The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1882-11-01
For the Central Presbyterian.
Evangelistic Labor.

The Ninth Annual Report Of the Permanent
Committee on Evanqeljstic Labor to the Syn
cd Of Virginia at Charleston, Vest "a, Sep
tsn,6er 18Th 1882, for the gear ending LIST
Of april 1882.
Our report this year, like those before
made, presents a picture of lights and
shadows; but upon the whole and in
matters most directly evangelistic, tits,
we think, somewhat more encouraging
than any heretofore made
abingdon PreS5ytery has one evange-
list, Rev. j. G. Carson, who, in conse-
quence Of territorial advance made last
year, has field more compact and less
laborious, and is encouraged in his work
Presbytery draws from the Assembly's
Committee more money than its church
es contribute to the Evangelistic Fund,
and sees no prospect of occupying all It's
destitute fields, or OF largely increasing
its contributions at any early day. The
field is large and inviting.
Chesapeake PreSJytery reports "bor-
ders large, ministers at work few, desti-
tutions great; cannot afford an evange-
list. Pastors do all they can in supply
ing the gospel to the destitute. This
Presbytery still manages its missionary
work and funds independently of the
Assemblys scheme.
East Hanover last spring resumed its
full connexion with the General Assem-
blys plan. 1t has two evangelists
proper, Rev. L. E. Scott in Suffolk
county, and Rev w. II. Robertson in
Gloucester and at Newport News and
Hampton, both actively engaged and
hopeful Of happy results. Other breth-
rem, though pastors are engaged in
evangelistio work, sowing seed and gath
ering souls. The work in Accomao and
Northampton counties possesses consid-
cradle interest, and has opened and en-
larged under the faithful labors of Revs.
John G. Anderson and r. D. Stimson,
respectively.
This Presbytery has one colored min
ister Rev. David Darlington, who has a
church of his own color in Brunswick
county, Va.
Gyee,,b,1er Pres5yteyy has two evan
CYCLISTS. Rev. James Haynes still labors
in Raleigh, Webster, Nicholas, and the
larger part of Fayette, field that is 8Ox4O
miles in extent, and embraces a popula-
tion Of 25, 900 persons. He serves four or
ganized churches, and in the summer time
breaches at 50 different places There
are many more points that would be
glad to have preaching. Thirteen per-
sons have been received into the church,
and eleven have been baptized contri-
buttons have been made to all causes of
benevolence, amounting to 800; and
$500 have been given to the evangelist's
support. One house Of worship has been
erected and another soon will be, and
these will supply want long and sorely
felt.
In some places there is a prejudice
against the Presbyterian Church; the
country is rugged and mountainous, max
ing the evangelists labors great, and re-
quiring him to live much on horseback :;
but capital and enterprise are developing
its vast resources Of iron, timber, etc. In
these four counties the increase of popu-
lation from 1870 to 1880, was at the
enormous rate Of rs. Raleigh county
alone increased at the rate of fraction
over one huadred per cent.
Rev. ]. A. Mclean, along the line Of
the O. & o. Railroad for 10 miles, preach
es to four organized churches, having
100 members, and breaches at points
to persons connected with railroad min.
ing, and manufacturing enterprises. He
has received % Psrsons into the church.
His labors, however, are not without dis
couragements, owing to the instability Of
many Of his people, the desecration Of
the Sabbath, and at some points the
prevalence Of intemperance.