The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1890-01-30
OUR BAPTIST BRETHREN OF HEN
DERSON.
Pastor VanDeventer Writes EncOur-
agingly Of His Church and it's
Work.
From the Biblical Recorder.]

from the Biblical Recorder]
visit on New Years day. From
morning till nig ht the brethren and
sisters came to see the preacher,
bringing good cheer, best wishes, and
earnest expressions of interest in the
Lords work-the best kind of a
pounding. 1t is much easier to have
the church visit the preacher than for
the preacher to try to visit an hun
dred or two members in one day.
There were some lessons learned.
Some don't lik to visit. 1t showed
how hard it would be for such to make
an acceptable pastor. Some lived
leng way from my home. 1t showed
them how much walking a pastor has
to do in his pastoral work. 1t gave
the pastor the privilege and pleasure
of seeing the brethren in his home.
REUNION SERVICE AND ROLL-CALL
1t had been announced that on the
night of New Years day there would
be such service. Though it was an
unpleasant night, large part of the
church had come together at the APP
pointed hour to answer to their names
and take part in the exercise of the
evening. A report Of the stand ing
committees showed all of the work
done during the year. One of the
brethren had been appointed to adj
dress the church on the "Relation of
Church and PASTOR Henceforth
our deacons will have clearer idea
oftheir duties, and the church will
know what it ought to do. The broth
er was too considerate to discuss the
preachers shortcomings. 1t was
suggested with clearness that the dea-
cons were responsible for the financial |
success of the church, and for healthy
discipline.
After this speech several brethren
told their impressions of the work |
done, the progress made, and the pros
pect for the future.
From what they said, gather the
following The church is united. If
there is a dissatisfied one he keeps in
the background and no one knows
him. So he does no harm. 1t is
good to dwell together in such union.
The church has developed more in
spirituality than along any other line.
This l regard as the most hopeful
feature Of our work. 1t means that
there will be more and better work
done in the future. The committee
on missions recommend an increase of
twenty-five per cent. in our contribu.
tons this year.
SUNDAY SCHOOL WORK.
My class in Bible study, numbering
between thirty and forty, is thing of
interest. The experience of one quar-
ter is that it is the very thing this
church needs. If this church, then
many other churches. The prepara-
ton l have to make for the class work
pays me we'll, besides 1 am preparing
men and women for future work.
THE WORK AROUND HENDERSON,.
Land has been bought on which
church will be built about three miles
from here. Four miles in another d.
rection gentleman, not a church
offers to fit up a house if we
occupy it, which will be done. Other
points are promising, and will have
20 be entered at an early day. l.
know of no place, have never seen
place where the work opens up so
oromisingly. With these opportuni-,
les comes increased responsibilities. l
rust we shall be able to meet the de-
nands.
l was glad to be able to send you
| subscriber on the first of January. |
This letter has grown longer than l
Intended. With best wishes for
happy prosperous year, l am,
r. VANDEvENTER.
Henderson, N. c., Jan. 3, 1890.