The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1881-06-15
VOL. 16---NO. 46.
W1LI1AMsos's, Va. June 10. 1881.

score years yet he came a considerable distance
on horse back, preaching Saturday and admin
istering the communion on Sunday. The SER
vices were very impressive by reason of the pre-
sence OF this aged man who preached there first
so many years gone. Now he said, after the
lapse OF years, he was permitted to come again,
only to find a few of those alive who were liy-
ing then. Those faces seen by him on his first
visit had almost all disappeared, while he, with
one or two others, were left standing like old
trees in the field of life.
One of those to whom the speaker referred was
present that day, though in the 95th year of his
age, Mr.. Shepherd Gilliland. Mr.. Gillland
connected himself with the church during the
ministry of Rev. A B. Davidson, and has been
member of the church for sixty years An
other, Col. Thomas Sitlington, at whose house
the communion was administered that evening,
has attained the great age of 80 years. So that
they all have outlived their generation and at
the sight of such veterans we may we'll ask, The
fathers, where are they and the prophets, do
they live forever2
1t was indeed privilege to see these gray
haired men, whose "hoary heads are crowns of
glory, enjoying when about to die, the com
munlon of saints. A foretaste of that which shall
be theirs within the veil and then their wears
shall no more weaken and waste, then thew
shall flourish in immortal youth. One cannot
forget the service on that day. That of an old
man with trembling hands and pathetic tones,
who stood offering salvation to the children and
grandchildren of those to whom he preached
so long ago. Holding up before their gaze for I
the last time, perhaps, dying Redeemer," as
he had done often before the eyes of their
forefathers. The people could not keep from
weeping sorrowing most of all for the words
that he spake that they might see his face on
more"
surbus" is twelve miles below Windy Cove
church on the Cowpasture river There is here
no organized church, it being in the bounds of
WINDY Cove; but there seems to be a real in.
terest IN the church and Sabbath School too.
There were FIVE additions to the church that dav
on profession of faith. There is an excellent
Sabbath School and neat house of worsbip
lately fitted up. E.W.M.
Covington, va.-On the first Sunday of
this month Rev. W. A. Dabhey was installed
pastor of the Covington church by committee
OF Montgomery Presbytery, consisting of Rev.
W.T. Hall and Rev. John Ruff Covington
has heretofore been rather isolated, but the
Richmond and Allegheny and Shenandoah Rail
roads bring it into close relation to the body of
the Presbytery. The brethren at Covington
received us cordially, entertained us hand
somely, gave us fine congregations and paid all
expenses. We would be perfectly willing to re-
peat the visit except that we think the church
has been fortunate in selecting pastor, and
that the selection on all sides promises well
and ought to endure Paul. says Thess.
i; . SO that ye were ensamples to all that be-
lleve in Macedonia and Achaia For from YOU
sounded out the word of the Lord, not only in
Macedonia and Achaia but also in every place
your faith to God-ward is spread abroad"
The church at Covington appreciate the princi-
pie stated by the Apostle and covet the gene
rous praise he bestows. There was Just a little
lnhmatlon-" we pay the money and ought to
have all the preaching" If it had been dry
weather, such as our excellent friend "P. B.
I" found on Craigs Creek, the disposition to
grumble might have enlarged. Fortunately
there had been fine rains. The bounties of
Providence rebuked all littleness. We heard
such remarks as these: What would have be-
come OF US, when we were an outpost, if the
gospel had not sounded out from other places to
us? How is Presbyteriansm to spread if the
churches exercise neither charity nor self denial?
There is that scattereth and yet increaseth. In
short, the pastor proposes to feed the scattered
flock, many of whom live in groups in different
and distant sections of the county, and the
church intends 10 encourage him in the arduous
work. Cov,srrrrr
Moderaters Of the General Assembly
Our General Assembly since its organization in
1861 has had twenty one Moderators. They
are all livi-g except three Rev J. S. Wilson,
D. D., who presided at Charlotte, N. c., in
1864; Rev. T. V. Moore D. D who presided
at Nashville Tenn, in 1867; Rev William S.
Plumer, D. D., who presided at Huntsville,
Ala, in 1871. The first Moderator was DR.. B.
NJ Palmer, at Augusta Ga, 1861
Rev. j. H. ziveley, Evangelist of West.
ern Texas Presbytery, writes under date of
May 30th 4" / have been laboring in Siano
and Msson counties for the last three weeks.
In the town Of eiano, on the 22nd inst. had
the pleasure Of organizing Presbyterian church
composed Of seventeen members Jos. +. Brown.
formerly ruling elder in the San Marcus
church, and J T. McInnis, worthy son Of the
late Rev. r. McInnis D. D., Of Mississippi were
sNHa tod