The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1881-11-23

AeSSSo 90 VIZ 1hipo, llOu d SeCluQ-
ed valley, as remote from the thronging
life of civilization, as those rock circled
valleys that have for 1,700 years been the
home of Presbyterian faith among the
Waldenses, from many log-built school
house or church, ascends to God the wor-
ship of Presbyterian mountaineers. The
evangelist of Abingdon Presbytery, the
two evangelists of Greenbrier, the five
evangelists of Lexington, the two evan
gelists of Winchester are nearly all en-
gagged in this field, and labor with untir-
ing energy to developi it.
l have recently visited a part of this
field lying in Winchester Presbytery,
now unsupplied with preaching, through
the death of the lamented w. F. Cosner.
And 1T will be pleasant to me to- call the
attention OF the churches to this people,
and this field of labor Tie first and
only Presbyterian minister that ever
lived among this people was Cosner, and
ne died at the end of his first years work,
and of course what has been done was
only preparatory. AS far as this region
was developed, there had been established
six hopeful points for preaching in the
western part of Mineral and Grant coun-
ties, West Va. These visited in order
The first was Laurel Dale This was
reached Saturday, November 5th, by
travelling II miles from Keyser on B. &
0. r. R., up the New Creek valley, half
the way by stage, half the way on horse
back. At the place of destination was
entertained by Mr.. W. Lemon, a Presby-
terian. At once word was passed around
the neighborhood, and there assembled
a fine congregation that night at the
school house to attend worship. AS we
came back from church that night we
heard the dogs singing out in chase, and
we afterwards learned that a wild cat
had been started in the vicinity and
chased for six or seven miles. A wild
country, you seel
On Sunday morning and night there
were services held here also, and the con-
gregations were larger each time than be-
fore. | learned that there are three peo-
pie at this place waiting to unite with
the Presbyterian Church. They are
fruits of the faithful labors of Cosner.
On Monday, November 7th, in com
pany with young man from near Green
land Gap, l rode IL miles up to that
point through the rain. AS we passed
through the settlement above the Gap we
left word at the school-house for preach
ing that night, and then rode on a half
mile and stopped at the house of Mr.. j.
y. ldleman. Here awaited me the
hearty, unostentatious hospitality of that
mountain home. 1t was true noun
tain home. In the lot about the house
was hock of seven fine deer, as tame as
dogs. The evening was very rainy, yet
the attendance on preaching that night
was quite good
tuesday morning I was accompanied
oy mine host across the face of the AL
leghanles, 8 miles to Mount Storm. The
country Is new, half opened, but full of
promises. This is part of the great graz
ing country of the mountains. At Mount
Storm was the guest of Mrs. Cosner, and
was lodged at the house that Rev w.
F. Cosner built for her, his mother. with
his own hands. Almost every article of
furniture In the house bore the impress
OF his skill, and of his filial care. There
was IN progress at the Mount Storm
school-house protracted meeting. was
invited by the ministers to preach, and
did so. The congregation was verv
good. L ind that at this point and at
Greenland Gap there are about six per-
sons who are waiting to unite with our
Church, all of them seem to be people
who will be valuable members.
Wednesday I started with vounp
gentleman to visit Oak Grove, and
preached there, but it rained hard ali
day, and | turned back because to 90 TO
Oak Grove would have taken me across
both prongs of the North Fork of the
Potomac, and these were rising danger
ously. Those mountain streams are fear
tul when running high So turning back
l went along the northwestern grade
to Hartmansville, and lodged at Moua,t
Alto, the elegant home of Mr.. D. @.
Iabb. He and his family are a tower
OF strength for our cause here. ri
preached Thursday night to rather
small congregation. The night was very
cold. This is about the centre of the
field over which / have ridden. And
most hearty welcome from this family
awaits the minister, who in Gods provi |
dence shall take charge of the work here.
About six miles northwest from Hart |
Evansville lies the (now) famous Elk
Garden country, the great coal region ofI
West Va, which is being opened bv the
building of the P. & w. Va. Central r
Il. 1t is country whose thousand hills