Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-06-07
FIFTY YEARS A PASTOR.
DIR. HILLS NOTABLE ANNIVERSARY TO BE
CELEBRATED TOMORROW.

How the BlnIrsville Presbyterinn Church
VIII Observe Its Semi Centenninl-Ifs
First md Only Pastor-Noted Divines TO
be Present.
ESPECIAL TELEGRAM TO THE prsPATcH.I
BLAIRsvILLE, June Ga notable anni-
versary is to be observed in this place De-
ginning tomorrow. An elaborate pro-
gramme has been arranged for the celebra-
tion of the seni-centennial of the pastorate
of Rev. George Hill, d. D., OF the Blairs-
vile Presbyterian Church. The order OF
exercises includes a sermon by Rev. DIR. y.
I. Smith tomorrow morning from the text,
Nv hat profit hath a man of all his labor
which he taketh under the sun? One gen.
GRAFTON passeth away, and another genera
tion cometh. "-Eccl. 3, 4. A children's
meeting is to be held at 2:30 P. M. In the
evening Rev. DR.. j. J. Brownson will de-
liver an address-subject "The Pastorate." "
Or Tuesday, June 10, there will be both
social and religious exercises commemora-
tive of the event. At II o'clock DR.. I. r.
Ewing will lead the devotional services,
Rev. j. W. Criswell delivered the address
of welcome, and Rev. DR.. George Hill the
historical address, Lunch will be served
from IL to 2. In the afternoon Revs. D. W.
Townsend, j. M. Jones, Henry Balm and
DR.. D. 81. Sloan will take part in the ser
vices. Rev. j. R. Hughes will speak OF the
Blairsville Seminary and its work for
Christ, and Rev. DR.. j. s. Elder of its
contributions to Mans Comfort and Eff
ciency."
Tuesday evening Rev. DIR. Thomas D.
Davis will preside and addresses will be de-
livered bv Rev. DIR. W. w. Moorhead,
Revs. J. M. Barnett, S. S. Gibson, Robert
Smith, and the pastors will speak briefly.
Fine music will be interspersed, and the
anniversary exercises will be an event in
the towns history.
The venerable and beloved pastor was
born in Ligionier Valley, near Ligionier.
His father was member Of the Legislature,
and man of good deal of note. The
doctor studied for the ministry and his first
work was as assistant to the Rev. Thomas
Davis, in charge of the congregations of
Salem and Unity. The congregation Of
Blairsville was organized in 1928. and q
brick church put up, which was replaced
BY beautiful modern new one In 1881. DIR.
Hill soon after the organization Became
pastor OF this church, and has remained in
that position since. About 18 months ago
Rev. J. w. Crisswell, of Ohio, graduate
of the Union Theological Seminary, became
his assistant.
The doctor in appearance is tall. with
piercing black eyes, dark complexion. His
hair is now gray, but was once black.
When fred up his eyes speak of great
strength. He has a logical mind and ster-
ling character. He never paid attention to
gossip or murmuring. but went right along
with his duties, turning neither to the right
nor left. Few men have maintained their
standing with congregation so long. He
has been a tower of strength in this COM
munity, in the Presbytery and in the Synod,
and for some years has been one of the di-
rectors of the Western Theological Semi
nary. He has been sound preacher, and
quite eloquent on occasions, plain and
blunt, lacking in polish. but not in heart,
when he is known. He always witbstands
storm bravely and is true friend. His
congregation is large. The doctor reared o
family, and now has q second wife.