Virginia citizen. (Irvington, Va.) 1891-1921, 1902-08-08
MARVIN GROVE.
Old Scenes Visited and Depicted
May They go on Forever.

Old Scenes Visited and Depicted
May They go on Forever
The 25th annual encampment of
historic Marvin Grove is now on, and
the frequenters of that Methodist
shrine are enjoying to the fullest the
religious experience usually attendant
upon these meetings. 1t is not to be
denied that the establishment of two
other camps within the confines of
the Northern Neck has materially
detracted from the attendance at this
particular place, but there are old
familiar faces and plenty of new ones
gathered here as each year rolls
around-some having done so for a
quarter of century, ever since the
institution opened its gates. As to
the attendance close observers think
a comparison almost identical with
that of last year, certainly in
excess if anything. About two
thirds of the cottages are occupied by
tenants, the members of whose fam
lilies remain mostly throughout the
week, and this fact adds to the In
terest and the stability of the meeting.
On Sunday, although an excessive
ly hot day, there were about three
thousand people on the grounds,
ninety per cent. of whom had driven
many miles over the hot sands of the
Northern Neck. As usual on Mon
day (Richmond county court day.
the attendance was very small, but
from that night on they began COM
ing in, and even at that late day some
of the vacant tents were being opened
by families moving into them. The
prospect for very large attendance
during this latter part of the week,
and particularly on next Sunday, is
quite promising.
The religious feature-which GER
tainly excells at this PLACES up to
the usual standard. Rev. G. D..
Crawley, of Mathews, man of much
ability, ls dong most of the preach
ing. He is supported in the work by
Presiding Elder Amiss, who has the
conduct of the meeting in hand, and
the preachers from this Northern
Neck locality.
Reverends Bentley, Garner, Robins,
Wray, Page and Lumpkiu have been
IN attendance during the first part of
the meeting, and earnestly working
in the cause. Il. Augustus Jet, of
Reedville, always ready for harness,
is conducting the singing, and, while
not supported as he should be, is
doing efficient work with those who
are faithfully standing by him. On
Tuesday Rev. j. w. Rosebro, ID. d.,
an eminent Presbyterian divine of
Fredericksburg, arrived, and upon
invitation has preached some very
effective sermons. DR.. John Harmon,
of Richmond, who in his inimitable,
peculiar and attractive way has no
superior in Virginia, was expected
yesterday, having left Richmond Wed.
nesday for Marvin Grove. 1t would
not be surprising if one of the great
est revivals ever held in the Northern
Neck should break out; nor would it
be surprising In such event if the
meeting were protracted few DAYS
over its allotted time. The ground
work is we'll laid for such a meeting,
the seed sown, and all devoutly hope
that this gifted and spiritual man
will be blessed in his labors.
Temporal refreshment, as usual,
is not neglected, and the boarding
tent conducted by the committee, and
managed by Edwin Broun, ir.,
assisted by L. U. Northup. is.
serving the people we'll G. D.
Shirley's livery is being largely patio.
nized and giving entire satisfaction.
Messrs. Joe PIERCE and Hop Daven-
port, assisted by Frank Settle, are
conducting one of the confectionery
stands, while Messrs. Lyell and BRYANT
are found to be doing business at the
same old place. 1t may not be out
OF place to warn the novitiate that he
must prepare on Saturday for Sun
day, for neither confectionery stands
nor barber shop are opened during
the hours of that day.
All habitues CT this ground view
with heartfelt regret the absence of
so many of the committee. Only
Judge Broun, j. ii. Wheaton and
w. Y. Morgan of the committee are !
on the grounds. The Messrs. Walker
and Lyttleton Cockrell were absent
through sickness. 1t is a subject of
much interest and of exceeding great
regret that the old tenters from lower
Lancaster and lower Northumberland |
are very scarce this year, and could |
they hear the expressions of regret
and see how their absence is noted |
there is reason to believe that their
souls would become enliyened and
this be the last year that they would
absent themselves in such numbers.