Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1884-10-17
REV. DIR. HOGE AT HONE.
Reception Given HIM In the Lsciure-Re
or the second Presbyterian Church.

Rev. DIR. Moses ID. Hoge reached this
city night before last from Europe. where
be went for the double purpose OF attend
ing the Evangelical Alliance at Copen-
hagen TO which he was delegate)
and TO spend with his son Moses
IA student at the Berlin University
his vacation In travel In Great Britain. In
the Doctors absence Rev. Mr.. Kerr, OF the
First Presbyterian church, filled his pulpit.
and the two congregations worshipped to-
gether in the Second church; an arrange
ment made particularly practicable. mas
much as the house OF worship OF the First
church has been torn down to make room
for the new City Hall and is being rebuilt
on west Grace street. The ladies' OF the
two churches some time ago resolved to
give Dr. Hoge a welcome home. and they
formed plan which included Mr.. Kerr rs
well as DR.. Hoge in the honors OF the Ocea-
sion; but unfortunately Mr.. Kerr has been
confined at home for several weeks by sick
ness and could not be a participant.
The "welcome home" was given last
night 10 the lecture-room OF the Second
church, which was decorated TO- the occa-
sion with flowers and eyergreens. On the
wall, over the platform, WELCOME was in
scribed IN large letters. The desk was con-
cealod IN a bank Of flowers. and on the other
side Of the room was a large stand filed with
the best obtalnabe specimens OF Virginia
orchards and gardens.
The attendance at the reception was very
large. Mr.. William Writ Henry was the
spokesman Of the two congregations, and
made an address to DR.. lIoge. expressing
in felicitous terms the pleasure OF the peo-
t.lr Il, ra.atxfp.r hin, hoalr Ifa CnaEa of
DIR. Hoge as the Spurge0n OF Richmond /;
alluded happily TO the temporary union OF
the two churches, and congratulated the
First church upon the possession Of one
who is so well suited to his work as Mr..
Kerr is; said that there is seal ccly church
anywhere so much indebted to one man a
the Second is to DIR. Hoge, and truly and
eloquently expressed the delight Of the
Richmond people at the honOrs showered
upon the Doctor in Europe.
DR.. Hoge, replying, SAID that he found a
great deal OF comfort and help in Mr..
Honry's warm words. lie believed it 10
be the opinion OF all professional men that
the life Of a minister is peculiarly trying,
demanding. as il does. so much labor OF the
brain and body. and such calls upon the
emotIons but there is nothing so cheering
~
and come from the heart, as he felt sure they
did in this instance. Referring 10 what Mr.
Henry had said Of the indebtedness OF the
church 10 him. he made modest disclaimer
and answered that rarely has q church had
such material 10 work upon as he had here,
! and III our church has prospered praise b'
to God, for never has pastor been better
sustained
DR.. IIoge would not let Mr.. IIenry's CON
parison OF him with Spurgeon stand, anC
after SAYING how unworthy he was to b,
! likened TO Spurgeon spoke In hearty praise
| OF that great preacher. who had said tha
| hi. (spurgeon's) success was 4" not due tC
| the attraction Of magnetic power OF the mar
! on the platform. but was because his people
! loved him and worked with him."
OF the agreeable reception he had met in
| Europe, he declared that not one tithe o
Il was due to him personally. But h
! thanked God that Lc was enabled tO repre-
sent this pe0ple, the Church OF which h
! is q member and the land Of which he Is
| citizen; and he knew Of no luxury create
than that II carrying with him the conf
dence OF those whom he tried TO represent
DR.. IIoge said that he went away on thi
VOYAGE with the first feeling OF satisfaction
he had ever had in crossing the ocean
and that il was because he hat
left his church in the care OF s
good a minister a. Mr.. Kerr. OF thi
gentlemans piety and ability he spok
very warmly and regretted hr. Kerr
sickness. Since his return here he ha
had time 10 pay but one visit, and that wa
to Mr.. Kerr. Or. llOge, as he looked upo
the splendid display Of fruits and flower'
said. al am reminded that the blue heaven
DO not bend over a fairer land Than this,
and that our institutions may be preserve
be earnestly prayed, but that could be don
not by dependence upon soldier or state
men, but by dependence upon God, and
will be found that the "truest patriot
! the most earnest Christian"
Then he spoke OF "the happy church'
OF this town." and the harmony eXistin
among them, and concluded with a declars
ton that, refreshed 10y his rest. he wa
ready and glad to return TO his labors, an
he asked the blessing Of God upon his worI
and his people.
The choir OF the First church then san
"Home, sweet Home -; after that hanc
shakings With Dr. Hoge; then music an
refreshments. and an evening OF pleasur
TO all.
The collection OF fruits. flowers. and "
setables will be presented to the Ol
Ladies' Home to-day.
There were several ministers present q
the reception. and Or. Hoge, in his r,
marks. specially referred TO them, and
grateful terms.