The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1885-03-25
WILLIAMSBURG, VA. March 20, 's5,

ILLlAMSBURG, "a, March ~, 80.
MeSSrS EditOrS,-The first pastoral
charge which | arranged, as evangelist
of East Hanover Presbytery, embraced
Williamsburg, Hampton, Smithfield,
and Newport News. Less than year
ago the Rev. John G.. Anderson was
placed in charge of this field; and he
has prosecuted the work here with
most commendable energy and crafty
ing success. Those readers of the
Central Presbyterian who have shown
an interest in this work from the be-
ginning, will be pleased to know, L
doubt not, what impressions of the
progress here | have received during
visit which L have just made to three
OF these four towns. When Mr.. An
derson took charge we had no house
of worship belonging to our Church in
any OF these places, and in each only a
little band of Presby terians, dozen in
number, or less. Now two church
buildings are nearly ready to be occu-
pied; and the churches will report fif-
teen additions to the membership.
Williamsburg. Here the Methodists,
according to their accustomed courtesy
and generosity have given us the use
Of their church. But as our work
could not be successful and permanent
without house Of worship of our own,
Mr. Anderson, in the face of the great
difficulty Of such an undertaking with
only few members, and they Of limit
ed means, determined to build a church:
and in this short time they have a
handsome, comfortable, and commo-
dious building that will be finished
early in April. 1t fronts on "Palace
Green, the lawn that stretches in front
OF the old site Of the palace of the
colonial governors of Virginia.
Hampton. Here too with like diff
cultles to encounter, this energetic
young brother, and the little band who
have helped him, have church nearly
completed. A liberal citizen presented
them lot in a growing part Of the
town; and the building they have
erected on it is of pleasing exterior, is
attractive within, and sufficiently large.
Hitherto the services have been held
in the court house. AS soon as this
church and that at Williamsburg are
dedicated, which will probably be be-
fore the middle of April, Sabbath
Schools will be started at both, work
hitherto impracticable from want of
suitable rooms.
Newport Ne10S. This town has lost
ground during the year both in popu-
lation. and business. Our little church
has suffered from the retrogression,
and being no longer able to continue
their portion of the salary, they have
agreed to unite with their pastor in a
request for dissolution of the pastoral
relation. think n temporary arrange
ment Will be made to continue the ser
vices fol- this little flock. No effort has
been made here to erect a church of
our own, the Union chapel, belonging
to the Land Company, being sufficient
for the congregation.
iSmHhfetd. l was not able to include
this point in my present tour Of vista
ton; but | learn that the church is in
an encouraging condition. The SER
vices are held IN rented hall. The
building Of church is contemplated,
indeed determined upon, but the work
will probably not be begun this year.
Besides preaching to these four little
churches, Mr.. Anderson breaches at
two mission points, and at the asylum
In Williamsburg and the Soldiers Home
In Hampton, eight places in all. Those
who have contributed to the work in
this field, will be gratfied at the en-
couraging progress already made; and
L hope that the friends of this work
will contribute the additional amounts
needed, comparatively small that these
two churches may be dedicated free
from debt w. A. CAMPBELL.