Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1891-09-05

Chaplin S. Hedges, D. D., of the
Mount Oliyet Episcopal Church. New
Orleans, La, celebrated the Goth an
niversary of his service TO the church
on Aug. 2lst. 1t was memorable
event and we regret that we have not
space for the full proceedings. Several
ministers assisted in the services and
there was large congregation pre-.
sent. Eloquent tributes were paid to
his zeal and labor in the ministry, and
warm congratulations were rendered
him on all sides. We are pleased to
see native of Berkeley thus honored.
1t reflects credit on himself and his
native home, where many distinguish
ed citizens yet bear his name.
DR.. Hedges read the 440th hymn
What hour of bliss, Lord" etc..
which was sung by the congregation.
At its conclusion, the venerable man
read the following. He had at first
intended TO make his remarks extern
poraneously, but fearing that his adj
vanced age would prevent him doing
so as we'll as he might wish, he final
ly decided to write them out in full.
TODAY SIXTY YEARS AGO
| was ordained to the diaconate in the
ministry of the Protestant Episcopal
church, and then authorized to preach
the blessed gospel of our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ. How l have
preached that gospel is only fully
known to the Master, and those who
have waited upon my ministry. have
always faithfully and earnestly pre-
scented Christ crucified for the saliva
ton of the world. feel delighted and
gratified at the presence of this large
assemblage of my friends, and think
it very suitable occasion TO give an
epitomc of my life.
was born in Berkeley county, in
the valley of Virginia, on the 18th
day of August, 1908, and am now SO
years old. l received my entire edu-
cation in that state, and graduated
from the Virginia Theological Semi
nary, and am the oldest living alum
nus of that institution. On the 2lst
of August, 1881, sixty years ago, l
was ordained deacon in Grace church,
Berryville, by Bishop Meade, who at
once assigned me to clerical duty.
The next year | was advanced to the
priesthood. In September of the fol-
lowing year | was married to Miss
Mary r. Lee, in Christ church, Win
chester, who still survives to bless,
cheer and comfort me in my declIn-
ing years. The first years of my min
istry were spent in parochial labors in
my native state.
" In 1886 | accepted an appointment
DIS missionary in Missouri. During
the years | remained in that state |
occupied several important positions.
In 1910 took part in the organization
of that diocese, and at this time ! am
the only surviving clergyman Of that
convention.
At the earnest solicitation of Bish-
OPP Polk, who had been fellow stu
dent with the at the seminary, / ca me
to Louisiana, and in 1917 settled in
Monroe and gave a part Of my time
in duties to adjacent parishes. | was
afterwards for two or three years rec
tor Of st. Mary's church, Franklin,
Subsequently took charge of st.
Luke's church, in this city, and labor
cd on steadily until 1868, when by a
military order myself and family
were sent out of Louisiana. During
my absence my church was burned
and with it my library.
A fter the war, and with many diff
ficulties, my church was rebuilt. But
my health failed me. L could not
go on with parochial labor, I gave
up. st. Luke's church became the
property of Trinity church, and the
name was changed to Trinity chapel.
In the upper country l recovered
my former health and strength and
felt it to be my duty TO return to this
my favorite city as a place Of resi-
dence and my favorite field of labor
for the church of God. Myself and
family arrived in New Orleans in the
spring of 1878. By invitation took
charge of Mt. Olivet church, city of
New Orleans. This portion of the
city has large population and affords
great room for clerical exertion and
zeal. l commenced my labor in 1878
before the epidemic began, and
throughout that dreadful sickness 1
served two churches, officiating in the
morning at one and in the evening at
the other, attending also the sick and
other duties of both. The good Lord
gave me great strength, so l labore1
more abundantIy. You my, dear
friends, know of my laborS in past
years.
But have grown old, and l felt
it to be my duty, owing to increasing
iniirmitieS, TO give way to some
younger minister. ] resigned this
parish in May last. 1 have resided
in this city for many years. 1 am the
oldest clergyman in the diocese. l
feel that have finished my work. l
yearn for rest aud repose. Through
all my life l have felt the guiding
hand of God, and am assured that he
will rot cast me off in my old age, nor
forsake me when my strength faileth.
And he will at last receive me into
the home of the faithful departed and,
with my dear ones, in joy and felici-
ty."