Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1895-08-13
Letter From FaIIs church.

Letter iFTOT1i E1llS Olidt1us
IJfr. Raines To break monoton'
and realize change, which is goo'
for the inner and outer man, as wei
as to visit friends, I left Charle'
Town by the early train of the B. !
10. on Friday the 26th inst, and b,
8 O'Clock was in Washington City
the splended capital of this great
country. tarried day and hal
within its inviting bounds. What {
picturesque and beautiful CITY it is,
its magnificent capitol, glistening il
the sunlight, its lofty dome towering
skYward, the extensive wings OF
either side, additions to the original
building to accommodate the en-
llarged growth of the national legisla-
ture, the entire structure, presenting
to the eye a combination of art with
out flaw in its massive proportions.
1t is true doubtless that the world
has no other building that surpasses
it in its distinctive features of archi-
tectural beauty and finish. Yonder,
clear-cut in the Southern sky, stands
the loftiest shaft in the world, a mon
ument to the father of his country,
a man among men, who stands the
noblest, the grandest character in
the world roster of greatness. The
city is now embowered in the TO-
liage of its trees, continuous stretch
along its avenues and streets, giving
them refreshing coolness. Its
broad, roomy, smooth avenues of as
phalt, its splendid, costly, palatial
residences, with the great structures
erected by the government for its
varied departmental work ; these all
contribute to its magnificence, and
make it the finest capital on the
planet.
My objective point was Falls
Church, Fairfax Co., Va, six miles
by road and twelve by rail from
Washington City, its population l.
800, with spread large enough for a
good sized city. Its many residences
are tasteful, with a profusion of
shade and sl1rubbery attached, the
homes of persons in government en-
ploy. The name is taken from an
old brick church, still in good condi-
tion, built in colonial times (Epis-
copaD. The tradition is that its
brick were brought from England
The church received its cognomen
from the falls of the Potomac a few
miles distant. This entire section of
country was devastated during the
war, was a vast military camp, large
armies trod its soil, and great battles
were fought few miles away. But
gentle peace of thirty years has ef-
faced the signs of destructive war,
and all about the country wears a
prosperous aspect. 1t is truck re-
gion, and the farmers mostly raise
edibles for the city market, and in
time this whole section will be vast
garden, where all kinds of cereals,
vegetables, fruits, berries, etc, will
be cultivated. AS consequence this
place is very desirable as residence,
town lots rate high, and land is held
at advanced prices. i have been
surprised to see the luxuriant growth
of corn, surprising any / had seen in
our favored section.
Near forty years ago / travelled
this region of country as an itinerant
Methodist preacher. The men and
women of that day have gone home,
and on last Sunday / preached to
their children and grandchildren.
The sanctaaries then occupied were
destroyed, but new and more taste
full and commodious ones have been
built in their stead.
My friend DIR. A. NJ. Cackley,
whose guest am, was the pastor of
Jefferson circuit, which is contiguous
to Charles Town. fourteen years ago,
and is the present minister of this
charge, 1t will be very gratifying to
his many friends to'know that he is
delightfully."- located as to passonage
and church, his people appreciative,
intelligent and generous, by whom
he and his good wife are greatly be-
loved. He has made a fine impress
sion in the community by his cour-
teous, gentlemanly bearing, and able
sermons, which betoken great sue
cess in his work. / should judge the
pastors larder will be kept supplied
with the good things of this life, for
on the morning after my arrival I
saw six or seven baskets of articles
for table consumption brought to the
manse; of course gratuitously.--
- The lines have fallen unto him in
pleasant places. !"
learn that the Rev. Mr.. McGill,
former popular pastor of Wickliffe
parish, and late of Christiansburg,
Va, has accepted call to Falls
Church Parish, just vacated by Rev.
Mr.. Castleman, and will take charge
in September. Yours, &C.,
j. w. TONGUE.
Falls Church, Va, Aug. 1, 1895.
EfRRAaLa.AlE E.saallI