Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-12-22

G simple one. and provides for discover
l-- procuring. and preserving whatever
ray relate TO the history Of Christianity
All 90 the Baptist denomination in Vir-
fr4 in particular"
The first meeting Of the society was
fel .n the historic town OF Culpeper, a
t.c, hallowed by thrilling events in the
history Of the Baptists. at the time OF the
annual meeting Of the Virginia General
ASSOCIATION. June .. 1876 This body eN-
tended 70 the society a helping hand for
several years. Public addresses were de-
lyered by such men as r. l. T. Beale.
James =. Boyce. Theodore Whitfield, r.
O. Robinson. W. +. Hatcher. c. c. Bit
TINS Henry Mcdonald. \. b. Brown, John
e. Long DR.. Cathcart, T. NJ. Ellis, John
a BraOddu. and ". II. Whitsitt.
These speeches were listened 10 with
rQ- attention as they pictured
re early struggles Of the Church, or
graphically narrated the deeds OF the
fathers Among the themes discussed
ve-- Early Observations Of the Baptsts
O. Virginia" "The Uses Of Baptist His
tory" The Importance of Preserving the
Materials Out Of Which History is Com
posed" THE Old-School Baptists." John
H.lvan." Father Harris" a W. Pom
d-xter." &C. &c.
HISTORIC SPIRIT QUICKENED.
The historic spirit Of the great denomi-
ration was rapidly and enthusiastically
Cuickened by these earnest efforts, and
BEGAN to bear fruit IN smaller yet no less
important meetings looking to the gather
ing Up and preserving Of the materials
OF a most interesting history
The trustees OF Richmond College grant
81 the society a room in the main build
Ing Of that institution for the archives
and ii was not long before shelves be-
came laden with histories, pamphlets,
ADDRESSES. minutes OF associations, man.
uscript records Of churches yellow with
age. bound volumes Of newspapers, and
e. variety OF information on Christian
themes and records of Christian and de-
ror1inational work. AS indicating the
widespread interest. when files Of the Re-
ueious Herald were asked. twelve States
responded
IL is confidently asserted that the histo-
r. Of the Baptsts OF Virginia and OF the
United states could not be successfully
written without the aid Of the valuable
documents Of this society. Besides the
parers bearing upon Baptist growth, ana
rr.n the principles and systems OF this
tranch Of the Christian world. there are
others which have been gathered and are
treasured. showing the work OF otner oe-
uomlnations christianity In genera
comes within the reach and scope OF the
Is also the secretary Of the society, Is the
custodian Of these treasures.
UEvELOPMENT OF LOCAL HISTORY.
One OF the most interesting results OF
rs organization is the development OF
local history. There are many Baptist
churches In Virginia that are 100 or
81 years old These have been cele-
t-atng their centennials or semi-centen-
ra.s with deep interest. Notably among
these have been large meetings al Herml-
tage Middlesex county; Morning, klch-
mold county; Burlington, King ana
Queen county; Massaponax, spotsylyania'
long Branch LoudOun, Hebron, BLACK
Creek and COurt-Street church Ports
mouth In Southern Virginia. and many
others From the churches the centen-
DIAL observance passed to the district
as-ocatlons. The Dover held great
meeting on its Tooth anniversary at old
Dover church. In GOOchland county, with
ne eloquent Dr. j. L. Burrows as orator.
The strawberry Association was fortunate
o. securing Rev Dr. G. G. Biting whose
historical sketch Is most valuable. AT
Chatham. in 1859. Rev. George b. Eager,
ID To- Rev. G. H. Ryiand. ID. D., and
Rev. a. r. Dickinson, -. D., delivered
addresses on the 100 years Of the Roanoke
Association. The Goshen Association held
fs centennial at Bowling Green In 1872
Nltt Rev. L. ]. Haley as historian. Ihus
Interest has been klndled all over the
State. and most valuable data bearing
UPON the religious life and history OF
Virginia gathered and preserved
Nor Is this all The example or NH-
gina Baptlsfs has been infectious. O'hei