The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1900-09-04
WITH SOLEMN SERVICES.
The Dedicatory Sermon Will be
Preached By Rev. Walter w.
Moore, y. D.
ONE OF THE HANDsoMsT IN THE CITY
Several Congregations Of the City Will Join The
Presbyterian Congration. Musical
Programme by Joint
Choir.

In the 10th instant will occur the
dedication of the First Presbyterian
church, of this city.
The dedicatory sermon is to be
preached by one of the foremost min
listers of the South, Rev. Walter W.
Moore, d. d. On that night, Rev. j.
S. Watkins, one of the former pastors,
will preach.
This will be an occasion of rare in
terest to the Presbyterians, not only
of this city, but of the State at large.
The Presbyterian church here is one
of the oldest church in the city. Many
able and eloquent ministers have been
pastor, and some of the most infiuen-
tial and distinguished men of the
State have worshipped there.
THE OBLIGATORY SERMON.
On the nights of Wednesday, Thurs
day, Friday and Saturday preceding
the day for the dedication, there will
be religious services at at the church,
conducted by visiting clergymen. On
the morning of the dedication, spe-
cial musical program will be render
ed by the joint choirs of the city, I'M
der the lead of Mrs. a. Bauman. Sew
eral of the other churches of the city
will suspend their own services and
will join with the Presbyterians in
worshipping.. The dedicatory sermon
will be preached by DIR. Walter w.
Moore, one of the most eloquent di-
vines of the Presbyterian church. The
musical program is a splendid one,
containing a number of selections of
popular church music.
THE NEW CHURCH.
The church that is to be dedicated
is a new one, the congregation having
worshipped in it only a few times. II
is one of the handsomest, most com
modious and convenient in the State,
and was built after a brave effort or
the part of the congregation at cost
of $25,000. 1t has a seating capacity
of 1,400, which is greater than any
other church in the city.
The pipe organ, which is now being
built in Baltimore, was presented to
the church by the young ladies. The
organ cost $3,000 a large part OF
which was contributed by Mrs. Will
Carr, of Baltimore, as memorial
of her husband. The organ is an ex-
tremely fine one. The pews are of
quarter oak, having been made espe-
cially for the church, and are espe-
cially handsome. They cost $3.50.
The windows of the church are OF
stained glass. a number of extremely
handsome memorial windows are also
in the church. Among them are those
of Judge and Mrs. E. q. Reade, Prof.
A. Bauman, Rev. DR.. Burwell, and
Judge and Mrs. w. n. H. Smith. The
memorial window for DR.. McPheeters,
the first pastor of the church, is now
being prepared at Titfany's. 1t IS
probably the costliest in the State. IT
will be in place on the dedication day.
The following sketch was prepared
by Mr.. A. NJ. McPheeters, one of the
oldest members of the church:
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
The First Presbyterian church in
Raleigh was organized in 1906 with
Rev. VIM. Turner, pastor, and Judge
Henry Potter, William Shaw and John
Emons as Ruling Elders. Services
were conducted in the State House.
In March, 1910, VIM. White, Secretary
of State, and Secretary of the trustees
of the Raleigh Academy, announced
in the papers: The Trustees of the
Raleigh Male Academy have the pleas
ure to inform the public that they
have engaged the Rev. William Nc
Pheeters, from Virginia, gentleman
eminently qualified for the undertake
ing, to become the principal of the
Academy and pastor of the city
ION his arrival, May 1st, 1870 DIR.
McPheeters assumed these duties and
was afterwards called to the pastorate
of the Presbyterian church, assisted
bv William Shaw. Thos. Emons, VIM.
Peace and John Smith, as Ruling Ell
ders. Services were regularly conduct
ed in the State House, which had been
rendered to the Presbyterians and
others for religious worship. In 1917
the corner stone of the former church
edifice was laid, and on Saturday, the
18th day of February, 1918, the build
ing was dedicated to the service of
God These services were conducted
by the pastor, Rev. DR.. VIM. McPheet-
ers, Rev. John Witherspoon and Rev.
Jesse H. Turner. The first child bap-
tized in this church was Margaret Nc
Pheeters, on Sunday, February 8. 1878
Dr. McPheeters continued as pastor
from 1910 to about 1890, when he re-
signed and young minister from the
Seminary, Rev. Mr.. Apthrop, served
the church as Stated Supply He re-
manned very short time. In 1881
the Rev. N. III. Harding served the
church for short time and was Gus
ceeded by Rev. Thomas p. Hunt and
Rev. Michael Osborn. Mr.. Osborn left
in 1886, when DR.. McPheeters was
again called to the pastorate of the
church, but declined.
''Since that time the following min
listers served the church, VIZ:
''Rev. DR.. Drury Lacy, ID. d., from
1896 to 1854, as pastor.
''Rev. Joseph NJ Atkinson, p. d.,
from 1854 to 1875, as pastor.
REV. c. r. Vaughan, ID. d., from
1875 to 1878, as Stated Supply.
'.ReY. John S. Watkins, D. D.. from