Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1904-11-04
CENTENNIAL OF THE FIRST CHURCH

SKETCH OF THE NOTABLE OCCASION
The First church centennial exerci
sizes opened very auspiciously Wednes
day, Oct. Goth, at II A. NJ, with g
good congregation. DR.. Fraser, the
pastor, presided, and was assisted by
Rev. r. c. Jett of Emmanuel Episco.
pal church, who read from the scrip.
lures, DR.. I. s. Canter. of the M. E.
Church, South, who made a beautiful
opening prayer, and Rev. A. D. R.
Hancher of the Lutheran church, who
made the closing prayer, very appro-
pirate. A full choir sung several suit
able hymns and Mrs. H. H. Bolen a
solo, 'Peace, the wonderful gift of
Love-" DIR. Fraser then called on Ell
der DR.. Geo. 8. Walker, who, as chair
man of the centennial committee,
made handsome welcome address to
the centennial visitors.
DIR. Fraser next introduced Rev.
VIM. E. Baker of Roswell, Ga. the
only surviving ex-pastor of the church
who had for over a quarter of a cen
fury served it SO faithfully.
Mr.. Baker, before beginning bis SER
mon looked over the familiar scene
with an eye undimned by the passing
years, which had apparently left but
few traces on his features or figure.
Then turning to the ministers of the
different denominations, sitting be.
hind him, he expressed his warm fra.
ternal feelings. closing with this strik-
ing sentence, which exp ressed so
much coming from warm Presbyte-
rian heart. 81 don't believe in i'm
mersion, but do believe in the Bap.
fist; l don't believe in falling from
grace, but do believe in Methodists;
l don't believe in confirmation, but 1
do believe in Episcopalians.'' He
then turned to the sacred desk and
taking his text from Romans Sd,
Goth, preached an admirable gospel
sermon, which was most attentively
heard for 40 minutes and which we re-
greet can not be reproduced here.
After singing the old and familiar
hymn, "Show pity Lord, oh Lord for
give" the congregation was seated
and DR.. Fraser said he had invited the
Ministers Association of Staunton, all
OF whom were present, who were in
the city, and referring TO the cordial
brotherly spirit existing between them
called upon Rev. r. G. Jett, President |
of the Association, who responded in
brief and happily chosen words of
love, and confidence in the pastor, and
to the church, which
had accomplished SO much to the glory
of God in the century of it's existence,
closing with a hearty "God bless the
pastor and people of the First church
Of Staunton."
At night Hon. Jos. A. Waddell, pre-
,ented an historical sketch of the First
Presbyterian church, which is most
paper and engaged the earn
sst attention of the large congregation
throughout. 1t should be published
IN an enduring form and preserved for
reference.
Thursday at II O'Clock, Rev. Robt.
q. Fleming, D. D., of Lynchburg, pre-
sided over the meeting and made an
able and instructive address, He is a
meal descendant of John Lewis, the
irst settler in this region.
He referred to John Lewis. Col. Pat
Jon, Pastor Craig, Waddell, Wilson
Ind Specie as the men who built up
rinkl;ng Spring, Augusta, Hebron,
Bethel and Staunton First church and
quoted impressively the lines:
"Dread not the skeptic's puny hands
while near the school, the church
'pire stands.
Nor fear the blinded bigot's rule
while near the church spire, stands a
school,"
DIR. Fleming then called on Rev. q.
W. Finley, D. D., Of Thinking Spring,
who held the congregation in wrapt
while he spoke eloquently of
she sturdy Scotch Irish Presby terians,
who early settled the country and
brought into existence, the venerable
mother, (Tlnkling Spring churce),
then with feeling, referred to the Wig
orous daughter, (Staunton First
church,, and grand daughters, (Staun-
ton Second and Oliyet). while be smoke