The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-09-27
NEW CHURCH
WELL BEGUN.
Corner Stone Of Emmanuel
Baptist Laid Yesterday.
INTERESTING OCCASION
Large Crowd in Attendance-Impre
sive Ceremonies by Temple Lodge.
Fine Music by Grove Avenue
Quartette-Fine Address.

With perfect weather. a large concourse
fine music and splendid Grafton, the
cornerstone of the new Emmanuel Bap-
tist Church, being erected at the north
east corner of Leigh and Fifth Streets,
was laid yesterday afternoon
MS occasion, VIII ch marked the launch
Ing Of a great undertaking by this aggres
sive and growing congregation, was one of
very general interest. 1t was an event TO
which the good people OF Emmanuel ard
their friends had looked forward with
eagerness. 1t was likewise one in which
the Baptists OF Richmond have shown
themselves to feel a sympathtic interest.
The attendance upon the exercises was
large. Contractor Fox had floored over
as much of the building as practicable,
and also erected large platform to the
front. Both of these were crowded. and
many people stoou in the street and
witnessed the impressive ceremonies.
Nearly all the Baptist pastors were on
the platform.
INTERESTING EXERCISES.
The cornerstone was impressively laid
by Temple Lodge. No. 9. OF Masons.
There was large turn out. Rev. DR..
George Cooper. pastor Of the First Bap-
tist Church and president OF the Bap-
tist Minister'S Conference. presided over
the religious exercises, in which Rev.
Drs w. r. L. Smith. c. S. Gardner and
l. NJ. Mercer took part.
The music was a most attractive feature
of the exercises. The quartette choir OF
Grove Avenue Church. with Mr.. Manly
B. Romos as director and organist. sang
two special selections, and also joined the
large choir of Emmanuel in leading the
hymns prescribed In the Masonic ritual.
A large number of articles were placed
In the cornerstone. including copies of
the secular and religious papers of Rich
mond. history and membership roll of the
church. and various other things asso-
ciated with the church and Its depart
ments of work.
DIR. HAWTORNEs GRAFTON.
Rev. DR.. j. b. Hawthorne, one of the
most gifted men In the Baptist pulpit
and pastor of the First Church when
the Fourth Street mission was estab-
llshed, was the orator. His address,
though brief, was mastery one. He.
raid a very graceful tribute to the Ma
sonic fraternity, briefly traced the his
well deserved tribute to the late W. j,
Bosher, who was one of the leading
spirits in the early days of the church's
history, and, with eyes lifted to heaven,
said: II am sure his noble spirit hovers
over this scene Although he is dead.
yet he speaketh,''
4 Continuing, DR.. Hawthorne said:
This church has had a succession of
noble pastors, I am sure that shall not
offend any member of the body in saying
that the man who now leads them Is,
By natural gifts, culture and grace, pre-
eminently qualified for his work, and
that under the Inspiration of his teach
inG and example they have grown into
condition which renders not only posi-
ble. but certain, the erection of the spen-
Did edfice which they have begun.
HAVE a WISE LEADER.
Every good cause must have wise
and magnetic leader to Insure Its sue
cess. The great religious reformation
or the fifteen century would have failed
without the guiding genius, faith and
energy Of Martin Luther. The uprising
of the American colonlsts against Brit
ish greed and oppression would have
been crushed without the patriotism,
military skill and herolSm of George
Washington, The movement for the
complete separation of church and State
In Virginia would have suffered many
defeats but for the Influence of the
colossal personality of Thomas Jefferson.
With equal sincerity and truthfnness |
can say that much of the dynamic
power which now moves this church in
career Of exceptional prosperity lies
IN the bis-mnGed. bigyhearted and big
bodied man Who Is captain of the host,