Clarke courier. [volume] (Berryville, Va.) 1869-1997, 1902-10-01
WINCHESTER PRESBYTERY.
Echoes From the Meeting at
MiddIeway Church.
Written for the CoURrER.

]
that venerable and august body,
Winchester Presbytery, which con-
vened in Old Union Church, Sept.
l6, at $50 p. M. and continued in
session the remainder of the week
until Sunday night. Not only Pres
byterians, but members of all the
different denominations in the town
threw open their homes for the re-
ception and entertainment of the
visitors. The hospitality was simply
unbOunded, and visitors were COM
pletely csptivated with the generous
and cordial welcome that was given
to all. Verify the fatted calf WAS
killed, and a great feast was prepared
for the PRESBYTERIAN brethren, it
being ifty-seveu wears since it last
met in Middleway. The church bad
been recently painted, papered, and
carpeted, il looked as bright as new
pin. The opening sermon, which
was grand exposition of gospel
truths aud fact. was by the retiring
moderator, Rev. ID. II. Scanlon, the
beloved, and popular pastor of the
Berryville Church. The preaching,
morning and night during the ses
sion was of the highest order, fitted
with all the saiaut points Of the Cos
pei, full Of comfort and consolation
to the belie,cr,cf tender waruing,aud
SOlicitude TO the verted,
enchanting the closest attention of
crowded assemblies all the time. who
showed their appreciation bv constant
attention. II was meeting long to be
remembered Rev. DIR. A. G.. Hop
kins WAS elected moderator. and pre-
sided with his usual ability. Rev. A.
G.. Link filled the arduOus duties Of
temporary clerk with entire satisfac-
ton. \ vast congregation of Chris
tiaus Of all names united with pres
tytery on Wednesday night in cele.
brating the Presbyterian communion.
which was u beautiful, impressive,
and solemn service. While the
attendance Of hay delegates was not
so large. the ministers were well rep
resented. That efficient and promi-
ueut ruling elder, Capt. A. J.
Thompson. represented the Berryville
Church, with its pastor, Rev. -. II.
Scanlon. The deliberation of the
session, though seemingly at times,
savored of animated and spicy, dis
cussious were characterized through
out with feeling of brotherly love,
and courtesy, showing a tender feel
ing and sympathy, as We looked up
on this gathering of eminent Divine,
we were impressed forcibly with tine
great talent, and deep thought. and
ability there represented, some of
whom sank among the ablest and
most influential ministers of the
Presbyterian Synod of Virginia, men
we'll founded in theology and the
tenents of the Calvinistic faith. And
such,we noted among the older mem.
bers, such giants in theology AS Revs.
Drs. j. II. Graham, Henry NJ. White,
\. y. Hopkins, George White, Wash
burne and STEPHENSON. Then there
was the energy, activity, and talent
of Rev. DR.. Charles Ghislin, DIR.
Sibley, and Revs. ID. ii. Scanlon.
Charles Stribling, S. NJ. Engle and
y. q. Link, representing the youth.
1t was truly picture to behold, this
dignltied aud talented Church Court.
all of whose faces in the main were
rather handsome for brilliant wit
and humor, We thought the venerable
DIR. Graham and Rev. Mr.. Link were
leaders and the sparkling humor
would often cause ripple of laugh
ter. Rev. Frank Strother, of the
NJ. (. Church South, Summit Point,
Rev. Mr.. Willis, of Middleway, and
Rev. Gibbon, of Romney, both Of the
Episcopal Church were introduced
to Presbytery, and invited to sit as
visiting members. Presbytery has
seven young men under its care as
candidates for the ministry. After
powerful and eloquent sermon on
Friday night by the Rev. S. NJ. En-
gle, and the singing of the hymn,
"Blest be the tie that binds" Pres
bytery ad journed to meet at Berry
Vile in April 1908, and we feel
assured that Rev. ID. II. Scanlon,
Capt. Thompson and and all the peo-
Pile of Berryville and vicinity will
give them a hearty welcome, in keep
ing with old Virginia hospitality.
c.. NJ. G.