The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1893-11-22


sence of the congregation, and publicly
received and baptized. On last Sunday
evening, November 18th, five young men
came forward, and we have never heard
better examinations. They were all e.
ceived and baptized WI en- they stood up
before the congregation to profess their
faith in the Saviour, it was a sight long to
be remembered in this little church Words
and Works.
Newport News Sunday, November
10Th. was festal day in the First Presby
terrain church of Newport News, it being
the Fourth Anniversary of the Sabbath
school The church, which is a very at
tractive one without and within, giving in
its very externals a bright and CHEEKY wei
come to the worshipper, was beautifully
decorated for the occasion. A delightful
programme was prepared for the evening
the exercises being at 1870 o'clock and
admirably executed The music selected
was of high order and appropriate to the
event. The little ones of the infant class
rendered a becoming exercise which was
greatly enjoyed. The superintendent read
his report of the years work which was
exceedingly encouraging, Notwithstanding
the universal depression. There had been
increase in the membership of the school
o. over fifty per cent. Seven had Joined
the church during the year About $3.50
had been raised by the school for all OBJ
jects and wisely expended, some for bene-
ficence and charity. The address was de-
livered by the writer, Rev. William S. Lacy
OF Norfolk. l think 1 have found out the
secret of the marked success of their Sun
day school and of course Of their church.
They have pastor (Rev. E. T. Wellford),
and superintendent (Mr. Dewitt Crane,
who are deeply interested in children and
in the work of the Sunday school, en-
thusiastic, systematic, wide awake Many
rewards were given for attendance (forty
eight Sabbaths in the year,, for bringing
new scholars, for perfect recitation of the
Catechism and so forth. Eighteen scholars
were on the "Roll of Honor" having been
present and punctual forty Sabbaths in the
year. 1 enjoyed my Sunday in Newport
News greatly and learned much. w. S. L.
Colored Presbyterian Church.
The second Sunday in November, four
years ago, the work of establishing col
Ored Presbyterian church in Richmond,
began at True Reformers' Hall:
Since then a church was organized, a
site purchased for $4,000 and the present
editice erected at cost of 1880 The
work is connected with the Board of Mis-
sions for Freedmen, of the Presbyterian
church at Pittsburg, Pa and is supported
by it, but has received hearty sympathy
and material aid from the Presbyterian
pastors and chur ;hes of this city. The
building is pleasantly located on the cor
ner of Monroe and Catherine streets. and
has manse attached to it, Rev. ] E.
Rawlias is pastor The formal opening
look place Sunday afternoon, November,
18th. The services were conducted by the
pastor, Rev. J E. Rawlins, and were { a
deeply interesting character. Prayers were
offered by Revs. Beck and Jones, and an
earnest, practical sermon pr ;ached by Rev.
j Calvin Stewart, from the text, Without
Faith it is Impossible to please God" fol
lowed by brief, stirring address by Mr..
j ID. X. 5leight. The church was crowd
ed and the singing excellent. Judge g. r
Wexford, Messrs James Gordon, John
Patton, and other white friends occupied
seats in the congregation
WEST VIRGINIA
Elk Branch Church This church
has recently enjoyed gracious season of
refreshing from the prtsenc of the Lord. >,
during series of pro racted services of
eighteen days conducted by the pastor,
Rev. j. Z Triplett Twenty five persons
publicly professed heir faith in Christ ;
twenty of them united with the Elk Branch
church; the ordinance of baptism was ad
mtnister0d to twelve of them, three of
whom were heads of families. The mem.
bership of the church was greatly quicken
ed and strengthened The congregation
has recently greatly improved the church
edifce and manse.
Huntingdon "A called meeting of
Greenbrier Presbytery was held here No
Yember 18th. The Rev Newton Donald
son, of Allegheny Presbytery, was received,
and was installed pastor of the First Pres
byterian church. The church gave their
ne" pastor a very hearty welcome. and
their outlook Tor future work and develop
ment is hopeful
AT st. Albans, the pastor, Rev. G. T.
Lyle, is about to begin protracted service,
and ne and his people are anxiously al king
and looking for work Of grace.
AT Elk City, Rev. b. F. Patton, pastor.
Che congregations are large at every ser
vice. and a rich blessing is hoped for.
ALABAMA
Licentiate L. G. Halves has been or.