Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1889-05-14
AUGUSTA COUNTY.
The Presbyterian Congregation OF
BetbeI-The Third Church Erected
ON the SzmeSite and Ded ieated.
rcOrrespOndopcs Of the richmond Dtspatch.I

Correspondence Of the Richmond Dispetch.I
STANTON. Msy -, 1889.
The Presbyterian congregation OF Bethel.
ten mites southwest OF StsuRton, was or
gsuized for worship In 1777. and the first
church erected ia 1873, the second Ia fS2l,,
md the Cbird completed IN April, 1888. The
Rev. Francis Mcfarland, d. D., was pastor
more than forty years, aud was succeeded
by Rev. James Murray, ID. D., 10 1868. but
who was tho co. pastor with DR.. Mcfarland
several yesrs previous.
Bethel Is located in one OF the finest dis
tric,s Of the wealthy and populous county OF
Augusta. About one year ago II was deter
mined TO erect a new edI6ce, which occu-
pies mn eminence In valley aud on the site
OF its predecessors. II is brick building OF
the Gothic style OF architecture, with hand
someiy- designed spire. The interior IL hard
wood euish OF oiled pine. the ceiling formed
in the roof frame. There Is an end gallery
and three aisles-one on each side next 10 the
walls, and one In the centre wider than
usual. The pews are IN two double blocks
and curve TO the centre aisle. The openings
are OF stained glass and the walls white.
The pulpit has recess archsd. as are two
side openings leading 10 the session-reom.
The platform is broad aud ascended by two
steps The desk and pulpit furniture.
Of walnut, are the gift OF the children
of the congregation, the communion table
executed, which was the Offering OF 3
Richmond lady. The pews are CUSHIONED In
uniform style, aud the entire floor surface
esrpeted. There are two memorial windows.
one on each side. One bears the following
inscription: "Ip Memory OF Our Pastor,
Rev. Francis Mcfarland, ID. D., Died 0cto-
Der 10, 1871, and of His Wife, Mary A. Nc
Fsriand, Died January 1, ls7I;" and on the
- ~ tall - In of
Jchn Merritt, Born April ~, 1871, Died Sep
fember l6, 1888, and His Wife. Elizabeth
Merritt. Born March q, 1898, Died May 2,
1870" Mr.. Merritt was IN elder OF the
church. The gallery is reached from the
yestibule.
The dedication OF the new ediice took
place yesterday. The congregation was large,
and nearly the entire seating capacity, which
Is for about seven hundred persons, was oc-
cupiea by ladies. The space on the night Of
the pulpit ~ the ehsrch Is entered is appro-
pE.iated 10 the choir; that on the left was oc-
eupisd by the officers Of the church aud
other gentlemen Of the many present. A
few Also obtained seats In the pews and filled
lie gnilety. Without there were many who
cousd not obtain sitting room within. The
day was clear and the temperature mode
rate. The old oaks which surround the
edince xnorded pleasant shade, and the PEG.
pie and their travelling equipages in great
numbers signiGed that II was one OF uniyer.
ISL interest Tbere were large numbers
from stauDton and from other points with.
oct the bounds Of the congregation.
In the pulpit with DR.. Murray, the pastor,
were Revs. 5. ii. shuiord, OF the Re.
formed Church. and John II. Wolfe, OF thu
Mstbodist Episcopal Church, South, Of the
viciaity.
The services commenced by . voluntary
from the ergsn-Miss Clara Palmer, Of
Grosnyille, organist, who is pupil at the
ysissy seminary, wsynesboro', Mrs. Wins.
ton. principal.
MIA. A. sproul, chairman OF the Build
ing Conmissss and one OF the trustees, then
On hebAlf Of tbs congregation presented
TIE building 70 the pastor. who received II
nceordisg 70 ritual
1As Grst bynn (56D was announced by
Rev. Mr.. ehuiord. Alter IL Was sung Or.
Murray expressed the great regret which be
and the>copgregxtiou fell because OF the abs
sepce Of Rev. Dr.. ID. X. Mcfarland. Of
stsu~ton, sbo va 70 hsye bean 10 charge Of
Tie sesyiees and delirsr ibe dedics!ory ser.