The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1892-09-11
AN IMPRESSIVE SIGHT.
The Ordinance of Feet Washing
by the Dunkards.

Last night TIMES reporter drove to
the Green Ridge church, some three or
four miles from Salem, where large
gathering Of Dunkards told order) from
Roanoke and adjoining counties, are
attending the regular annual meeting.
Upon entering the large, plain brick
edihce, solemn and impressive sight
was presented; the ordinance of feet
washing was being celebrated. Seated
on wooden benches, before narrow ia bles,
In lines extending nearly the length of
the building, were rows of earnest men
upon one side, and upon the other a
similar array of devout women. The
men were fine-looking body OF sub
stant1al farmers, many with long hair
and boards, reminding one in their rig.
orous simplicity and peaceful manner Of
the religious characters depicte by one
OF the old masters, whilst the women,
dressed in the quiet garb add white cap
OF the sect, completed scene which,
for sincere fervor, is rarely excelled.
In calm and impressive way each
member in turn donned a white apron,
and kneeling down, would lovingly
wash the feet of neighbor, and after
the gentle use of napkin would arise,
and, kissing the brother, reverently
take his seat. This being completed
on both sides of the house, appropriate
selections from the Scripture, followed
by remarks from the leading mem bers,
explaining the Divine authority for this
ordinance. reminding those present that
it was the Master who had commanded
its observance.
To stranger. whilst the scene was
decidedly novel, yet the manner in
which it was enacted stamped it as
religious rite entitled to the respect OF
the beholder. After some singing and
prayer, bowls of soup and bread,
plates of lamb and bread, brought from
an adjoining kitchen, were spread upon
the tables, and these were eaten in sill
ence, the thoughts of all probably re-
verting to the last supper Of the
Saviour, which was then the subject
chosen by the leading speakers, and
after this followed the salutation.
Here zach member grasping the right
hand Of a neighbor would give it a warm
shake, and before releasing it would
Destow hearty kiss uuun said brother.
This among bearded men might have
might have sae,nei quaint. but the
occasion, the place and the manner in
which it was executed robed it with
religious significance which left no room
for undue comment, and, in fact, this
may we'll be SAID of the whole core
mony.
Further hymns aud exhortations, and
then followed that most sacred of all
essentials-the communion.
In this instance the bread was in long
strips and was passed down the lines,
each member breaking off small piece
and, with words similar to those used by
other denominations, passed it to his
neighbor Then when all had received
portion 1t was eaten in silence by the
whole assemblage. Three bottles of
wine were reverently poured into cups,
and in like manner the sacred emblem
was passed around. Succeeding this
were numerous prayers and sacred songs,
and the meeting then dispersed for the
night, some going to their homes and
others returning to the spacious dormi-
tory above the church.
To-day, after hearty breakfast cooked
in the kitchen adjoining the building,
the meeting will be continued until the
evening, when it will come to close.