The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1904-10-16
RICHMOND
ENTERPRISE
a Business Establishment That
Is ali Ornament and Does
Great Good.
WHAT IS RICHMOND DOING
Presbyterian Publishing House
Is Making Old Towns Name
Familiar Everywhere.

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Richmond has many enterprises which
have contributed largely to tile reputa-
ton slio enjoys as q cultured and pro-
gressive city, ana all such enterprises are
entitled to the loyal support of her clti-
zens.
Probably no enterprise Of a. s%mi-publlc
character has made Riclmoiid's name IA
|tniliar' throughout n wider area and to q
larger constituency than has the Presby-
terrain Committee OF Punblicatlon
This enterprise was established III Rich
molid In 1861 by the Southern Presbyterian,
Church Just after the formal organization
Of this body, which was effected In De-
cember, 1861, at Augusta, Ga.
The Publication Committee was the first
Executive Agency established by the new
Church, as 1t was recognized then. as
now, that tho printed page is the most
potent agency known for the disse1ntna-
tion of truth.
EARLY HISTORY.
The late Moses D. Hoge was the first
Chairman Of the Publication COMMITTEES,
and associated with him was Judge b..
r. Wexford, Jr., and a. number of men.
OF equally high standing and wide
business experience.
In colnmon with MI other Richmond en-
tcrpriscs the Committee suffered many In
terruptions In their work from 1862 to
1865, but In spite of obstacles they issued
a number Of helpful publications, one OF
the most popular being a hymn book for
soldiers, which was widely circulated
among the Conf soldiers throughout
Virginia.
After the war the Committee addressed
Itself with renewed energy to the task
Of supplying religious books and periodicals
to the rapidly growing membership OF the
Southern Presbyterian Church scattered
throughout the Southern States.
STEADY DEVELOPMENT.
The development OF the work has been
steady and continuous, and while the pub
LEGATIONS have in the main been OF q Sde-
nomination. character, many books
issued by the Committee have been OF
general interest. and the world Of thought
has been greatly enriched BY their publ
cation, In addition to selling their oWn
publica lions. n general book department
was added by the Committee, and this
feature has been developed until the
sale OF books Of other publishers now
constitutes a8large volume OF business.
NEW QUARTERS
IN 1903 the property owned and occu-
MED by the Committee at Corner OF
Tenth and Main Streets was sold to the
American National Bank, and the Ran
dolph property, corner Of Sixth and Grace
Streets, was purchased. and plans were
made for the erection OF a building es-
pecially adapted to the needs OF the
growing work. A handsome four story
building. OF red pressed brick. with white
stone trimmings, and fronting fifty feet
on Sixth Street was erected and formaily
opened on March 2eth. 1904. The en-
tire building is coupled by the various
departments of the Publishing HOUSE,
and a trip through all departments OF
the building, which are constantly open
q - -. q - r,EEa ic wary ~ nj tore Ing lie
arst floor is elegantly fitted up for the
retail, boot, department, and the appear
ance is that OF a large library rather
than a mercantile establishment Large
windows on three sides afford splendid
light, and the cosy reading rooms Invite
lbook-lovers to browse through cholce
editions to their hearts content Trav-
gelers say this Is the handsomest pooh
store in the South.
THE ENHANCEMENT.
Tho second floor contains the bus;HeSs
Offices ..of the Committee, and n cosy
chapel for public meetings. Inc inlIu3
floor is devoted to the Mail Order Depart
ment. and from here books are shipped IN
large quantities daily to all parts OF the
south. The fourth floor is given up to
the Periodical Department. one Of the
most interesting features OF the business.
From this department Is sent out al
the literature for the Sunday SCHOOLS ot
church scattered from Maryland 70
New Mexico, and the circulation OF the
paprs furnished is over 100000 copies
per month. The printing OF these papers
represents @ona of the largest printing
contracts in Richmond. and gives steady
employment to a good force Of orkme
MANY PERSONS EMPLOYED.
<T'he various departments conducted by
the Committee require the help OF q
large clerical force. so tho loca tion o.
{his enterprise here represents a sub
~stantial contribution to the material well
fare of Richmond, and her citizens should
show Their appreciation Of the selection
of this city as the publication head,
quarters. of Il great Church by a cordial
support of this enterprise. The last an
mai rcporCN showed an increase Of over