The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1885-07-15
For the Central Presbyterian.
The Third Church, Richmond
It's Ruling Elders, and Other
LaYmen and Friends.

original elders of this church. As some
sketches of its history, which referred
mainly to its pastors, have recently been
published, it seems appropriate now to
give some account of the faithful ruling
elders and others who, in the early his
tory of the congregation, upheld the
hands of the ministers.
About forty-fve years ago Sabbath
School was organized in an old building
which stood on the street that DIVORCES
from lower Main street, at the curve IA
miliar to citizens of Richmond. The gas
works are on this street, and are located
not far below the spot on which this old
building stood. The trains of the Chesa-
peake & Ohio extension pass near it, or
nearly over it, soon after they emerge
from the tunnel under Church Hill.
From this Sabbath School arose the
Bethel church. The house of worship of
this church was erected on a spot nearly
opposite the house in which the Sabbath
School was held, and on the ravine that
comes down from Church Hill. Bethel
was organized with view not only to
furnish religious privileges to the people
of Rockets, but also as sailors church.
attendance of the sailors, and with con-
siderable success. The services were
often attended by men of this class.
Now and then the voice of pious cap
tain or other seaman would be heard in
social meetings. The fervor and elo-
quence of some of these men were ami.
mating.
There were some members of the First
church, and perhaps of the United church,
now Grace Street church, residing at
Rockets. These, it should be remem-
bered, were at that time the only other
Presbyterian churches in Richmond.
There were also some of the members of
the older churches residing on Church
Hill. When Bethel was organized, or
soon afterwards, very valuable members
residing in these localities withdrew their
membership from the older churches and
Joined the new organization. There were
also several brethren who, though living
at distance and in the central part Of
the city transferred their connection.
Some of these had already been engaged
in the Sabbath School. Several of these
good men, forsaking the larger and more
attractive scenes in metropolitan congre-
cations, were wont to leave their homes
on the Sabbath morning in time to reach
the Sabbath School of the Bethel church.
They then attended preaching, dined
with some of the hospitable people of
Rockets, spent the afternoon in pastoral
visitation or social religious exercises
staid to preaching at night, and returned
to their homes at late hour.
Mr.. George Hutcheson, who then lived
near Governor street, went early to in
vite the seamen to church. He began
generally with the vessel that was far
thest down at the lowest wharf, and COM
ing up, visited every one. He distrib-
uted tracts, gave brief word of relig-
ioHs exhortation, and told the sailors
when public worship would begin.
have gone with him on his rounds and
met men Of strange religious beliefs ready
for controversy. [ was drawn into an
argument one morning, and fingered long
on the deck of vessel in this useless
employment after my venerable brother
had gone. I received from him after.
wards a gentle admonition. He could
do nothing in any other way than in the
gentle way. He is remembered by all
who knew him as one of the humblest
and most conscientious of Christians. A
Scotchman by birth, he was, as Mr.. Sam
son was, one of many of that land to
whom the Presbyterian churches of Rich
mond are largely indebted. In business
they were examples of honesty and dill
gence, and by these means became pros
porous, and gave freely of their time and
their means to the cause of religion
Mr.. Thomas Samson, lately deceased,
in his ninetieth year, was contemporary
with Mr.. Hutcheson in these early la
bors that were 80 important in the his
tory of the Third church. He was al
ways wise counsellor and steadfast
laborer punctual, exact, intelligent, and
liberal a we'll furnished theologian. and
scriptural speaker and teacher. AS an
associate ruling elder with him in the
Session, 40 stated supply and pastor Of
the church, ever accepted and looked
up to him as an instructor. In doctrine
in plain reproof, and correction, / have
as occasion required, received seasonablt
lessons from his lips. l learned to love
him for his seventies, for l knew they
proceeded from the kind and sincere
heart which so often refreshed me with
its sympathies and its generous deeds
His faithful friendship was never i'm
paired by separation or any other change
and / remember it as one of the mos
precious blessings of life He lived lonf