The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1885-03-05
Lexington Presbytery.

Augusta Church. Mr.. Sprunt, in the alb
sence of the moderator, called to order
and opened the session with prayer, after
which Rev. j. f. Booker occupied the
chair. Rev. Mr. Walker. stated clerk.
was present. besides other ministers and
Elders constituting aquoru.n.
Rev. Taylor Martin, Of Mecklenburg
Preshytery being present, was invited to a
seat as corresponding member.
The objects of the session were then eX-
planned when Rev. Mr.. McCutchan moved
that thespastoral relations OF Mr.. Sprunt
to the Augusta Church be dissolved and
that he he transferred to the Orange Pres
bytery of North Carolina. Messrs. VIM.
II. Norman and p Fl. See appeared as
Commissioners from Augusta Church and
submitted the following preamble and res
olutidns which were adopted by that church
on lie lst instant. both Of them giving eN-
preston to the sentiments Of the church
and community in Icing called to separate
from a pastor and friend held in such uni
versal esteem and affection:
1T is With feelings OF s;llr S. that we
hear of our beloved pastors determination
to ask the severihs Of the tender ties that
have united us in the pleasant relations OF
pastor and people for almost six years to
our spiritual good and advancement. For
he has been To us a pastor indeed--tireless
in every duty; the very embodiment of
christian zeal: seeking continually every
opportunity to advance his Master 8 cause,
and his 'eople good. both by precept and
example. III il spirit SO loving and tender.
as 10 draw the tpiulrils of his peoples
hearts closely ;lbont him. Feeling, as we
do. that his ministry has been so blest and
productive OF good so great. that we could
not unite with him in his request, even
though he felt it his duty to 90. did not
the question of health appeal to the feel
ing of love, that prompts us to wish. to
retain him as our pastor. Therefore, be
it
Res0lced LIST, That, as the promotion OF
his health would be the preservation of his
usefulness, ii is our sad duty to unite with
him in his request that the relations as
pastor and people be dissolved.
Resolred End That we heartily recon-
mend him to the people to whom he goes
as faithful in duty. tender and loving in
all his dealings, and earnestly hope they
will hold up his hands and strengthen his
zeal with loving appreciation.
Mr. Sprunt addressed the Presbytery in
brief and affecting remarks, referring in
touching sentences to his long connection
with the congregation of Augusta Church
and the pleasant remembrance he would
carry with him of the kindness and chris
tian devotion Of the church and COM
munity. His health was consideration
which had Influenced his determination to
ask for Il dissolution Of his relations, but a
higher dutyswas involved, that of an en-
Target field of usefulness. He thought
this was presented at Henderson, n. G.,
and ne had accepted the call under the
deepest sense of the responsibility the
change imposed.
Remarks were made by Revs. Walker,
Winfree, Railey and johnson. The reso-
lutions were then passed, and Mr. Sprunt
was requested to preach at the Augusta
Church next Sunday, and declare thepulpit
vacant.
COUNTY CoURT-Judge Jno. w. Stout
presiding. In addition to former pub
lished proceedings for the February term.
we have the following:
The will of Philip Schumacher, dec d.,
was admitted to probate, with Mrs. Sarah
j. Schumacher executriX.
William A. Burnett and John G Slower
qualified as Notaries Public
Administration with the will annexed
was granted to Philip Killian on the estate
Of Dorothy Alexander, decd.
Administration with the will annexed
was granted TO Alex. b. Lightner on the
estate. OF Mrs. Jenetta B. McComb.
James E. Ball and Lewis Morton, charged
with grand larceny and found guilty by
the jury have been sentenced by the Court
to the penitentiary, the former for three
and a half years and the latter for three
years.
James Beverley, charged with malicious
manning with intent to kill, found guilty
by the jury, has been sentenced by the
Court to the penitentiary for ten years.
The case of Ely Middlebrook, indicted
for murder, was heard by the Court, under
section 26 of chapter Z, criminal pro-
cedure, Acts of 1S77.s. The Court pro-
ceeded with the case, examining the wit
nesses, and on Wednesday sentenced him
to eighteen years in the penitentiary.
The verdict Of the jury in the case of
Cynthia Robinson, indicted and tried for
placing distractions ION the Chesapeake
and Ohio Railway, near Swoope's Depot,
was set aside and a new trial granted.
The Court awarded rules against several
veniremen for failing to attend this term
of the Court.
The Court issued warrant from the
Bench, directed to the Sheriff or any Con
stable of Albemarle county, for the appre-
hension of Chas. Shackleford, Wallace
Shackleford, and - Thompson, indicted
at the present term for felony, viz, break
ing and entering i'll the day time.
THE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION of Au
gusta county held an interesting meeting
in this city, on Saturday last. Viee-Presi
dent John A. Micheal presiding. The
County Court was engaged IN the trial o.
an important criminal case, Consequent,
could only grant the use of the Court
House from to ? p. M, when the Asso
citation adjourned by invitation of Judge
J. H. McCue to his office, where the SEES
sion was prolonged for an hour and a hal
in the discussion of matters of impor
lance to the profession which the Associa
ton represents. A large number of names
were added to the roll, and committe
consisting Of Messrs. S. NJ Woods, j. M
Steffey and M. A. Haldman. was appointed
to prepare a memorial which will be lait
before the Association at its next meeting
March IA, for its approval praying the
next session of the Legislature to pass OF
alter certain laws for the relief of the Pub
lie School teachers of the State. The AS
ISOLATION was organized month ago by 9