The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-06-16
NEWS FROM THE CHURCHES
Southern Presbyterian.

Gloucester c. H., va.-Rev Walton H
Robertson recent graduate of Union Semina-
ry. Va, entered upon his missionary work in
Gloucester county about the middle of Nav
There has never so far as known, been Pres
byterian church in this fine county, and there
has never been any regular occupation of the
held by any ministers of our Church. This is
one of the best counties of eastern Virginia. and
before the war was one of the wealthiest in the
State. There are about dozen families of
Presbyterians in and about the county seat who
Will aid In the support of Presbyterian church.
MIR. Robertson enters on the work for the sum-
mer In order to ascertain whether a church can
be organized there. 1t is believed that $500
can be raised, per annum, in the field itself. If
the prospect at the close of the summer is en-
couraging the purpose is to organize a church
and erect house of worship.
A Working Church.-l[essrs. Editors -
On last Sabbath the Franklin Street church.
Baltimore, had the pleasure and profit
of listening to discourse from their pastor,
Rev. w. U. Murkland, D. D., on the occasion of
the tenth anniversary of his pastorate, from the
text, Cor. iii 13, Every mans work shall be
made manifest; for the day shall declare it, be-
cause it shall be revealed by fire; and the FIRE
shall try every mans work of what sort it is 4"
The discourse was an elaborate and searching
discussion of the doctrine contained in the pas
sage from which the text is taken, and a faith
full application of the truths deduced to the
hearts and consciences of its hearers, and at its
close modest but most telling statement of the
work accomplished in these ten memorable
years, and of the present condition of the church
was made. Some of the facts given are as fol-
lows
There have been received into the church
during this period 46S members, of whom 26O
were on examination and POS on certificate.
The number of children in Sabbath Schools and
Bible classes have increased from $50 to 733.
During this period the church has been ENLARGED
at a cost OF $4,000, and the total contributions
Tor all purposes have been $190,S16, nearly as
much as In the twenty years of its preced-
ing history The church roll has twice been
purged, and l43 have been put on the reserved
list. The membership of the church has there
fore, in ten years been doubled.
The statistical report of the presentvear shows
the state of the church to be as follows Number
of Elders, 10; number of Deacons, 9; received
on examination, 27; on certificate, 27; total of
members, 6l7 Adults baptized, 5; infants. z.
children in Sabbath Schools, 7S3; contributions
nearly $4,000, about one half of which was
congregational, and the other half was distribu-
ted between the different causes of benevolence
OF the General Assembly. This church never
omits collection, but gives literally to all the
causes.
The working force of the church is found we'll
represented in the Sabbath Schools and Ladies
Societies. Of the former there are three with
81 teachers, and all of them are doing a good
work In training the children in the knowledge
OF the truth and for usefulness in the Church
mission is conducted in destitute part Of the
city. The ladies' societies are four, and is called
the Benevolent Society" which raises $4Oo for
Education, and sends off boxes to the families of
ministers; two are foreign missionary in their
object; and the fourth is the Dorcas Society with
"a names enrolled, which last year furnished
clothing for 80 boys and 1O4 girls, including $40
garments, nearly all of which were made by tb %
ladies themselves, and 164 pairs of fshoeg There
is also sewing school with 16 teachers and 60
pupils, and mothers s mission, where poor moth
ers are gathered aid instructed. and receive
sympathy and kindly advice and assistance once
a week. Eighty women were thus benefited
last year-and at the annual dinner provided
about New Year, $50 mothers set down and were
satisfied with bountiful and elegant repast
and had their baskets, which they had been in
structed to bring, filled with substantials and
comforts for their families.
Much might be said about all this bpt the
facts and figures given above will suffice to
show that here is a working church and a work
ing pastor, and that great results have been ac-
comPlished. Very few men have such oppor-
tunities, very few know how to use them so well.
The Franklin Street church is, we believe. the
largest Presbyterian organization in MARYLAND.
Its Influence is large and extensive. and its pas
tor and people have a mind to work. and thew
are doing much for the upbuilding Of the cause
Of Christ at home and abroad S.
Baltimore, June 11th, 1880.
Installation at Shepherdstown w.
Va.-On Sabbath, May 23d, J. A. Armstrong
was installed pastor at this place. The services
were conducted by Rev F. M. Woods of Mar
tinsburg, Rev. Harvey Gilmore. of Hedgeville.
Rev. J. s. Lefevre, of Oakland, and Rev. E. L.
Wilson, Of Gerardstown and on May 3Oth. Mr..
Armstrong was installed pastor at Kearneys-
vile, by Rev. J. A. Scott, sr., and Rev. w. c.