Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-10-29

bytery expressed their satisfaction in re-
ceiving Mr.. Blaln into their number,
wishing him godspeed in his work in
China. whittier he Is soon 10 20, and
pledging him an interest I'm their prayers.
II was also resolved. on motion OF Or.
Fair that the presbytery commend tho
zeal and liberallty OF the First Presby-
terian church In undertaking the entire
support of Mr.. Blain and in paying ms
expenses IN going 20 China, suggesting
that this Is a good example for the imita-
tion OF other congregations.
The Rev. Joseph II. Wilson. ID. d..
L. l.. D., stated clerk OF the General As
sembly and a member or the Presbytery
of Nashville. being present, was invited
to sit as corresponding member.
RECEPTION TO MR.. BLAIN.
a great assembly gathered at the First
Presbyterian church last evening TO par
churchs new foreign missionary pas
tor" the Rev. j. Mercer Blain. After the
devotional exercises, DR.. Kerr introduced
Mr.. Blain. commencing him to the people
fectiOn. and asked that they all should
daily remember their missionary I'm the
lonely field OF China 1000 miles from his
! home. DR.. Kerr also said he would take
occasion lust now 10 commend the First
Presbyterian church for what II had done
and Is doing for the extension OF the
Kingdom Of Christ Few churches Of tho
same size and ability had done so much.
Half a century ago." continued DR..
Kerr. ''it had planted the Second Presby-
terian church. established under the Rev.
| congregation. under the same pastor. and
made a noble record. extending over q
period Of more than fifty years.
when the Presbyterian church OF Man.
chester was organized al Of IT'S members
except two went out from the First
church Of Richmond. A little over one
year ago Westminster church was fully
organized. and over sixty members have
been dismissed from the First church TO
that organization. Their church building
was a gift from the First church.
'The First Presbyterian church made
large contributions Of money and members
for the establishment OF the Mlzpah
church. and that Of the cOlored Presbyte
rian church. both OF them now successful
organizations, going forward under excel
'The First church has taken hand
some part I'm all the home-mission work
OF the denomination in the city and the
SENT OUT MINISTER'S.
During its history it has sent into the
holy ministry twenty-four of its young
men. a number OF whom have been dis
tinguished In their abilities and success.
In the last few years from its member
News; the Rev. D. X. Waithail. fastor OF
William G. Buchanan-all men Of un-
usual promise-the last two being now
missionaries in the empire OF Japan"
"rhe First Presbyterian church IL now
furnishing the larger part Of the support
of the pastor OF Westminster church. and
has undertaken the entire support, as
well as the expense OF sending him TO his
distant field OF the Rev. j. Mercer Blain,
our missionary 10 China. It Is not out OK
place for the pastor 10 commend MS peo-
pie for these notable achievements and 10
thank them for their unfailing sympathy
and support which has always sustained
him in his labors among them"
Hon. b. r. Wexford. Jr.. presented, I'm
behalf of the Woman's Missionary So
ciety of the church. "a handsome oxford
Bible as a souvenir Of the occasion. Judge
Welfori's remarks were eminently ap-
prOpriate and impressive.
RESPONSE or MR.. BLAIN.
Mr.. Blain RESPONDED in an earnest ana
eloduent address expressed in weli-chosen
sentences begging the members OF the
Missionary Society and the church TO ac-
cent his gratitude for their interest N
him. saying that the memory OF this occa-
sion would go with him through life. and
i'm his field OF labor far away his mind
would often wander back to Richmond. 10
the First Presbyterian church. and It's
pastor whom he loved and TO whom he
would have recourse for advice.
A deep feeling pervaded the congreRa-
tion. and evidences OF emotion were visf-
Bile on many faces.
The meeting closed with a general hand
shaking as every one came forward TO
grasp the hand OF the missionary and say
farewell.