Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-01-11
REV. DONALD GUTHRIE.
ment for his young assistant-had hoped
almost to the last 10 induct his chosen
SIcceSsnr into the Conn Storate.
SEEMED PROVIDENTIAL.

ment for his young assistant-had hoped
almost to the last 10 induct his chosen
successor into the co-pastorate.
SEEMED PRONIDENTIAL.
The circumstances of Rev. Mr.. Guthrie's
arrival in Richmond are remarkable. and,
as a member of the congregation said yes
terday, ''providential." Ordinarily, 1t
would have been no easy task TO find
a man who could appeal to every mem
Der of that large congregation, now so
painfully alive TO the extent OF the loss
sustained in the death OF the beloved
shepherd who has gone in and out before
them for so many years When, there
fore DR. Hoge's choice of an assistant
fell upon Mr.. Guthrie, after three years
of vain searching, all possible difficulties
We're obvated.
But Mr.. Guthrie captured all hearts
just as he had appealed TO DR.. Hoge by
his own charming personality and attain
ments. He is "A man of rare culture and
refinement. and as q member Of the ses-
sion said yesterday. "a man of such ma
ture judgment as may be accounted re-
markable in one Of his years. He is
singularly able preacher, a man of wide
>sympathes. and OF deep spirituality.
SKETCH OF MR.. GUTHRIE.
Rev Donald Guthrie was born .wenty-
seven years ago in Guelph ont, Canada.
his father being a prominent lawyer ana
a former member Of the Dominion Tar
Lament. On his mothers side Mr.. Guth'
rie comes of theologically inclined ances-
tors-one uncle being Rev. d. II. Mac
Vicar, d. D.. LII, D., principal of the
Presbyterian College, Montreal, and one
of the most eminent educationaltsts IN
Canada, and another uncle being Rev. n.
]. MacVicar, ID. d., formerly chancellor
Of McMaster University, Toronto. and at
present superintendent Of Baptist ,duca-
tlonal work throughout the United states.
Mr.. Guthrie received his preparatory edu-
cation in the Collegiate Institute or his
native city, and went in 1881 TO McGllls
University, Montreal, an institution OF
great wealth and learning. He Sradu-
ated i'm 1891 with his Bachelor of Arts
degree and proceeded TO take his theo-
logical education in the seminary over
which his uncle presides. During his
seminary course he spent two vacatiohs'
doing mission work in the rough lumber
ing districts Of Northern quebec. and one
i'm assisting the late Rev. j. ~ Murray,
i'm ST. Andrews church. London, Ont
ore of the largest congregations In Can
ada.
HIS FIRST CHARGE.
After graduation from the seminary.
Mr.. Guthrie spent eight months 0s as
sistant to Rev. DR.. Macdonald. Of Sea-
forth. Ont, when he was unanimously
chosen by the congregation OF Knox
church, Walkerton, Ont, to succeed Rev.
Dr. John James, formerly pastor of the
First Presbyterian church I'm Albany. y.
Y Mr.. Guthries charge in Wdllkerton
was an important one. and made rapid
strides during the three and half years
of his pastorate. and ii was with deep
regret that he learned from his iDedical
advisors that a change OF climate would
be necessary, because of the weak state
Of his wifes health. His congr egation
gave him three months leave of absence
in order that he might come South with
Mrs. Guthrie. CHANGING 10 meet with Mr..
w. G. Higginbotham, from Richmond.
fellow Canadian, Mr.. Guthrie resolved TO
come direct 10 Richmond, and from there
10 proceed to other points in the south
He had several letters Of introductioh
TO Rev. Dr. Hoge which, upon his arrival
were duly presented, his object telns ID
enlist the advice and influence OF III
Hoge I'm regard TO the securing or set
tlement somewhere I'm the south: Ar.
Guthrie preached twice al the oe0o'u
church and once in the First chufch' anu
was offered by DR.. Ioge position as ms
assistant for term or three ino'i."s, 80 a.
tho conclusion OF which, II both parue5
a,ere satisfied. some permanent relation
sh,, wouId he entered into In April,
tust before Mr.. Guthrie's term as assist
ant came 10 an end Delegation from
,bs First church. Baltimore, visited hich-
,,o,d ana invited him TO preaeh there
as n candidate--they being withonl pas
cor through the removal OF DR.. Jere
Witherspoon 10 Richmohu,
- TWO FLATTERING CALLS.
Ar the conclusion Of Mr.. Glthrie's term