Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1898-02-18

hood. He was wolf in sleeps clothing.
He threw off his ministerial garS,
and entered the legal profess
sion.
REV. JOHN @. WOLFF,
was the next shepherd of this flock. He
possessed di llerent spirit from that OF
his predecessor. He was Wolff by name
but not by nature or character. He was
an earnest, consecrated minister,
fearless and faithful expounder OF Gods
word. lie served the congregation with
acceptance for seven years, beginning
June the 10th 1850 and closing on the
18th Of June 1851.
REV. DANIEL FEET.
succeeded Rev. Wolff, and began his
abors here in the Spring OF 1868. Dur
Ing his pastorate the civil war began,
which interfercd very much with the
regularity and efficiency of his labors.
With the contendHg armies constantly
trooping up and Gown the Valley an
unsettled state OF affairs was brought
about both in the Church and State.
Rev. Feet in the midst OF the conflict
resigned the charge, and returned to his
home in the North. After the resigna-
ton Of Rev. Feet, the congregation was
without the regular services OF pastor,
until the spring of 1865, whena call was
extended to,
REV. DIR. G. II. MARTIN,
who was then labOring at Loyettsyille,
Va. and which after due consideration
ne accepted. DR.. Martin had now reach
ed the meridian OF life, and enriched
from the treasury of books and personal
experience, he came well equipped Tor
the work before him.
ST. Paul's congregation, as was the
case with all the churches of the Valley,
had sadly felt the effects Of devastating
war. The contending armies had brought
desolation and poverty to many homes.
fhe shock OF war was felt in every de-
partment of life. But DR.. Martin knew
we'll the condition Of the field he was
entering; he fully realized that his labors
would be arduous. and that it would re-
quire patience, prudence and self-denial
to accomplish the work the Master had
laid upon him. Relying upon the favor
and guidance OF Him, in whose cause he
labored. he zealeusly devoted himself to
the sacred task. The members nobly
rallied to his support, and it was not long
before pastor aud people recognized
signs ofnew life and promise, and both
reioiced together.
When DR.. Martin began his pastorate
ST. Paul's still worshiped in the old
church on the hill. This ancient tenn
ple of God. was one Of Woodstock :
landmarks Would, it were standing
to-day. One'hundred years ago, Rev.
willy gathered his flock around its altar
and ministered to them in holy things.
How long previous to his pastorate' II
had been built, and who first occupied
lis pulpit, We have nomeans of knowing.
Could the oldwalnut tree speak, which
stand, hard by the spot where the old
church stood, and under whose coo
shade. many generations gathered anC
greeted each other, az they assembled
for worship. il could answer many anx-
ious queries. 1t could relate many in
teresting things, concerning the qualn
old church and the people who worship
Ell i'm it generations ago. But it too Is
silent concerning the past.
The old church was removed thirty
years ago and it was supposed even theI
TO have stood a hundred years and more
La 1861 ST. Paul's began the erection
OF a new house Of worship, and located
II on South Main Street. The building
OF this church marked a new epoch II
the history Of the congregation. Unable
OF themselves financially to accomplish
their purpose. DR.. Martin visited SOM
Reformed churches in Maryland ant
PENNSYLVANIA. aud secured the handsom'
amount of $4.jOO for the new church.
With this generous help the work wen
forward without interruption. The
corner stone was laid Aug. 18th 1867
the service being held in the NJ. K
Church South. Rev. j. c. Hsnsel, o
Nj. Crawford preached the sermon.
After the stone was laid, the choir
led by Elder Bargelt, sang the anthem
81 have set watchmen upon thy walls
In the fall OF 1865 the new edifice wa
completed, and was solemnly dedicate
to he worship OF the Triune God.
Drs. Zacharias, Higbee, j. o. Mile
and Reys. II. st. John Rinker and Shaul
were present and assisted the pastor, il
the interesting services. That was
glad, Joyous day for st. Paul's con
gregation.
DR.. Martin continued to serve thl
people for a period Of 10 years and
months, when in May 1884 he reslgne
the charge, and moved to Burkitsvill'
Md.
DR.. Martin departed this life on rh
/ 18th of Sept. 1887, and his body no.
sleeps the sleep of the blessed, in II
I graveyard on the hill, as do many
the saints unto whom he had broken II
bread OF life.
REV. A. X. KLINE
received and accepted P call from tn
charge. and entered upon his offici
duties in March 1885.
e Rev. Kline had a pleasant and su'
cessful pastorate Of years. 1t was du
ing his ministry here, that the bulldin
: Of new parsonage was agtated.
The old parsonage located on Chur'