The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1882-06-21
For the Central Presbyterian.
The Presbyterian Church in Bed
ford county, Va.

N
history of our Church in its onward progress, to
give you few items from the above named
county
Not few of the fathers of our church, men
who under God have been active, blessed, and
prominent in its history, were from this region
some have left their impress on Its charac
tel. and to whom the Church at large is greatly
indebted, of whom DR.. John II. Rice is a prom
inent example Others have spent their days,
and expended their labor here within the boun-
Diary of this and adjoining counties, for exam
ple Rev. James Turner and Rev James Mitch
ell-known among their people and acquaint
ances that yet linger behind as Parson Turner
and Parsoh Mitchell These two ministers of
Christ, though distinguished by some marked
contrasts, labored here with great zeal and sue
cess; and many there are who rise up and call
them blessed. There are many of their own
connections and descendants here and elsewhere,
who follow in their footsteps, some as they
preaching the everlasting gospel, and others
serving the church in various stations.
And there are many more of the earlier rep
resentatives and members of the Presbyterian
church of this section, most of whom have fallen
asleep, but some yet remain, whose characters
are cherished by the people that dwell among
the hills of these their native regions, and
though their names have not found a place IN
human history, yet we trust they are written
in the Lambs book of life, which is far better.
And there yet remains among the people of
the eastern part of this county the successor of
the above mentioned brethren, the Rev. John
G. Shepperson, D. D. For these forty years he
has labored in this county holding fast the truth
and holding forth the word of life, testifying of
Christ and the glory that is to be preached in
Him, and whose bow yet abides in strength
In these last years the reins have for the most
part fallen to the hands of younger men. And
we may hope, with the energy and spirit natu-
raj to younger men sanctifed and guided by the
Spirit of God, there may be renewed life and
energy impaired to the cause they serve.
Not few untoward events have fallen to the
lot of the Presbyterian church in this county,
which have cast some shadows over its name
and history, and have laid no inconsiderable
impediments in the way of its pnogress-but out
of them all we trust it will come forth purified
and prepared for an earnest and effective part in
the work of the Lord for the future which we
hope Is Indicated in the action recently taken
and of which we proceed to give some account.
The Presbytery of Montgomery at its spring
sessions, after some preliminary inquiry, ap
pointed special committee to re arrange the
churches in the northern section of the county.
looking to system of more compact organiza-
tons, located at the most eligible points therein
Ibis committee, consisting of Revs B. w. Nose.
ley, James M. Rawlings, and John Ruff, with
ruling elder W. s. Ware, of Liberty, has already
carried out this purpose in larger part
Organization of OtterviIle Church
church was organized on the 4th Sabbath
of May at Otterville, point on the road lead
ing from Liberty to Big Island, about seven or
eight miles from Liberty. This church was or
gained with 81 members, embracing all the
Presbyterians in this part of the county. Three
Elders, John G.. Thomas, and Messrs. I.aov and
h. h. Beard, were elected and installed. This
organization has comfortable house of worship.
which they own jointly with the Methodists
large and interesting Sunday School, and what
Is worth noticing, excellent congregational sing
ing. Withal, they begin under favorable aus
pIces' and 1t IS to be hoped that by faithful and
Prayerful continuance in every good word and
work, they may accomplish good work for the
Lord
1t is little remarkable, that but a short dis.
lance from this place was the old North Fork
Meeting House" where fathers Mitchell and
Turner preached in the last generation. And
many Of those in the present organization are
the descendants Of the families that composed
the church at this place.
The Reunion of Peaks and New Bethel
Churches
On the second Saturday of June this com
mittee held meeting at the New Bethel church
ediice for the purpose of uniting the two
churches Of New Bethel and Peaks. with which
they were entrusted These two churches after
the Otterville organization is taken off. and (as
Is anticipated after Bufordsvile shall be formed
into separate organization, cover very nearly
tne same territory, with the New Bethel church
building in the centre of it. This is an unusn.
ally pretty church edifce, about eight miles
nor'h OF Liberty, at the base OF the Peaks Of
O''er' IN one OF the most fertile and we'll eulti
waited parts Of the country. The Peaks cbrroh
edihce, nearer Liberty, was consumed bv fire
some eighteen months ago. At the meetin,,
above mentioned the committee united tl,o,o 20
churches at the request Of the members thereof
aud greatly to their qualification, there was no
dissenting voice in either church. Six elders
y. O. Moseley, John G. Hopkins. and Henry
campbell, the former elders Of New Bethel with