The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1885-10-01

PECULIAR PEOPLE TUNKER LOVE
EAs TATTRACTIvE seen ERR
PARTING BENEDICTION. I'D.


Editorial Correspondence.
September %, 1885.
The German Baptists or Thinkers is q
denomination Of the Christian Church
that has large membership in the Val
ley. The primitive method of worship,
and the literal observance Of the ordi-
nances instituted by Christ, which char
acterize the religious ceremonies of this
people, is one of their peculiarities. The
severe simplicity of their dress and lives,
the earnest devotion to their creed, the
christian fellowship viii ch marks their
intercourse with one another, the tangible
sympathy expressed and the practical
charity manifested in the church, the
economy, industry and frugality in their
secular relations, their remarkable success
in material matters, have long designated
them as peculiar people, Jealous of good
works. Until recently it was the belief Of
this Church, especially in this portion of
the country, that education in the higher
branches of English literature, and es-
pecially in the classics, was not essential,
if not discouraged by the example of
Christ and his Disciples. With this con-
viction the attachments of the ministry
and Of the lay membership were limited,
reliance being had upon the inspiration of
the Spirit to guide and instruct..in the dis
courses and discussions which occasion
might demand. OF late, however. there
has been change Of sentiment in this re-
spect. An advanced idea has seized upon
some Of the more progressive members ard
the necessity for higher degree of educa-
tion contended fol-, las means of more salts
factorily explaining the tenets Of their
faith and thorough elucidation of their doc
trines. The dead languages have sometimes
to be appealed to, for the purpose of re-
polling assaults and defending their pro-
claimed doctrine. Consequently. an awak-
ening to the Importance of education has
become..manifest. and as result, flour
ishing College has been established at
Bridgewater, under the control Of Prof.
Flory a young man of classical attainments,
who is devoting his time and talents to the
instruction of the youth of the Church,
aided by competent corps of assistants.
The announcement at the Springs that
the annual observance Of the ordinance OF
Feet Washing of the denomination, would
be held at Elk Run Church on Saturday
night last, excited considerable interest
among the visitors from distant States.
It was ceremony they had never wit
messed, or indeed, heard of before, and
hence it was determined to avail of the oc-
casion and be present to observe the man
ner of the service. The livery accommo-
dations being limited, arrangements were
made for four-horse wagon, capacious
enough to wedge in all who were DESTROYS
of gratifying their curiosity. A four
horse team was drawn up in the evening.
the body of the wagon packed with straw,
and into this eighteen of the guests adj
justed themselves as best they could, four
fifths of them being ladies. 1t was a live
ly and happy gathering, the novelty Of
the accommodations, as well as the mis-
sion, compromising for any Inconvenience
resulting from restricted room and print
tive seats-the bottom of the wagon fur
nishing the latter. An hours drivebrought
the company to the church, where large
concourse had assembled, as it was the
Annual Love Feast. The house was
crowded with members of the denomina-
tion and visiting citizens-the modest
dress and, benevolent expression of the
wives and daughters of the church form
ing pleasing relief from the flash and
tinsel and ''founc grounds and furbelows"
of the outside world of fashion and pre-
tension.
After hymn, Rev. Mr.. Cline read the
18th chapter of John as the authority for
the ceremony of Feet Washing. Rev. A.
CARRIER followed in elucidation OF the
chapter, assigning the reasons for the
observance of the ordinance" 1t was
an example command of Christ. literal
ly construed, and in that justification was
found and the duty imposed of following
in hisfootsteps. Rev. Mr.. Wine enlarged
upon the chapter and ceremony, maintain
ing it's scriptural sanctitY and instructive
Injunction. Rev. Samuel Driver read a
hymn, after the singing Of which by the
congregation, a blessing was asked upon
the supper and ceremony. Then followed
the Feet Washing, preceded by kiss, the
ladies officiating among themselves, and
the gentlemen among themselves. This
was succeeded by all partaking of pre-
pared supper of unleayened bread, and
meat and lamb soup. A solemn silence
pervaded the audience during the.progress
of the Services, order and decorum and
dignity signalling the whole ceremony.
To those who have never witnessed the
observance of this Annual Love Feast
occasion it was novel, impressive and in
neutrality-suspicious. the simplicity,
earnestness and religious devotion Of one
Of the most exemplary classes of our pop
ulation.
The visitors here are fast thinning out.
Last week Mrs. Adams. Mrs. Ward, Miss
Fannie Billiard, Mrs. Tompkins and fam
lily, took their departure, much to the re-
greet of the remaining visitors. Miss Bull
lard is native of the South, but on ac-
count of her health, spends the most of her
time in the East, coming to the Springs
this season to meet her accomplished sis
ter, Mrs. Montgomery, of New Orleans,
who still remains. Miss B. is one Of the
brightest and cheeriest ladies who has
graced the company here this season "a
ray of sunshine dispensing its genial
warmth and gladstone influence in all the
circles of association. Among those still
seeking strength and vigor from the waters
and bracing atmosphere are Mrs. Hall and
family. Mrs. Behan and family Miss Mary
Lee Behan. Miss Marie Buchanan, Mrs.
Montgomery and family, Mrs. Cottraux