Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1884-05-06
Lexington Presbytery.

LEXINGTON, VA, May 3. 1854.
| DEAR SPECTATOR The recent sessions OF
Lexington Presbytery were held in Lexington
church, Of which Rev. T. L. Preston Is tne
greatly esteemed Pastor.
Rev. A. Sprunt preached an impressive SER
mon from Matthew, z7:15-22. on the functions
of Christs kingly office.
Rev. W. 8. P Bryan was chosen Moderator.
Rev. G.. L. Wolf and Ruling Elder faroorough
were appointed temporary clerks
The spirit of the members was very good,
and the hospitality of the citizens was in Keep
ing with the good name Of the town.
The absence of well-known and honored
member was painfully realized.
The pastoral relation between Rev. j. l.. sea-
brook and the churches OF WILLIAMSBURG and
Mcdowell was dissolved, and Mr. seaprooK
dismissed to the Presbytery of South Caroilns'
The departure of this excellent minister is SIN
cerely regretted by all who know him. Tnese
churches were represented in Presoytery oy
Ruling Elders Samuel Meyers and VIM s. NC
Clintic. Esq.,, who ably and strenuousiy OPP
posed the termination of the relation SO pleas
antly existing.
There can be no doubt, however, that it was
best to permit Mr.. Seabrook's return TO his ma
tive State, where ield of great usefulness is
open to him.
Rev. George Buckle accepted the call to Pts
gah church in Highland county. and Presby-
terry adjourned to meet there at an early day
May 27th) to ordain and install him.
The well-know n and very intelligent Elder
from Hebron church, Maj. VIM. NJ. Tate, read
a carefully prepared paper, having bearing
on the status of the Teaching and Ruling
Elder in church courts. 1t was unanimously
referred to committee on Bills and Overtures.
Should this overture be adopted by the General
Assembly it will afford happy solution of
what promises to be perplexing and trouble
some question. Hence its Importance in the
estimation of those who study the things that
make for peace.
Rev. Frank McCutchen was chosen Treasu-
rer of Presbytery. His promptness and accu-
racy fit him well for the position.
Rev. Calvin J. Ralston, an ordained minister
of the Christian Church, East Virginia Con-
ference, was received and enrolled among the
members of Presbytery. He will probably
spend some months in the service of Williams
vile and Mcdowell churches by permission of
Presbytery.
Mr.. w. G. McClung was licensed to preach.
and will probably labor in Pendleton county,
where most interesting field of usefulness is
ready.
Mr.. D. N. Layton, Ruling Elder of Mt. Ho-
reb church, was also licensed for the ministry.
He will go to Chenille. w. Va, to develop
very attractive and promising opening for
Presbyterian effort. Rev. DR.. James B. Taylor,
of the Baptist church. and Rev. Mr.. Wade,
of the Methodist church, were visiting breth-
rem, and Rev. Mr.. Hoge. of Montgomery Pres
bytery. was corresponding member
In the direction of the Presbyterian Commit
foao Or has
been made, Notwithstanding so much of the
department of relig Gus effort was impeded for
lack of ministers and changes by death and
removals.
Rev. D. A. Penick presented carefully pre-
pared report, setting forth for the past year the
results as to contributing for the work of For
eign Missions. 1t appeared that there are in
dividuals who contribute from $500 to $1,000
annually. Ladies societies and Sabbath schools
make good showing, while the amounts pro-
vided for by congregational collections do not
rise to what ought to be expected for cause
so important as sending the gospel to heather
lands.
A courteous invitation from the faculty of
Washington and Lee University was received,
and, in response, the members of Presbytery,
in body, visited the Institution, accompanied
by the Professors and others. Every pains was
taken to make the occasion enjoyable. The
Newcomb mem orial building, the Museum,
the Tomb of Lee, the Recumbent Statue, and
Memorial Chapel, are features of special inter-
est.
The writer could scarcely realize that this is
the place where he was student thirty years
ago. SO wonderful has been the advance in so
many respects. One feature is especially graft
flying. the prominence given to the emblems of
religion. The first object that greets the eye
when entering the ground is the Memorial
richly gilded lawn.
While the appliances for scientific research
| cannot be easily surpassed. yet one must look
| for Huxley and his compeers in secluded
places. their names not conspicuousy craven
in stone by art or mans device. 1t Is grand
privilege to be student of this University, to
have for years the influence of associations ev
er reminding one of the lessons exemplified
by such illustrious lives were lived by
Washington and Lee.
Rev. Messrs. Haddon and Stephenson. of the
Associate Reformed church, were invited to
| seats as corresponding members.
Messrs. Sprunt and Booker were appointed
members OF committee of Home Missions;
Rev. Mr.. Murray, chairman of committee on
Arts and Sciences; DIR. Preston, chairman Of
Publication committee, with Rev. Messrs.
Penick add D. G. Irwin.
The use of all the churches was extended to
| the Presbytery, and the courtesy gratefully
acknowledged.
Rev. Alfred Jones was chosen Evangelist of
Presbytery. Mr.. Jones asked time to consider
the matter, which was conceded.
1t was recommended as the opinion of the
Presbytery that correspondence by letter Is
preferable to correspondence by delegates.
| 1t was resolved to hold the next stated meet
ing at Huttonsville, Randolph county, w. Va,
| August 2Sth 1854.
| So closes a most propitious Presbyterial
| meeting, and long will the hospitable homes
| be remembered by all that were so fortunate as
| to be present.
May it be your correspondents pleasure to
| sketch many more such for your use.
Yours as ever, s. G. RIBBLER.
MatchIess Metal POlish.-An elegant
ID -Syry