Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1880-05-25
Semi Centennial Celebration OF the Ministry Of
Rev. Horatio Thompson, d. D., at Old Proyi-

Semi Centennial Celebration OF the Ministry OF
Rev. Horatio Thompson, D. D., at Old Pr0yi-
dence Church,
On the morning of the 18th inst. might be
seen, vending their way from every direction.
vast concourse toward Old Providence church,
indicating that something of no ordinary in
terest was to take place there on that day. Such
was the case. The invitation, given through
the papers, to all to be present. especially Chris
tian friends, was accepted by an unusually
large number. Although it was busy time
with farmers, the church was filled above and
below, the ladies nearly filling the lower part
of the church, showing the deepest interest in
the occasion. Soon it was evident that num-
Der of ministers would be present from the DIFF
ferent churches around, and among them also
appeared the venerable Pastor himself, whose
stately form might be seen going around speak
ing kindly and affectionately to every one,
from the aged sire and matron to the smallest
child. Seldom have we witnessed more cor
dial greeting between pastor and people. 1t
was an occasion to draw out the warmest afec-
lions of the heart for one who had SO long Ia
bored for their spiritual welfare and that OF
their ancestors. programme having been
made out, and the hour of eleven having come,
the vast congregation assembled in the church,
Mr.. James H Calhson an Elder of the church,
who had been selected by the church as its
leader on the occasion, then announced that
the services connected with the semi-centen-
NAL would commence by singing Psalm
The one hundredth Psalm was then read in a
feeling and impressive manner by DR.. Thomp-
son, and the congregation sang it, with an out
burst of praise to God, to the tune of Old Hun
dred, Mr.. G. leading. Surely no more appro-
pirate selection from the songs of the sweet
singer of Israel could have been made and
more suitably rendered. The sentiment of this
Psalm was expressive Of gratitude and praise
to God, the giver of all good, and was heartily
joined in by the congregation. 1t was the key
note OF the after services, and but tuned the
hearts of all to join in the solemn exercises
that followed. Old Hundred, that grand old
tune of Luther's, the great Reformer, has stood
the test of $50 years, and on many glorious &C.
casions has swelled the bosoms of thousands,
and never will become old, but will gather
| strength and grow with increasing ages as long
as temples shall be erected to the worship of
God, and the songs Of zion are sung on earth.
The twenty third Psalm was then read by Rev.
J. II. Thompson, of the Associate Reformed
Presbyterian church. An appropriate prayer
was then offered by Rev. Henry Brown, an aged
minister of the Presbyterian church, long an
| Intimate friend of DR.. Thompson. Mr.. j. Fl.
Callison then read letter written by Rev. A.
White, dated Nov. 24th, 1928, addressed to Mr..
| VIM. McCutchen, recommending Mr.. Thomp-
son, then young man. as one suitable to sup
| ply the church at Old Providence. Dr. Thomp-
| son then addressed the congregation holding
them in solemn interest, many often in tears,
for three-fourths of an hour. We took no notes
of his remarks, and it would be impossible in a
few words to do justice to them. Suf1ceit to- say,
that the occasion was one to draw out any one,
| especially such an one as the aged and venera-
BILE Pastor, the principal actor in the scene then
| transpir1ng. His remarks were made up OF
| thoughts of gratitude to God, love for his peo-
pie, the ties that bound them together in their
mutual relation for fifty years as Pastor and
| people. He gave due praise to the church,
whose doctrines he had embraced as Gods
monument to the Bible, whose precepts he had
endeavored to inculcate, and paid proper re-
spect to the Westminster Confession of Faith
and the Psalms Of David. There were some
grand thoughts of eternity in his remarks, and
striking illustration of the Importance of the
minister's work, as one painting for eternity
|
! casional outbursts ofthat scintilation of intel
lect that characterized his earlier years. The
whole discourse was delivered without notes,
and was calculated to leave, and did leave
deep impressions for good on the vast audience
present.
AT this stage of the proceedings, Rev. Henry
! Brown read the resolutions of cordial greeting
| to DR.. Thompson and his congregation on this
m inr
ed meeting of Lexington Presbytery, held at
| Fairfield.
After the reading of the resolutions, Rev. D.
| G. Irwin. of the Presbyterian church, who had
been intimately associated with DIR. Thompson
for several years, arose and delivered well
written address. An intelligent gentlemen at
my side remarked, as soon as the speaker was
| through. "That was an excellent address,
which but expressed the opinion of many 9TH
| ers present. 1t was a delicate tribute to the
aged and worthy Pastor, suitable to the occa-
| sion. and magnifed the Importance of the
work of the ministry, and the glorious results
| flowing therefrom. We will not attempt even
to give synopsis Of either address, but would
| simply say that they were such as did credit to
| the head and heart of both
! The forty-1ifth Psalm, beginning at the elev-
| enth verse. was then sung. Mr.. G. then an
nounced that the congregation would retire to
| the grove, where refreshments would be par
| taken OF, and then they would return to the
church after the ringing of the bell.
| In the afternoon the services were opened by
remarks of an historical character by Mr. Jas.
H. tallisGn, giving an account of the rise and
progress OF the Associate Reformed Presbyte-
rian church. These remarks showed research
and an intimate acquaintance with the history
of his church,
Mr.. G. then called on a number of ministers
present, some of whom responded in the order
given below.
| First. Rev. Henry Brown, now 76 years old,
and six years the junior Of Br. Thompson, and
but two yeats his junior in the ministry, re-
sponded to the call. 1t was truly touching to
hear this aged servant Of God speaking to the
aged Pastor, who like himself must soon 90
the way of all flesh, and render up an account
for his stewardship in the gospel ministry. He
spoke of his fears and his sorrows in his early
life in the ministry, until he arrived at the full
assurance of faith, and that for forty years he
had not had particle of DOUBT in reference to
his preparedness for Heaven that he had often
been brought near death, and was anxious to
depart and be with Christ, and join the general
assembly and church of flrst-born in Heaven
Like 'shocks of corn, fully ripe, these aged SER
wants will be gathered in in due season." May
their last days be their best days, and may their
sun go down without cloud, and their man
ties :all on etAars equally worthy,
| Rev. J. II. Sbreckhlse, OF the Lutheran
church. being called on; replied that he became
acquainted with DR. H. Thompson about twen-
ty years ago, and that since that time his rela-
ton tohim and the Associate Reformed church
had been of the most pleasant character. He
also alluded.to his agreeable acquaintance with
the A. R. Presbyterian church in South Caro-
lima, where her main strength in theSouth lies,
referring to the flourishlng college (Erskine Col
! lege) at ppe West, the Theological Seminary
and Female seminafy, located al the same
place, and to the church paper, and to many
prominent ministers Of the church, closing 10y
wishing the Pastaf many years yet of Iseful-
| fulness in the work of the ministry.
Rev. James Murray, of the Presbyterian
church, then being called on, responded by
stating that it was his wish to be present on
this interesting occasion, and that he was graf
flied with, and instructed by, what he saw and
heard.
| I Anil AL -,