The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1881-09-07

Twenty five persons were recently addec
to the membership of the Central Presbyterian
church at Erie, Pa.
Indianapolis, Ind, received one hundred and
forty seven members on a late Sunday.
Battle Creek, Iowa.-Rev. J. C. Gilker-
son, from Princeton. took charge of the church
here little over year ago. This church is
not yet three years old, but has house of wor-
ship completed and membership Of fifty nine,
and in debt for neither building nor pastor
services. Fifteen were added to the member
ship last year. Mapleton, the terminus of the
Maple River branch of the G. & N. w. R. R.,
has been one of brother Gilkerson's preaching
points. 1t is fifteen miles from Battle Creek,
and town of a steady. healthy growth. On
the 3lst of July the synodical missionary as
sisted oy Mr.. Gilkerson, organized church of
seventeen members, three uniting on profession
OF faith. William Condron, ruling elder from
Princeton, Iowa. was elected and installed as
the elder of the church. There is good out
look for the work in Mapleton. Mr.. Gilkerson
Is highly esteemed by his people in both
churches, and is evidently an earnest and ac-
ceptable minister.-Herald and Pres5yter
Rev. J. w. sanderson. of Wisconsin,
says
We have organized fourteen churches during
the year just about to close, and we have added
fourteen additional laborers, though three of
them were theological students, and are not per-
manently located with u.s. But we have twelve
or fourteen vacancies-all worthy and respon-
sive to the faithful ministry of the Word. Be-
sides, we need for new points at least ten more
for the spring campaign. We need then at least
score OF men, earnest, apt, and consecrated
Our hopes are conferred in the coming classes of
our seminaries under God and the firm belief
that the need we feel He feels infinitely, and
has prepared full supply.-I6
Rev. Henry 8. Little, of Texas, says:
Our prospects are very fine. The Presbytery
OF Austin has gained in church members this
year thirteen per cent or an average of IL So
per preacher. North Texas has gained thirty
per cent or nineteen per preacher Trinity has
gained forty-one per cent, or sixteen per
preacher. That is fraction less than sixteen
per preacher throughout the Synod There are
four important railroads being built through
Western Texas, and then there are two other
minor railroads being built Last year, because
SO dry, tested Texas as cotton, State. A fair
crop was raised, and those who were ready to
return to their former homes are now ARRANGING
TO multiply their lands. Land agents are very
active, setting good example to the Church of
Christ in exploring and locating. This wear
the crops are very fair, and many will locate
here In consequence. 1 am very certainly
within bounds if ask for twenty men this
spring and early summer.-I5.
Dedication at Poke Run.-On the 9Th
OF August the church of Poke Run, the Oldest
but one in the Presbytery of Bairsville. dedi-
Gated to the service of God new and beautiful
house of worship. The dedicatory services be-
gan at 10 A. M. but long before that hour the
audience room, though unusually large for
country church, was filled to overhowing very
many of those who came to witness the solemn
ceremonies being compelled to remain outside.
Besides this magnificent audience there were
present at least dozen ministers from far and
near who had come to witness or participate in
the exercises of the hour.
Other Churches.
Inc welsh Presbyterian Churches of
jackson and Gallia Counties, Ohio, are ten in
number with five pastors, thirty FIVE ruling
elders $50 members and LOO Sabbath school
scholars. They have ten places of worship
large, substantial buildings, located on well.
chosen sites. To each of these is attached q
Chapel House" and stable, where the ministers
and their horses are generously cared for
Ihesechurches are on the collegiate plan. No
pastor has special charge. They have svs-
tematic itnerancy, and the FIVE pastors have q
regular plan of labor, so that each CONGREGATION
is regularly supplied with preaching and pas T..
toral visitation, In the peculiar circumstances
OF the people, scattered over wide extent of
country, this method of ministerial labor 10
found useful and acceptable.
In all of these churches the Welsh language is
used; but as the third generation is coming
up, there will be demand for preaching in
English. All the churches have scriptural
names-Bethel and Peniel, Zoar and Horeb
Bethany and Sardis.-Herdld and Presbyter.
M RIED