Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1895-02-08
To Honor Rev. DR.. Hoge.
PREPARATIONS FOR CELEBRATING THE
FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS PAS
TORATE AT RICHMOND.

FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS PAS
TORATE AT RICHMOND.
from the Richmond State, Feb. 2nd]
While the preparations for the observance
Of the anniversary Of DR.. Hoge's fiftieth year
as pastor Of the Second PRESBYTERIAN church
of this city are still in embryo, yet those who
have the matter in hand are working with
diligence and earnestness to make the cele
bration worthy of the grand occasion.
A gentleman, who has long passed the sew
entieth milestone of life, said to-day thai
never but once in his long life had he known
or heard of parallel case with that of DR.
Hoge, who, on February 9th next, will have
been in the active service of the same church
for half century.
AS stated, the arrangements for this even
are not yet completed, and have not sufficient
ly progressed for full statement as to wha
its character will be. 1t is understood, how
will be in the nature of an informal reception
of his friends by the Doctor for two hours OF
the night OF the 9th.
Some difficulty was encountered at first a!
to the selection of place of sufficient size il
which to hold the celebration, but finally the
Masonic Temple was decided upon. and the
officers in charge of this building were seer
in regard to the matter. 1t is strict rule
governing this institution that it cannot bt
given free for any purpose whatever, but 81
far from this presenting difficulty, it afford
ed an opportunity for a graceful tribute Of
admiration for DR.. Hoge from the Masons
Fifty prominent men of this order promptly
raised the sum of $50 to pay for the use of the
building, and it will be rendered to the com
mittee in charge of this part of the arrange
ments.
At the meeting of the ladies of the church
held yesterday evening, the question was dis
cussed in all its lights and bearings, and va
rious committees were appointed to attend tt
each detail of the work. Care will be take1
to make these preparations in a strict lint
with DR.. Hoge's we'll known wishes on the
subject, and at the ladies meeting next Fri
day evening reports are expected from sucl
Of these committees as have completed theil
labors. The ladies have their plans wei
mapped out in their own minds, but at pres
ent do not wish to have them made public
until they have progressed further towards
completion.
The finance committee Of the church helt
its regular meeting lastnight, and talked owe
the question, but took no definite action. al
their part in the matter will be to assist th,
ladies at such time as their assistance is re
quired.
The urse of gold to be presented to DR.
Hoge at that time as token of the love anl
esteem of his congregation, is rapidly being
made up, and will probably be fully compile
ted by the Goth of this month.
BEAUTIFUL SOUVENIRS.
A happy idea, originated by the ladies, is
the getting up of some lovely souvenirs Of
this occasion. The mementos are silver and
gilded spoons, which for beauty of design
and execution cannot be surpassed. The
work was done by Tiffany & Co., of New
York. On the handle of each spoon is cut
of DR.. Hoge, a likeness true in every line
the making of the die for which cost $3.50
Below this cut on the handle of the spoon
are the words "Rev. Moses d. Hoge, 1916
1885," On the reverse side of the handle is
engraved "Second Presbyterian church, Rich
mond, Va" A good many Of these beautiful
mementos have already been taken by friends
of DR.. Hoge.i There are still some left al
Nowlan & Co., where they can be seen by
any one who wishes is.
No more beautiful souvenir of this occa.
sion could be secured, an should a sufficient
number of persons indicate their desire fol
these spoons, another lot will be ordered.
There Will be no speaking on the occasion OF
this celebration, and, as before stated. the oc-
casion will be one when the friends of thi;
beloved minister may express to him theil
qualification at his completion of such a
long term of usefulness, and their hopes fol
wears to come