Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1896-12-12
FROM THE EAST END,
THE 18Th ANNIVERSA-
RY CELEBRATED.
Again 4th Church Rallies.
FLOWERS AND EYER
GREENS IN PROFU-
SION.
A Short Re view of Their FL
nancial and Spiritual
Work in the Past
16 Years.
THE ERECTION OF THE sTONE
STEPS A FOREGoNE
CONCLUSION.
A GRAND MUSICAL PROGRAMME.
Other Interesting Personals and Locals
From Church Hill and Vicinity.

FROM Unurch Hill and Vloinity.s
From our East End Correspondence
Sunday was an ideal day for rally
the sun shone brightly all day. Its
spring like warmth brought out ali in
teresting crowd to our churches; but
most particularly to the Fourth Bap-
tist Church where the celebration of
the 38th Anniversary was the chief
feature of the day.
In view of the fact that although the
spirit which animated our people in
past years and which caused the en-
tire state to look in surprise at the
large amount of money collected in
single rally, was not fully manifested,
yet, the Fourth Church did excellent
under existing circumstances.
Many of the congregation were
slightly disappointed that none of the
ministers in this city were present on
the occasion, but before the exercises
were over, they we're amply repaid for
having turned out, The rally was in
many respects success although on
ly IL out of the "a clubs reported.
THE DECORATIONS.
In amazement we turned orr ewes to
the walls whereon were hAnsi-s 4sfI 20
punches of evc-gI eens. The choir gal
bars was also very beautifully decor
| ated then casting our eyes to the pull
pit where our sisters fully sustained
| their excellent records for artistic
work. Evergreens and flowers of
many descriptions covered the pulpit.
There was no attempt at any elaborate
display yet everything was very ap-
propriately and beautifully arranged.
The ladies deserves especial praise for
their good work and IN this contribut-
ed largely to the success of the occa-
| sion.
| THE EXERCISES.
I At IL A NJ Rev. Payne preached an
| excellent sermon as well as gave a
careful review OF the financial and
spiritual condition of the church since
he took pastoral charge in 1880. He
drew a sharp contrast between their
former condition and their condition
to-day but showed above all things
that the church had prospered despite
the obstacles and other embarrass-
lments thrown in the way.
| He gave an interesting account of
their hardships, of the many obstacles
overcome, of the difficulties under
which they endeavored to worship God
and how through the mercies of God
the church triumph over all and to-day
! stands ready to meet any and all diff
lculties with calm and steadfast faith
: in the Almighty. The sermon was
very appropriate.
At $3.50 Rev. P. J.. Wallace preached
good sermon in which could be trac-
ed depth of thought, and q delivery
so charming, which was very surpris.
, ing in so young q man. 1t was a gem
. n precious gem which will be treasured
in the hearts of all who heard him, fol
many day.
At night, Rev. Payne again preach
ed great sermon, and at it's close. the
Icollection for the day amounted Il
about $3.50 90, and on Monday night
this sum aggregated about $4,000
+ and together with over $500 90 depOs
' tied in the Nickle Savings Banks, tn,
8 grand total will reach in the neighbOr
: hood of about $500 90, which insure
q the erection of the stone steps, 8,
}, much needed.
0 The work of improving the interio
i of the church is under contemplation
g and congregation may witness at n
= distant day an edifice which will rivs
all contemporaries.
ITS HISTORY.
t The real history of the Fourth Bap
+ tist Church began in 1858, when a liz
. tie over dozen slaves gathered them
: selves together and formed what wa
then known as the Fourth Africa
t Congregation, which met and worship
d ed In the basement of the Leigh Stree
(. Baptist Church.
o In 1885. on December 2nd, they me
Q and formed q permanent church
It meanwhile using as their place of wol
II ship one of the deserted wards i
is which the Confederates and after
y wards the Union armies used as hos
) pital on Chimborazo Hill Forced [
leave here, the devoted followers {
II Christ under the leadership of Re-
y Scott Gwathmey next sought plac
" of worship on Blood Run Hill. and we
10 for many years known as the Bloc
Run Church.
AGAIN FORCED TO MOVE.
From this historic location, the
were again forced to pitch their tent
as many of the white people complain
ed of their manLer OF worshipping Go,
!, They then moved to 10Th and Bros
: streets, but it was not long before the
LLe were driven from this spot and hol
=, ing to make q last stand they move
," to 10Th and o streets, which section
- that time was very sparseIy settled.
% The demops OF evil continued
u harass them even here, and again the
~ were forced to fly. But through it q
- the devoted Dand held together dete
- mined, despite all objections. to SER
. God.
81 As last resort, they found an o
* deserted brick-yard. which they pu
~ chased and proceeded to erect bull
~ ing. During their stay at this pla
"a their energetic leader died. 1879, al
~ for once the devoted band was lie
"a friendless. and before many days the
building was put up for sale.
In 1880, the present pastor, R
on Evans Payne was called to the paste
:, ate. With fresh impetus the cause
Christ was pushed forward They r
nc built their building. but soon found
inadequate,