Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-02-24
SUNDAY. FEBRUARY "a, 1895.
The Hnrc semi-Centcnnial.

Fifty years ago Richmond was city
of less than $500 inhabitants. John
Tyler was President OF the United States,
House for James X. Polk. James Nc
Doweli was Governor OF Virginia: Queen
Victoria was in the eighth year Of her
reign. and Louis PHILIPPE was King OF
France. Railroads were then in their
infancy, and Morse's telegraph line be-
tween Washington and Baltimore had
Just been opened. Fifty years ago Rev.
Moses d. Hoge began his pastorate at the
Second Presbyterian church here. and
the tie thus formed has remained I'M
broken through the most eventful years
OF Richmond's history.
Or. Hoge comes from a family OF great
preachers, and 1t was TO be expected
that he would distinguish himself in the
pulpit, but his greatest admirers could
not have expected that he would be
blessed with such long and unbroken
career of success as he has had. Think
Of it--ffty years the pastor OF one church,!
Fifty years OF active and incessant labor
In the pulpit. in christening infants, in
Joining people in wedlock. in soothing the
sick, In burying the dead. and comfort
ing the living.
What mighty congregation that would
be II all those who have heard the sound
Of his voice pleading for the better life
could arise and come together here In
Richmond. They would gather from
Europe, Asia, Africa. and America They
would come in battalions from all the
battle-nelds of the late war. but in great
est numbers from lakewood and Holly
wood cemeteries.
Titled men OF the Old World there
would be in this great assemblaGe, and
Davis, Lee, Jackson. the Hills, and such
Ike would be there. and thousands OF
other people. who in life filled humber
stations. yet always found In this minis
ter a sympathizng friend.
There are other ministers who have
been half century In pulpit service, but
not one. 30 far as we know In this
country, who has been 80 long In one
pastorate; nor one that we know OF who
has resisted SO many temptations to
CnhNBe HIS Icii VI labp4. m i'NsN He's'
chosen TO abide with the friends OF his
youth. and has chosen wisely. Here
he has had large sphere of useful
ness; here he has made great I'M
preston upon great community, and
mas radiated beneficial influence to an
overwhelming circle.
Energy and eloquence are character
lstc Of him. He has been worker
,lways; always a student. The fiftieth
rear of his pastorate finds him preaching
three times q week at least, without in
Permission for summer vacations, and at
tending daily to manifold other duties
which his position imposes upon him.
II is signal proof Of his eloquence, OF
his magnetic power in the pulpit and as
public orator that whenever he Is an
nounced to speak crowds flock to hear
him.
DR.. Hoge's popularity with all classes
In Richmond rests upon foundation
Of more than fifty years standing We
have had time TO study his character
He has been a broad-minded. public
spirited. sympathetic. and helpful man..
All our people are his friends. We glory
In the distinction that he has won; we
are proud TO honor him. knowing well
how he has honored our city. And, fur
thermore. we have that faith In him
which comes from knowing that he
"practices what he breaches"