The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1886-10-06
oRREsPoNDENC NOE.
Letter from Florida.
DE LAND, Fla, Oct. I'd, :

LIE LAND L La, OCU. Au, OO.
MeSSYS. Ed5tors,-On returning home
last Monday from an absence of nearly
three weeks found two squares of the
business of our city in ashes, still smok-
ing from fire the night before which
originated in the drinking saloon. Be-
cause of the recent activity of some Of
the temperance people, some liquor men
claim that they set it on fire; but singu-
larly all the best things of the saloon
and plenty of the "fery devil" were
moved to new place the next day and
continued to burn happiness from pat
ronizing homes. ere the smoke of the fire
had ceased. The time for license has
nearly expired, and we trust its renewal
may be prevented by the activity of the
good ladies who are getting up petit
ton in opposition to it. The fire swept
the Boulevard from Richland avenue to
New York avenue, and half way on the
last two named. No churches or hotels
were burned, and the city is not at all
checked by the fire. Stores of all kinds
are still open sufficient to do the business
of the place, and those who were burned
out are rapidly commencing again in new
built up with brick, and the town placed
on better basis. Arrangements have
Just been completed and contracts made
for a system of water works, which will
guard against such disasters in the fu-
ture. The Presbyterian church was bad
ly scorched in front, and saved by hard
work and a favorable Providence. The
pastor, Rev. Mr.. Gelston, for some time
absent, is expected soon.
The Baptist College here is about to
open under most favorable auspices.
Several Florida churches are now va
can't, and fields of promising labor for
faithful workmen willing to bear hard
ness in the Masters work. Support in
the work is difficult here for various rea-
sons, but the results nowhere better than
here. Sanford is vacant and wants an
earnest young man. Ocala has Just be-
come vacant. They propose to complete
the effort now in hand of building a
church before calling pastor. Talla-
hassee is, or about to be vacant, we learn.
In st. Johns Presbytery at least two
good mission fields need efficient work
men as soon as practicable. One, the
Emporia field, including three or four
young churches in Valusla county on OF
near the ]. T. and r. w. r. r., with
good prospects. Another in the Manatee
river field, where new church is ready
for ordination, and we consider it a most
promising field for the future. In Flori
da Presbytery the Kanapaha, Mikesville
Micanophy, and Centre Point churches
are vacant, and other fields need atten.
ton. New towns are springing up and
new churches are needed.
Prospects are good for great rush o.
visitors and immigrants this fall. The
cold last winter checked enthusiasm
somewhat for a time, but q season I
growth has largely replaced the damage
done. Such winter has not occurred
for fifty years, and may not for fifty more
Severe weather, continued droughts, ex
cessive rain, continued strikes, violen
earthquakes, cyclones, hail storms, Of
some special disaster has visited every
other section in the meantime and caused
as much injury as the cold in Florida
Much good was done in turning attention
to more diversified products. The orang
craze had gone so far that many wer,
planting groves north Of the orange belt
Attention is called back more to farm
ing, fruit culture, grapes, &c., many othe
things readily developed in this Soutl
country. Some have an idea that farm
ing will not pay. Last Sabbath I was il
as prosperous farming community a
any I know Fine lands for all kinds 0