Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1884-02-09

particularly in matter that affects the
respect due the memory OF concededly
devoted and liberal member of the church,
and so near relation rs : sister.
1t was not Il mere personal request, but
one, under all the circumstances, and es-
pecially pith the unqualified approval Of the
RECTOR of the Church, felt that had
right to ask, and very much regret that
majority Of the Vestry so inconsiderately
exercised the power OF their position as TO
deny it.
Although you sllege the refusal is not
meant as personal, it is difficult to accept
any other solution without rejecting upon
the previous education as ehurchmen.
There may be some apology, however,
for this, as have heard of not only pro-
fesscd Epscopalians who could not toll
crate cross in the church, but even OF
supposed EpiscOpalian clergymen who
actually, and personally, would cast the
cross aside.
1t was the earnest hope OF all church.
men that the late Cummings movement
would have afforded an outlet for that dis
turbing clement in our fold, but II seems
that some who were with it in heart did
not 90 with it in person nor share the fate
of the Reform.
While truly mortified at the refusal OF
the proposed memorial, find comPen-
sation, in some measure, NJ least, IN other
respects, when but few years ago, under
your management, serious and distastetul
innovations were being practiced i'll the
church, and q change was suggested by
me, it provoked more violent opposition
TO nv views then than the cross memorial
does now, yet it is gratifying to state that,
since my various communications TO you
touching these matters, they have been
largely corrected, with fair prospect OF
becoming entirely so, and, safe to say, to
the great satisfaction of large majority
! Of the congregation.
1t now being manifest to them that such
was mainly, and il generally, the result
of a lack of knowledge and al imperfect
appreciation of the grandeur OF the
church. its forms and usages.
In fact, the advance and progress in all
that is church-liko has been more marked
and rapid than had reason TO hope for III
so short time.
fancy | witness greater love, apprc-
citation and attachment for our ancient
and holy church.
The old collegiate black gown has dis
appeared, and the surpicc and stole in its
stead; extemporaneous prayers in the
service have ceased; prayer meetings no
longer heard Of; the catcchiam Is being
regularly taught in our Sunday Schools;
tho barracks, commonly called pulpit, has
been removed; tho interruptions, during
service, of members of the Nestry pacing
10 and fro delivering messages to the Rec-
tor, no longer occur; the ante-c0mmuniOn
service, the most beautiful portion of our
divine service, which was SO rarely heard,
is now being regularly rendered; beautl-
ful. lovely flowers, which were so long
excluded from the ch urch are now per-
miCted to be used TO Il limited extent;
there is some Improvement in the offer
tory, though not yet what any churchman
would desire; the benedicton formerly
entirely omitted, is now invariably pro-
noumceG, and even crosses are permitted,
dimly to appear.
These happy changes give promise and
encouragement for 4 better future, and
are largely due, most gladly admit, to
the salutary influence of our good and
conservative Rector, who, under the guild
ance of kind Providence, will in time
place us on 4 solid church basis.
am not unmindful that the grand mis-
sion of the church is the salvation Of souls,
but as a helper in the grand cause, and
incident to it, is the practice of all that
tends to refine, elerate and purify the peo-
| pie.
In this blessed influence nothing sur
passes the divincly inspired forms of wor-
! ship and impressive ceremonies of our
Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church,
which so desire to see strictly observed,
and none more so, than the lovely form
Of offertory 90 frequently referred TO by
me.
/ When YOU shall have been once taught
| to fully realize and comprehend the power
and virtue of these distinctive and cher
! . l,l
vice, then shall / renew my proposition
for cross memorial, with confidence that
it shall be willing accepted.
The resolution offered or drafted TO ex-
cude from the church all forms of me-
mentoes, including mural tablets, memo
rial windows, &C., is so extreme and un-
churchikc in spirit that am not disposed
to answer it rs it deserves.
The Views | have expressed above are
those of an Episcopalian, addressed TO
/ professed Episcopalans, and to be fairly
construed must be read in that light and
viewed from that standpoint.
While not propcrlya subject for thanks,
vet to our Rector end the gentlemen OF
the Vcstry who favored my proposal with
a most cordial support, desire to give the
assurance of my appreciation Of their
efforts, and that they shall always be held
. in grateful remembrance.
Respectfully,
HENRY SHEPHERD.
/ There is something soft and tender in
Al,n 10 n ri,,nln SnnNr- a Ln hut IL a.