The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1906-08-08
AMELIA CHURCH.
(By Rev. Richard McIlwaine, D. d.

(By Kew. Richard McllWane, u. D.
An interesting feature of the Amelia Church
the fact that it had it's rolls twenty
five thirty coored members, and women,
against not of whom there any charge of
immortality Christian improperly during my
pastorate Among them was that old saint, Uncle
Hampton, their leader and guide, who by ap-
pointment, had spiritual oversight. Most OF them
generally at church in good weather, Uncle
Hampton always occupying his accustomed seat,
matter how great the crowd. On sacramento
occasions the colored communicates in
vited to take their seats in the pews the right
and left of the pulpit and were served with the
elements just like the others.
Uncle Hampton remarkable old man,
pous, devout and regular When knew him he
superannuated that is beyond the period of
work, but he better treated than some old
white preachers that L have known His master,
Mr.. j. G. Jefferson, provided him with COM
Portable cabin and everything necessary for his
welfare. He had little garden which he culti-
waited, pig and chickens and the freedom
of the plantation and neighborhood. He was con-
tented and happy, his mind being much occupied
with the truths of the gospel and the glorious
hopes it inspires He enjoyed the respect and
confidence of all who knew him, old and young.
many time when | was preaching would say
something that impressed him, he would calculate
"Thankee Jesus! Thankee Jesus!' in clear, audi
BILE voice, but | smile on the counte-
of child grown person, and no one ever
thought of restraining his religious fervor
During the spring, summer and fall | preached
to the negroes in the afternoon once month at
the church, when the building would be filled to
reelection. There would be close attention and
apparently deep impression At other times L
held services the plantations. At the home of
Mr. Jefferson it was understood that when | was
seen on the plantation, except at seed-time and
harvest we would have religious meeting, the
bell being rung and the family and servants gather
ing in house set apart for that purpose. Good
Mrs. Jefferson aided by the ladies of the family.
conducted Sunday-school for the children of the
plantation every Sabbath afternoon, which was
largely attended by the older people In order to
make the service specially attractive, she would
always start out with basket on her arm con-
tanning cakes and pies to be distributed at the
close of the service. How little do our Northern
friends or the young people of the present genera
ton know of the relations then existing between
Christian masters and their slaves
| remember an incident connected with Paine
Vile that occurred the first year of my ministry
and made deep impression my mind:
One Saturday afternoon and evening there wa:
such downpour Of rain and sleet as is seldom
seen Early in the night it cleared up, the vino
came from the northwest and with it intense
cold When l went out Sunday morning the
earth was covered with thick, stiff ice and thu
cold was piercing 1t was my day at Painevllle
and in order to get there on time, made an earl.
start on horseback. 1t was ride OF ten miles
had not gone but a few steps before found tina
nv horse was slick shod and that the Journe
would be perilous to and beast Nevertheless
being accustomed to do what | undertook, wen
ahead not at all certain that at any step my hors
would not fall and break his my leg or boil
went on, however, cautiously, up hill and dowf
picking my way to the best of my ability, until
finally landed in safety on the church grounds an