Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-09-11

|
the history of Wright Memorial NJ IT,
| Church. it being the re-opening for di-
vine services Of its beautiful and cosy
ediice on the corner of Fourth and
Randolph street, South Portsmouth
Long ere the hour for services
throngs of people could be seen wend-
ing their way to the church, and when
the hour for the exercises TO begin had
arrived all available space in the au-
ditorium was filled. many present CON
t"ntinS themselves with standing room
Throughout the entire service.
The Virsinian Pilot has, i'll recent
article, given a full description of
the interior of the church. which is by
Tar the handsomest ediiice in the city
and reflects the highest credit upon its
pastor, Rev. George Il. Booker, and his
noble band Of Christian workers. who
conceived and brought to so success
iul termination the plan of improve
ments as originally mapped out.
The chancel was most tastefully dec
Grated with palms. potted plants and
| Gu. flowers
THE CHOIR.
me choir is to the right of the pull
pit, facing the congregation. and Tho
| splendid music rendered by Il was
heard to decided advantage bv the
/
sunday were excellent and harmonized
with the entire services, and were
| most favorably commented upon Mr.
A. {. bushnell is the musical director.
and the harmonious sound of the
voices showed him to be a skilIful and
successful leader. Miss Cora Rose pre-
sized with grace and skill at the or
| gan.
FORMER PASTORS.
seated on the pulpit rostrum with
the pastor were the following Metho-
dist divines: Rev. ID. Ct. c. Butts, of
Richmond. ana Rev. John w. Carroll.
of Lamhcrt's Point, each of whom have
served the church as pastor
THE SERMON.
The morning discourse was deliver
ca by Mr. Butts. who preached with
great freedom. His sermon was found
ed upon Pauls epistle to the Ephe-
slams. from the eleventh to the six
| tecnth verses inclusive; subject 1.-THE
new doctrine under the reign of Christ
and Its power to shape and mold hui
man character after the law of spirit
uai lie, perfecting the saints for the
Work of the ministry, for the edifying
OF the body of Christ, bringing the en-
| IRE church in the unity of faith and
of the knowledge of the Son of God
unto perfect man in the funess of
christ The speaker had Il clear con-
|
with force and power that rivited the
undivided attention of his hearers.
| The whole sermon may be summed up
| III these words: The oratory of logic"
a COLLECTION.
AT the close of Mr.. Butts admirable
discourse Mr.. Booker made brief
| statement of the cost of improvements
which he said amounted to $1,000. and
| That $1,000 OF 1t had already been Sc
cured; and, said he, as the agreement
was that no debt should remain stand
ing after the improvements had been
completed, and as there was n balance
| of $500 due that must be paid within
thirty days. he would begin to raise
the amount now. A collection was
taken up amounting to about $3.50,
| Whlch was increased at the evening
| SERVICE 10 within n Traction of $500.
| THE: LORDS SUPPER.
After the collection the Lords Sup
| per was administered by Rev. j. W.
Carroll. He was assisted by the other
| ministers. There were a large number
| of communicates.
At the close of this impressive ser
vice the congregation was dismissed,
with the benediction by Mr.. Carroll.
MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
At o'clock Sunday afternoon the
monthly meeting of the Missionary So
ciety was held, with the president AIR.
c. a. Mclean, in the chair.
The exercises were highly interest
ing. consisting of number of vocal
selections by welltraincd voices. short
addresses by RcvS. d. c.. &. Butts and
j. w. Carroll, and a recitation by Miss
Graves Of Berkeley, entitled the
widows Light.
The following officers were elected:
John j. King. president: /. O. Bailey.
vice president; a. II. Cherry, secretary:
Mrs. Annie l.. Thomas. treasurer
| "a
was chosen: James Cutherell, Miss
Flo Martin. c. a. Mclean, Miss Cora
Ross, Mrs. Mamie G.. Cherry, Miss
Minnie Bailey and Miss Agnes Traf-
ton
The thanks of the society were ex-
tended to the retiring president, Mn c.
a. Nj. Lean for efficient service for
the past eight years.
EVENING SERVICES.
The congregation which attended the
night services was very much larger
than the one at the morning exercises,
chairs having to be brought into re-
QUESTION to accommodate the immense
number of people present.
After singing by the choir and prayer
by Rev. ID. G.. G. Butts. the pastor
Rev. Geo. T. Booker. made very
happy address of welcome, which
sparkled with many gems of oratory
He touched on many points relating to
church work.
Rev John It. Bosnian preached an
eloquent and inspiring sermon from the
25th Verse of the ilSth Psalm: subject
Prayer for the Prosperity OF the
Church.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
Mr.. G. a. Mclean read an interest
ing history of the church. 1t closed
with a glowing tribute to the pastor.
Rev. Geo. L. Booker. The report of
| the Sunday school was also read by
| Mr.. Mclean. 1t showed that the