Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-04-29
NICE CHURCH AFFAIRS.
TIE TWO GRACE STREETS.
Ihsnksri'ipg ut Graee-ssreet Prssbyterian--
fitD'hrst Anniversary OF Grace Street
Baptist SUNDAY school.


church took place last night. For years
past the church has labored under the
burden of large debt. incurred by the
rebuilding Of their house of worship,
which was destroyed by fire at the
evacuation of Richmond. This matter
has deeply interested host of warm
friends, and the helping hand of SYM
pathizers in all denominations has been
warmly extended. But none have
labored so earnestly and persistently
as the "godly women - of the church,
and now all these efforts have been
crowned with full success. and the
unique services Of last night were held
in glad commemoratiOn of the accom-
plished work---the debt all paid.
The beautiful edifce was brilliantly
illuminated and filed with an interested
audience Of members and friends of the
church and many specially-invited
guests.
Upon the platform were Rev. Drs.
Peterkin and Minnigerode, of the Epis-
copal Church; Rev. J. L. NJ. Curry,
ID. d., Of the Baptist Church; Rev.
Mr. McGilyray, of the Methodist
Church; Rev. Drs. Hoge, Richardson,
Read, and Drew, and Rev. R. P. Kerr,
Rev. r. r. Howison, and Rev. 7. P.
Epes, Of the Presbyterian Church.
A brilliant overture upon the organ
by Mr.. Edward Bishop opened the exer-
cises Of the evening. This was followed
by the anthem, " 1t is a good thing to
give thanks most beautifully rendered
by a quartette consisting of Mr.. j.
Harvey Blair, Captain Frank Cunning
ham, Mrs. j. II. Blair, and Miss Julia
Fox.
An appropriate Psalm of thanksgiv-
ing was read by Rev. X. L. lIowison,
and prayer offered by Rev. DR.. Curry.
B. {. Wherry. Esq, presented brief
statement Of the Board of Trustees.
and holding in his hand a bundle of
bonds, representing $4,000, issued
fourteen years ago, and now finally
cancelled, he formally handed them to
the venerable and beloved pastor. DR..
Read, with a warm tribute to his faith
ful, untiring zeal in bringing about this
happy issue.
A brief address was made by DR..
Read, detailing the trials and struggles
through which he and his people had
passed, and with trembling voice he
dwclt upon the warm-hearted Sympa-
thies Of the people toward this work in
all sections of the land-North, South.
West. and East.
Major Robert Stiles followed in an
address Of great interest, recalling the
memories and labOrs of the many zeal
GUS men who have entered into rest
since this work began, and announced
the fact that Of the original building
committee only one was now living.
Let a single word express the feeling OF
our hearts tonight" Ebcnczer.'
The musical gem Of the evening was
the charming anthem, 30 Sing Unto
the Lord" and the quartette of gifted
singers afforded rich treat to all
whose privilege it was to hear it.
Rev. j. Pcterkin, d. d.. occupied a
few moments in an address of tender,
loving words, maintaining the substan-
tial unity of Gods people, and re-
ioicing with the brethren Of the Grace
Street church in great JOY which
fills their hearts.
The whole congregation now arose
and joined in the hymn Praise to
Thee. Thou Great Creator" Rev. DR..
Hoge was then called upon to address
the meeting, but declining to make a
formal address offered few warm and
telling words, referring very happily to
buried bonds, according to DR.. Read
the great credit for the success of this
Church. but more than that perhaps
to the "pOwer behind the throne -
the pastors wife.
DR.. Drew now invited the friends Ia
descend to the basement, where ample
refreshments had been provided by the
ladies Of the church for all.
After singing the doxology the bene'
diction was pronounced by Rev. Dr.
Minnigerode.
GRACE-STREET BAPTIST.
The anniversary of this school !,
always an occasion Of deep interest, am
last night was no exception to the rule
Long before the appointed hour the
people began to crowd in until every
available seat and all Of the standing
room was occupied.
The large school filed in and occu
pied the centre Of the church, theil
bright faces and handsome drcSse'
making a very attractive picture. lhr
large audience-roOm, with its capacioui
galleries. is used to immense crowds
but it has probably never been mor'
completely packed than it was las
night.
The music, the flowers, and all of th'
arrangements were admirable and re
flected great credit on all concerned.
After the singing Of THE New
Song" by the school and prayer By
Deacon Minor, The Kindness o
Jesus was very sweetly sung as
duett by little Misses Irene llancocl
and jamie Henry, and chorus by tn
infant class.
The Address Of Welcome " wa
then delivered by one Of the teachers o
the school-George r. Pace, Esq.
Introducing his remarks by verl
graceful and eloquent contrast betweel
the recent anniversary Of Prince Bis
marck's birthday and this purer an'
more elevating anniversary, he very tit
tingly spoke of what was meant by TIN
welcomc-to what they were wei
comeG-and why the audience was wei
coined TO this glad occasion.
1t was a good speech-Seli prepared
we'll delivered, sensible, apr pirate
and very efFectiye-and sho" / tina
Mr.. Pace could make a reput' IN a
an orator only second to his '.endi
reputation as teacher.
The Ship Of Zion" was a. Ilrabl,
rendered by three boys and three girl
of the infant class.
The superintendent Of the school
Mr.. O. ID. Browne, then read repor