Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-10-27
CHRIST CHURCH.

and honored by every one. He was sue
ceeded by Rev. Robert 4. Jackson, VINO
died after a year of earnest labor, blessed
of God for good.
CHRIST CHURCH BURNED.
Rev. Duncan McCulloch followed Mr..
Jackson in 1852. During the formers
rectorship. on the morning Of March z,
1884, a fire was discovered In Christ
church building, and the structure was
completely destroyed. Many OF the con-
sregation were convinced that the ohurcn
would never survive this ordeal OF fire,
but the rector and his brave vestry went
TO work. and succeeded In raising funds
sufficient to encourage them In the Eope
that some day they might rebuild:
About July, 1851. Mr.. McCulloch accepted
call to New York, and the church was
left without building and without a
rector.
TOOK NEW START.
The vestry were not discouraged at
their trying situation, put proceeded
zealously with their work. Thev solo the
old site, and purchased i lot OH the cor.
ner Of Twenty-second and Venable
streets. where they began the erection
OF the handsome church that now stands
In that location. The present Christ
church seats 400 people: Is IL the quaint
Queen-Anne style. and is exceedingly
beautiful and attractive.
Rev. James Il. Funston was elected
rector In 1854, and TO his energy and heal
| Is due the completion Of the church
| building, which was consecrat "a py
l Il shop Viii lie III May, 1883 During bis
| stay the commodious Sunday-school room
was added, and through the gifts OF
| lot by Mr.. j. w. Gregory, and the gene.
| rous aid OF the congregation, the neat
Chanel of the Redeemer was erected On
| Chelsea Hill. where regular services are
| now held. and a Furnishing Sunday school
| conducted.
| THE PRESENT CHRIST CHURCH.
Since MIR. Funstens resignation Christ
| church has continued to prosper IL has
been newly-painted, the interior beauti-
| fully frescoed; the floor carpeted; the
| choir moved from the gallery 10 the
| platform of the chancel; the chancel
| enlarged and furnished in handsome quar-
| tered oak, and plans are being made 10
| enlarge the Sunday-school room. now too
small for the number Of scholars.
The church is located IN the midst Of a
| moving people, and nothing but untirine
| work on the part Of rector and helpers
maintains its place and influence. Sta
| tistics show that within the last five
| years more than one hundred communi-
| cants have moved or died, and that an
| equal number have been confirmed
| Among the church organizations are q
| Sisterhood Kings Daughters, Sewing
Society, Girls Society, Boys Read
| ing-Room. and Brotherhood Of st
| Andrew. IL has communion
| OF 30: two Sunday schools. with
| 800 scholars, and "a teachers. During the
last year "a have been confirmed; there
has been q bap,isms, marriages, and
Is funerals.
REV. PRESTON NASH.
In November. 1890. Rev. Preston Nash
present rector assumed charge. He IL
| Master of Arts or Emory and Henry
| College; was ordained priest by BishoI
Whittle In 1885. while chaplain in the re
gular United States army. He resigned
and became assistant 10 DIR. Peterkin a.
Sc James. where he remained his loved
helper and personal friend until he ac
cepted Christ church. Mr.. Nash IL {
prominent Mason and knight Templar
was chaplain and major of the First Nir
ginia Brigade en- the stan Of General An
derson in 1884; Is friend 10 young men
, and an advocate of all athletic exercises
| He Is an earnest speaker. and is peculi
arly happy In his addresses to youni
| people and children. He has man.
| friends among all classes. and has pos
slbly secured more places for working
| people than any one OF his calling In tn
| city He has declined many calls. to re
main with his people, by whom he !
much loved and esteemed.