Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-04-16
STAUNTOM.
A Temprrares Rsviv.i-Chsreh Isseiii.
sesee-Psssss Cailsd, &c.
,cnyyaSnondence of the Richmond Dtsua tch.t

A Temperarce Revival Chareh 1ntei1is
seuee-Psssss Csilsd, &c.
Correspondence OF the Richmond DIspatoh.I
APRIL Is, 1885.
This little city is in the midst Of such
a temperance revival as the :" oldest in
habitant - never before saw. The in
spiration has como through Major 7. NJ.
Holden, Of Rhode Island, gallant old
soldier of the United States army, once
q wild, rafting fellow, now the Grand
Lecturer Of Virginia Good Templars,
and for the past fifteen years an earn
est, practical temperance nan. His ex-
perience Of former days with "the
boys" fits him well TO advise them of
the difficulties and temptations that are
in their way. His native Irish wit and
patbos in speaking. together with his
aptness at storytelling, gets him .
quick and fast hold OF his audience.
The crowds that Major Holden has
drawn every night for the past week,
Notwithstanding the attractions at the
Opsa-House and Skating-Rink, attest
his powers as q lecturer and the hold
his cause has taken upon the people Of
Staunton. lie has a pledge which OBJ
ligstes the signer to abstain from and
discourage the use of all spirituous
liquors, and at the close Of the lee
ture he calls upon his audience to
come up and sign this pledge.
Last night thirty-seyen responded to
his appeals, which makes ISL that have
signed so far. Out of this number there
are sixty who have joined the Good
Templar lodge here. The members are
striving to make this the banner lodge
of the State, and expect before the week
has closed to record at least 500 tenn
perance converts in Staunton. Next
week Major Holden will lecture through
Augusta county for the purpose of re-
viving the country lodges.
Rev. J. f. Booker, pastor Of the
Second Presbyterian church here, has
received a call to the Southern Presby-
terrain church, at Charleston, West Va.
There is Northern Presbyterian church
also in this city. The call comes unan-
imously from large and wealthy con-
gregation of over 300 members, and is
to the co-pastorate with Rev. DR.. J.
C.. Barr, who finds the work too heavy
for him, and was himself the mover in
the scheme. Mr.. Booker will advise his
congregation here on Saturday OF his
decision in the matter.
Rev.w. W. Downey, of Aartinsburg,
West Va, preached at the First Pres
byterian church Sunday. The congre-
CATION was so much pleased with him
that on Monday the session engaged his
services to fill the pulpit until the pas
ter, Rev. j. p. Strider, shall return
from his sick furlough at Townsville,
Ca. where his health is reported to be
much improved.
The new Opera-Iiouse here is hav-
ing quite a run, considering the ad-
vsncement of the season. 1t is occu-
pied every night this week by first-class
performances, and is beautiful and
comfortable theatre.
The financial smash in Norfolk has
been felt disastrously by one of our
best citizens, who lost a2,70O, which
he had on deposit there.
The protracted services at the hand
some new Baptist church at Greenville,
conducted by Rev. W. j. Shipman, of
Richmond, father of the pastor, closed
last Sunday. There had been some
forty conversions, of whom twenty
five have Joined the church. VoX.