Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-06-05

Where stands the sixth milestone Of the old
Georgetown and Rockville turnpike, in grove
of century-old oaks, stands Bethesda Church,
the citadel Of Presbyteransm In old Mont.
gomerv.
Yesterday was feast day for the Bethesda
congregation, it being the centennial Of their
first presbytery. More than 200 years ago
there came from the highlands Of Scotland
one Col. Ninian BealL He secured large
domain, which comprised much Of the land
now covered by Washington city George
town and Cabin John. and settled near the
latter place. where was established tho first
Presbyterian Church of this county.
In 1892 Col. Beall was Joined by twelve fami.
lies of sturdy Scotch Presbyterians, among
whom were Nathaniel Taylor and Ninian VII
lett both of whom havs direct descendants still
in the vicinity.
Alexander Beali. . descendant Of Ninisu
Beall. was among the worshipers at Bethesda
yesterday.
The first pastor Of the historical church, fret
known as Captain John. afterwardn chaged to
Cabin John. was the Rev. James Hunt, whose
life and work was the theme OF the days pro.
gram. He was born. 173l. in Hanover county, Va.
He was installed pastor Of the church In 176l
His residence, called by the classic name Tus-
Of Bethesda Church, where Mr.. Hunt received
pupils for n grammar school course. Among
his pupils from 1888 to 1857 was one Of whom
every true Marylander feels justly proud, VIM.
Writ.
Rev. james Hunt planted tho seed bed of
Presbyterianism from which has grown the
prosperous churches Of Rockville, Darnestown
Hermon, Neelsville and the infant church Of
Forest Glen, established since the pastorste of
the minister lin charge. the Rev. Parke P.
Tourney. The people from all the country.
side. Rockville and the District assembled
Yesterday morning to participate In the Hunt
memorial services
HISTORICAL REVIEW.
At II o'clock Rev. P. P. Flournoy gave an
eloquent and deeply interesting sketch OF the
life. character. attainments and fruits Of the
labors OF the late james Hunt, who departed
this life June 2. 1898. The pastor chose for his
text the words inscribed on the tomb Of Be-
thesda's founder:
BE we followers Of me as 1 was OF Christ
Jesus.
''By grace ye a Q saved"
The preacher spohe graphically and earnestly
on the illustrious line of pious ancestry Of
which this church should we'll be proud.
Following Mr.. Hunt, rs pastor Of Bethesda,
came Adam Freeman, an unfortunate extremist
was unfortunate. He was succeeded In 1900 by
one OF the mos, remarkable men Of the church.
DIR. Conrad Specie. q preacher Of great power
and writer Of pure and exalted spirit
In 1905 Dr.. Samuel Martin assumed charge,
serving The church until 1914. He was followed
cal powers. In 1870 john Breckenridge sup
| piled the pulpit in the absence Of q regular
pastor DR.. Carnaham also ministered to his
| people. though never its pastor.
| In 1922 DR.. Mines began a pastorats Of
thirty-fve years. His name is engraved on q
/ tahI trhi &o1t IL, xl,a
vile church. He was for twenty five years the
| principal of Rockville Academy. During the
later and feebler years OF his ministry he was
assisted by Rev. Randolph a. Smith During
his passionate the old stone church at Bothesda
WAS destroyed by fire and the present edihce
! built by the late VIM Kisner.
In 1852 came Rev. VIM. T. Eva. who re-
/ signed the charge in 1857. Rev. E. H. Cump-
ston became pastor in 1857 and served the
church till 1874 In 1864 the church had tho
largest membership since its existence, reaching
1o6 on the church roll
THE PRESENT PASTOR.
The present pastor, P. P. Flournoy, entered
upon his work April 1, 1875. After several
years of acceptable service he accepted call
to Baltimore county and Rev. Alfred Graham
OF Winchester, now of Davidson College, be-
came pastor. 1t was during his pastorship that
Bethesda and Rockville became distinct and
separate organizations and Pastor Flournoy
was recalled to the charge. The church has Z
membership of about 100, fourishing Sabbath
school and mission band
OTHER ExERcIsEs.
Rev. Mr.. Chinn of Rockville spoke to the
| children about missions Rev. J. D. Thomas
preached the evening sermon. The present
board OF elders. to whom IL due much Of the
success of today's prosperity. are Henry Rem
shaw, Nelson Baker, Fl. Bradley Davidson,
Deacon Clayton Williams.
Rev. j. Dunlap Thomas. a son Of the church
and former pupil Of the Sabbath school fifty
three years ago, was present ut today's services
and gave some pleasing and entertaining remi-
niscences. Children's day services were held
at $3.50 p. M, after every one present had been
delightfully."- entertained at luncheon by the
ladies OF the church. DR.. Nelson Baker, the
efficient superintendent Of the school. presided,
and an excellent choir, composed Of Msssrs.
Trail, nobson, Reading Of Rockville, Davidson,
West, Mrs. z. p. Fiournoy, with Miss Annie
ReDshau at nod oh