Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1919-05-15
IN RocK.BR1DGE COUNTY.

couple OF days the past Week VSly NC
lightfully in Rockbridge county, Va,
and his work in the interest OF the
special drive for $4,000 for Roanoke
College was lightened and made pleas
ant by the hospitality and kindness OF
good friends in that section. Starting
from home in the rain, the clouds con-
tinued to hang heavily all the way to
Buena Vista, which was just emerging
from a near-hood caused by a tre-
mendous downpour the night before.
An automobile drive over roads very
good in some places and very bad in
others brought us to Lexington, where
we found the usual warm welcome at
the home of DR.. and Mrs. B. B. Glover.
Pastor John w. Shuey found us and
carried us out to his parish, though his
faithful little Ford came mighty near
baking at some of the swollen branch
es that had to be crossed. The red clay
roads were not at their best, because
OF heavy rains for couple of days, and
a farewell shower that pelted us Sc
verely, but in due time we arrived at
the hospitable country home of Mr..
and Mrs. James w. Engleman. Wei
come was their middle name, and we
were happy to renew acquaintance with
the good friends of this household.
Sunday morning We went to Bethany
Church, new and attractive church
building that is the home of very
hourishing Lutheran congregation.
The sun had broken through the clouds
and the church was we'll filled for the
morning service. An able and earnest
sermon by Pastor Shuey paved the way
for our work, and satisfactory sum
was raised for the college, with the
probability that they will meet its full
apportionment by later contributions.
The people were generous and willing
to share of their prosperity. The little
valley in which this church is located
is beautiful to the eye and its rich land
gives promise Of fine crops this year.
Sunday afternoon Pastor Shuey took
the visitor to his other church, Mt.
Olive, neceSsitating drive OF about
eighteen miles over more roads that
were peculiar in that in part they were
as good as the best State roads and in
part abominable. But it was beau
tiful country, fertile and well watered,
and hills and valleys were green and
luscious with growing wheat and
abundant grass. There was large
congregation at Mt Olive, and after
a strong sermon by the pastor and the
presentation of the cause by the visitor
the people contributed literally. In
deed, they went so far over the top that
they came very near doubling their
quota, and everybody was made happy
by the success of the enterprise. When
the service was ended the whole con-
gregation united heartily in singing
"Praise God, from all blessings fow,"
for their work had been we'll done. The
visitor will remember with pleasure the
generosity of the friends of Mt. Olive.
The return drive was very pleasant be-
cause of the success of the meeting,
and the places that had appeared rough |
in the afternoon seemed somehow to
have become smoother in the evening.
An extra good supper at Pastor
Shuey's most comfortable home was
greatly enjoyed, and later the nights
repose at Mr.. Engleman's place was
made sweeter by the friendly calling of
the whippoorwills that sang their songs
from dusky eve to dewy morn. After
loafing around the delightful country
places on Monday we reluctantly took
out departure, and lovely drive to
Buena Vista with out friends was not
the least of the pleasures of an alb
solutely perfect outing.
There can surely be no more beauti-
full sight than the panorama which
unfolds itself as the Norfolk & Western
Railway train speeds through the Val
ley of Virginia from Buena Vista to
Shepherdstown. Just now the spring
time beauties are at their very loveliest. |
The fields of wheat and grass are won
derful in their dress of living green,
and the verdure of forest and mountain
is so clean and fresh, so variegated in
its changing tintS of unfolding leaf
and bud, that one can only gaze in won
der and admiration at the marvellous
work of the Creator. The changing
grandeur Of the view as the train
winds its way through the Blue Ridge
mountains and along the rushing
streams is impressive and inspiring,
and yet it is no more attractive than
the broad fields and cultivated farms
of our own county, where just now the
luxuriant fields of growing wheat are
waving in the spring sunshine and the
rich browns of the new plowed fields,
made ready for the seasons corn plant
ing, are so restful to the eye and mind
All nature is alluring in our lovely
valley, and whether afoot or on train,
in car or in carriage, one cannot but
enjoy the seasons charms and absorb
the delights that are once more spread
before the children of men. And it is
a dull soul who cannot say with the
psalmSt that the Lord is great God,
and a great King above all gods. In
his hand are the deep places of the
earth; the strength of the hills is his
also. The sea is his and he made it:
and his hands formed the dry land.