The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1882-07-05
souls to heaven who would perish, had
not sent them the gospel"
Presbyterianism in Fluvanna.
FLUvANNA Co., VA, June 81.

Sunday, June 25th, was memorable
day for our little Rivanna church, as on
that day its first pastor was installed.
Though the day was excessively warm
and the roads dry and dusty, a large
congregation assembled at our new
church building to witness, what had
never before been witnessed in Fluvanna
county, the installation of Presbyterian
pastor.
Rev. T. D. Bell, D. D., of the COM
mittee of Presbytery, preached one of his
mastery sermons, taking as his text
Eph. iv: IL, in which he showed the
Scripture warrant and the wisdom of the
Presbyterian pastorate. After the SER
mon the pastor-elect, Rev. II. II. Mclean,
was duly installed in the constitutional
manner.
During services in the afternoon the
new pastor ordained to the Office of Ru-
ling Elder, Mr.. Junius II. Wood.
This little church was organized
about two years ago with only eight
members, by a committee of West
Hanover Presbytery. During the past
twelve months, having secured the
Iegular services of its present pastor,
it has doubled its membership, and a
wide field of usefulness now lies before it.
Before the late war between the States,
church was organized at our county
seat; but during the war the members
were scattered and lost their property,
and the enterprise had to be abandoned.
Since that time this is the first attempt
to found Presbyterian church in this
county. Almost every one thought and
said that this was hopeless undertak-
ing; but now that we can worship in our
own house, Presbyterianism may be re-
garded as firmly planted in Fluvanna.
AS soon as the church was organized
committee was appointed to build a
house of worship, only restricting them
not to contract any debt. Outsiders re-
garded the undertaking as fanciful; that
eight men and women, none of whom
were wealthy and the most of them poor,
should attempt so build church Yet
by prayer, personal application, and per-
severance, we have raised the hull of a
neat house, 28x42 feet, which will seat
some 800 or 400 persons, and which, dur
ing the summer months, we now occupy.
l believe this is the first Presbyterian
house of worship erected in the county.
But the means of our people are ex-
hausted. They have done what they can.
The house, as it is, cannot be used with
comfort during the winter. 1t will re-
quire some 5000 or $500 more to plaster
and finish it so as to make it comfortable
at all seasons. To close our doors during
the winter months would greatly cripple
us; yet we cannot afford to destroy our
usefulness by contracting debt which
we can now see no way of paying. Pres
bytery Is to meet with US in September,
and we are anxious to complete it and
dedicate it at that time. Our church is
not simply church of a community but
1t ls the nucleus around which gathers
the Presbyterian element of the county /:
hence in establishing this church, as YOU
do by completing our house, you establish
the Presbyterian Church in Fluvanna.
Who will help us in this undertaking? &?
Will not our city churches that have
means assist our little church that is
struggling for existence? Will not our
country churches, that have comfortable
houses In which to worship, remember
the times of their infancy and lend us a
helping hand? Will not everyone who
loves our Zion, and desires her extension.
give as he is able to assist in spreading
Presbyterianism in Fluvanna.
Contributions to this cause may be
sent to John w. Rison, chairman build
ing committee, Columbia, Fluvanna coun-
ty, Va. PASTOR.
Foreign Missionary Institute.