They still flock to hear him
in great crowds.
On Tuesday evening last, there was the
forheth anniversary, commemorated in
his church, to which were invited all the
pastors of all denominations, several of
whom made addresses appropriate to the
occasion. In these addresses were brought
out many interesting incidents of his pas
toral life, illustrating what one man,
under God, can do in lifetime. When
he was called to this church, forty years
ago, there were 445 members, of whom
all are fallen asleep but 81. During his
pastorate over 1900 persons have con-
nected themselves with the church. and
now over 200 are in active membership.
During this pastorate he has held be-
tween nile and ten thousand regular SER
vices, besides funeral and others. He
has raised considerably over three quar-
ters of million of money for the various
objects of the church and CONGREGATION
Marriage and funeral services are counted
by the thousand. Besides the prepara-
tions for the pulpit, he has had innumer-
able other duties for so universally
popular is he that his ministrations at the
bedside of the sick and in the families of
the bereaved, are coveted and solicited
by many who do not attend his church.
And to his honor it is said that no min
lister Of any denomination has ever en-
tertained towards him any sentiment of
jealousy.
Butt must stop-lest write the
good Doctors obituary before he dies.
Should he ever see this, he must think he
IS dead and that his biographer is only
obeying the injunction, n5l de n,o1tuis niSi
6onatno.
Though after the most straitest sect.
Presbyterian, remark some points OF
difference in the Directory of Public
Worship between the Northern and
Southern Presbyterian Church, and will
mention few particulars, viz. The
minister here always commences the
morning services by repeating the Lord $
prayer The choir usuelly sings a set
piece before services begin, and durinp
the taking up of the collection. which IS
always done at both services. On com
munion occasions, there is no sermon
One custom is very pleasing and comfort
lng and should, [ think, be adopted in
all churches, viz: members admitted bv
letter as well as on examination, present
themselves before the pulpit as their
names are announced, and are thus made
known to all the members, and when met
may be recognised. For who. in laroe
congregation can be recognised as mem
bers, when only their names are heard
while their faces are not seen. Another
very hospitable custom, which certainly
iInPresses me as very pleasant, might be
initiated probably. 1t is this after the
service Of reception is finished, the min
lster then invites all the members Of the
church to rise, and he, in their name ov-