Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-04-15
THIRTY YEARS 4 PASTOR.
Testimonial to Rev. Joshua Peterkin, ID. ID.
Of ~. James Church.

btthmohlai 70 Kew joshua Peterkin, ID. ID,
Of ~. James Church.
Rev. DR.. Joshua Petcrkin, rector Of
81. James Episcopal church, corner Of
Fifth and Marshall streets, came to this
city from Princeton, y. j., on the 18th
d-y Of April, 1855, and has during this
entire time-thirty years-been pastor
Of st. James church. and has worked
faithfully for its good and prosperity.
When he took charge of this church it
was quite a small one, but his laborS
have been crowned with succeSS-the
church has grown from smallncSs to
greatness. much good has been accom-
plished, and its past prosperity doubt
less is but a presage of what its future
will be.
DR.. Peterkin is one of the most
widely-known and highly-esteemcd
ministers in the Episcopal Church in
Virginia. He was born IN Baltimore
on the ID day of August, lSl5. At an
early age he expressed the wish to be-
come a minister of God, and is one
among the host of those educated at the
Alexandria Seminary who are noted
for their religious zeal and picty.
Last Sunday he preached sermon
from the text And was with you in
weakness and in fear and in much trem-
bling" the same text hcprcachcd from in
this same church thirty years ago. and
reviewed the history of the church IN that
period of time. But few Of the persons
who heard this sermon thirty years ago
heard it Sunday, most of them having
either moved from here or passed from
time to eternity.
During DR.. PeterkIn'S ministry At
this church there have been over 1000
funerals preached and over $50 mar
riage ceremonies performed in II, aud
more than $500, 600 have been collected.
The church ha, had but three rcctorS
during Is eXi,tencc-DrS. Empic. Cum
mins, and the present one, Or. Peter
Kin.
DR.. Pcterkn'S assistant rcctors at
this church, in regular order, have been
Rev. DR.. Dashcll. now Of ST. Mark 5
church; Rev. Henry 4. Wise, now
dead Rev. George Pctcrkin, son of
DR.. Pctcrkrn and now Bishop Of West
Virginia; Rev. Robert Gibson, son Of
Rev. DR.. Churchill Gibson; Rev. H..
B. Lee. Rev. Mr.. Winchester, Rev.
Edward Wall. Rev. George Dame, son
Of the venerable Dr. George ". Dame.
Of Dan,ille: Rev. George c. Sutton.
and Rev. Preston G. Nash, the present
assistant.
81. Marks church. Of which DR..
Dashiell j., rector, is an oifShoot Of 81.
James. a, is al<o Moore-Nomorial, OF
which Rev. DR.. Sprigs is rector.
Dr. Pctcrkiu'> wife Is still living, and
is one of the best Of Christian women.
The ladic, Of the church have secured a
fine portrait Of DR.. Pctcrhin, and will
place it in the church. 1t was made by
Mr.. Davis. Of Richmond, from photo
graph taken by Mr.. Powers. and Is an
excellent likeness.
! ast night the congregation OF II.
James. with many of their brethren and
friend, of the Episcopal and other
city churches, met in the lccture-room
to greet DR.. Pctcrkin. Iii, picture
was hung on the walls, and over It was
raised scroll bearing the figures 1888
and 1883. DR.. Peterkin was in appa-
rent good health, was in fine spirits,
and received the congratulations el
those present with evident pleasure.
/ Nearly all the Episcopal clergy were
present, and all denominations were
represented by clerEymen or laymcn.
A fine supper wa, prepared and served
by the ladies Of the church, aud was
heartily enjoyed.
That DR.. Pcterkln and his noble wife
may have long life and happiness wa,
the wish of all.