The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-01-28
Church out of Debt.

NORFOLK, VA, Jan. 23d, 1880.
HeSSrS EditorS,-The Second church,
Norfolk, has enjoyed such blessed ex-
perience, recently, that recital of the
facts may be hel pful to other churches
which. like 1t, have had to carry for years
a burden of debt. This church is now
sevar ana a half years old, but it had no
pastor till about a year after its organi-
zation, when the present pastor, Rev.
Nearder N. Woods, was called to it. 1t
began with fifty members, and now has
one hundred and eighteen, having gained
one hundred and two and lost thirty
four up to this date Although so small,
the church began its life with a heavy
debt, which has given its members plenty
OF scope for hberality, and some anxiety,
IN the meanwhile. They have been re
duclng the debt every year, until on the
lst inst. it was found to be S3,O68. The
officers of the church ordered meeting
of the congregation to be held on the 18th
INST, for the purpose of gathering in some
9 mlte-chests that had been distributed
for the purpose of gathering gifts for this
object, and for fully considering the inan-
cial status of the church The mite
chests on being opened were found to
contain $3.50, leaving the debt 50, 7O8.-
After some discussion the deacons took
round subscription papers, and in few
minutes cash gifts and good subscriptions
for the a0hOLe amount were readily OBJ
tanned. This leaves the church practi-
cally free from debt, and every dollar of
the money was secured without resort be-
ing had to any questionable methods
whatever.
1t is proper to add, however, that when
the trustees of the church purchased a
lot for their present church edifice thev
also purchased three other valuable lots
adjoining it, so that if, in future, it should
be desired, larger edifce and manse
could be erected thereon. These lots are
not all paid for; but as they are worth
to-day considerably more than the amount
yet unpaid on them, and have on them
houses that rent for more than enough to
pay interest on debt, and taxes, ETC.. thev
cannot be regarded as any burden on the
church. They may never be used for a
church building at all. Nevertheless.
the people of this church expect to con-
tr1bnte regularly to the cancelling of the
balance due on these lots, so that thew
will be, when paid for, equivalent to so
much money laid up for future use.
There is something quite remarkable
In this simple narrative, when the whole
case is taken into view. In the seven
and half years Of this church's life it
has paid on grounds, buildings, and fur
nlture, in principal and interest, about
$4,000. 1t has met all its current ex-
penses during that time, amounting. in
the aggregate, to $4,000 Besides this.
1T has contributed regularly to all outside
benevolent objects to the amount of S11.-
600 The aggregate amount is $4,000
from a church that is both small and poor.
1t contains exceedingly few men who are
even well-to-do. It's members are chiefly
persons on small salaries and not a few
OF them are not only poor, but Ueyy poor
The church has always paid its pastor
twice a month regularly, and it owes no
little bills. There are no pew-rents, and
IN seven and half years there have been
but two "suppers" for raising money
All are furnished with envelopes, and all
give as they choose; and the least possible
appeal is made to pride or mere impulse.
Giving is always treated in the services
as one Of the divine ordinances, and ranks
along with prayer and praise as an act Of