The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1897-05-29

fession Ere long, however he ex-
perienced an awakening OF interest in
things spiritual. which was further ex-
cited by the want of church privileges
In his county. the altered circumstances
or the people, in consequence of the
war having made the closing Of the
churches necessary
CONDUCTED SERVICES.
In the absence of a rector in the
parish DR.. Newton, with the Bishops
approval, conducted lay services III log
schoolhouse and in private houses, and
organized 4 Sunday school Even then
the people among whom he lived and
laDOred recognized in him 81 leader, and
the Simple little services were felt to
be q blessing to the community. In the
course OF time he felt irresistibly called
TO give UP secular pursuits ana devote
his entire time and energies to pushing
forward the work OF the gospel This
was however Situated as he was), no
easy thing to do, and had he been less
devotedly In earnest it could never have
been carried through.
There were a wife and five children
to be cared for, and the income from his
daily toll was his only means or sup
port. Under such circumstances
course ut the Theological Seminary was
out of the question, and he adopted the
only means Of accomplishing his cher
ished object open to him-that OF filing
every hour Of the day land many hours
or the night not devoted to the prac-
tice OF his profession to hard study. At
the end of something less than two years
he realized the fulillment Of his hopes
when he passed the same examinations
which are given the students who de
vote their entire time to prepare ton for
the ministry, and was ordained to the
diaconate Of the Protestant Episcopal
church.
HIS FIRST CHARGE
HE was immediately called to the
rectorShip OF South Farnham' parish,
which included St Johns church, al
|Tappahannock (thc county seat of Es-
sex county,. and ST. Paul's church,
twelve miles distant. During four years
labor In Essex his work was abundantly
blessed. anu he cndeared himself to a
| people who still let no opportunity Of
showing their love and admlra ton for
him escape them, and it was a day of
| mourning to his Pensioners there when,
| with his family, he embarked on the
| 'Rappahannock boat to take IN life in
| new field, as rector OF ST Iukc's
church, Norfolk, Va.
In this. his second parish. he remain
| ed eight years, during which time the
growth OF the church, under his minis
| try. was wonderful. The congregation
| twice outgrew the building. which had
to be enlarged in order to accommodate
| the crowds Of people who foclled TO
hear DR.. Newton.
THE CALL TO MONUMENTAL.
He was warmly beloved not only by
his own people, but by old and young
| or the entire community. In September,
| 1851. he accepted the call to the Monu-
| mental church, Richmond where his
lnbors. in the face Of many discouraging
circumstances have been richly blessed,
and where las in his former homes) he
mas become more and more beloved as
he has been better known
In the councils of the diocese and in
the conventions Of the General Church.
Of which he has been for a good many
years member DR.. Newton has al
ways taken prominent stand, and eX-
erted great influence. His clear iudg-
ment. high character and sound church
manship have won the confidence Of
both clergy and laity, from the extrem-
est low churchman to the most pro-
nounced rituralist Gas has been evidence
ed by the expressions of satisfaction ut
his election to the episcopate, that have
come from all parts of the United
States). as truly as his genial temper
and sympathetic disposition have won
the love. Of those who have been
brought into closer contact with him in
private life.
"A striking circumstance in regard to
DR.. Newton's election TO the assistant
Bishopric is his having been called to
the high Office from pastoral work with
In the Diocese.
Through all OF the varied scenes and
circumstances Of his maturer years, DR..
Newton has never once laid down the
harness Of serious life work which he
assumed at the end of his school and
college days He practiced medicine
from the day he received his diploma
until the day he was ordained to the
ministry, and he retained the rectorship
Of his parish until the day OF his con
secrat ton to the Bishopric starting out on
his first visitation May q, 1894"
To tho Delicate and Masarious.