The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1910-07-01
The OcCa sion.

L ne occasion.
Sunday. June ~, was d memorable
day in the history of Blackstone Bap-
fists. 1t had been looked forward to
with great JOY, eagerness and eXpec-
tations. The day was ideal, in spite
Of direful prophecies to the contrary.
1t really seemed as IL we had a bind
ing contract with the weather man,
and that the elements ceased to pour
a day ahead of time. The occasion
developed more than local interest,
Visitors we're present from Richmond.
Petersburg. Danville. Front Royal
Wildwood, l,awrenceville, Jonesboro.
Crewe and Henderson. ~ G. Az
came to rejoice with us and seemed
glad when we said unto them, Let
as go up to the house of the Lord. ="
When the eventful hour arrived the
house was packed to its utmost capa-
city. After the Invocation by the pas
tor and singing by the choir and con-
gregation, Dr ]. Y. Reed, of the
Methodist church, read the Scripture
lesson. and DIR T P Epes. of the
Presbyterian church. offered prayer
A history of the church was read by
Deacon II. II, Seay, chairman of the
building committee. He has been a
member OF this church for more than
thirty years. having Joined soon after
1t was organized in 1876. Then came
a memorable sermon by Or. William
f. Hatcher on the theme The Ideal
Worshipper." In spite Of his seven
ty-six years, DR., Hatcher stlu
breaches with force and Yigor. and
sWays his audience at will. 1t was a
great sermon and very effective.
There was a debt of s2,700. which
we felt must be provided for before
We formally dedicated the buEding
DIR. Hatcher stationed his heutenants
in different parts of the audience
which had been in a remarkably good
humor for more than an hour. Soon
the action begun. when this master
of men, In his own inimitable fashion
and without any high pressure meth
DDS, soon raised more than the S2.Tos.
While the collection was being taken
Brother Haddon s. Watkins. of the
Grace Street choir, in Richmond
sang sweetIy and effectively Cast thy
bread upon the waters In the abb
senee OF Or. Pitt. Rev. w, f. Prich-
ard. a retired Baptist minister led
in the dehicatorY PRAYER. With grea:
JOY and buoyant hearts we sang the
Doxology; then Rev. j r. Doan. Of
Henderson. n. c.. d former pastor,
pronounced the benediction.
AT the evening service Mr.. Doan
preached a very appropriate sermon
from Acts 5 20--"Go, stand and
speak In the temple to the people
all the words of this life" after which
the pastor administered the ordi-
nance of baptism to three. Thus
closed a mountain-top dav with our
people,
Tho Building.
The structure is two stories and Is
built Of gray pressed brick, with a
betting of Kentucky biuestonc. The
Sunday school rooms in the base
ment are not yet completed. This
VIII he done. however. az soon as we
enjoy normal breathing Tor "A short
while. The Greek Ionic style of ar
chitecture prevails throughout the
building. The ceiling is metal, the
floor inclined, and the windows of
stained glass. There is a memorial
window in honor Of Rev. T. w sgd
nor. ID. D., who organized the church
and was its, pastor for fifteen years.
AS 1t stands II cost about s11 900.
How Was 1t Done?
For some time the feeling had
been growing that Il new building