The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1884-06-04

These different fields have been worked
up to some extent by our Evangelist, the
Rev. w. A. Campbell. I have been
called by them to be pastor. There is
not Presbyterian church building in
the whole field l am using borrowed
churches, courthouses, and public halls
1t is impossible to make much progress
upon this plan. We must have build
ings; and the churches at Hamp ton,
Williamsburg, and Smithfeld have de-
termined to build right away. In all
these places the people are enthusiastic
and willing, l believe, to do what they
are able; and now is certainly the time
for us to build. Though we are weak,
we will not need a great deal beyond
what may be done by the people. We
hope to get what is needed for Smithfeld
from the Baltimore committed We hope
to raise what is needed for Hampton by
private solicitation. For Williamsburg
now make appeal through the columns
of the Central. We have at Williams
burg some fifteen members. We have Sc
cured lot. We have the plans for
building that will seat 200, and have
good prospect of raising by subscription
Gin the way of labor, materials and
money amongst the people) within $3.50
or $175 of the amount needed to COM
plete the building. l place this state
ment before the churches not only Of our
Presbytery, from whom of course we
must expect most of our aid, but also be-
fore the friends of Presbyterianism gen
orally. l would earnestly commend this
field to our people at the present time
The people are stirred up and in earnest,
and there is good opening for work
With little help we can have three
Presbyterian churches in these vacant
counties by the fail of the year. I do
hope that we may report it accomplished,
or nearly so, by the meeting of Presby-
terry. l wish that something could be
done to bring the needs of such fields
more Immediately before our people who !
are disposed and able to give. 1t may
seem strange that such places as those
that have mentioned should have been
so long without Presbyterian church
but so it is, We ought not to let it con-
tinue so, especially when the people are
so willing to do their part. I appeared
in the columns of the Central some three
S9io oSO Will ou PPSd4 III OSAdl4 Vi d |
home mission field in another part of our
Presbytery. The appeal met with
prompt and generous response, and the
result is that with but little aid we sue
oeeded in building two churches in our
destitute fields. Our church membership !
in that field now is nearly double what
it was five years ago. Where they gave
$40 to pastors salary they now give
1925, and when they gave less than $40
to the benevolent objects of the church |
they now give over $3.50. Those who
gave then may see that their money
was well expended, and those who are
to give now may feel encour.
aged to do go. In such fields as I have
been occupying we must have outside
help. I now present the cause of the
Williamsburg church to all the readers
of the Central. We hope, with the aid
of $l75, to build good church there.
Let ten persons give US ten dollars each
Cor some give twenty) and ten give five
each, and then as many as can give a less
amount, and the amount can be raised.
This is by far the most promising and
most important home mission field in
Eastern Virginia.
will be glad to hear from any who
can respond to this appeal. Address me
at Newport News, Va
Very truly, &C., J. G. ANDERSON.