Staunton Spectator

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH—FIRST SERVICES.

On Friday last, the bell, weighing 1,600 lbs, for the new Presbyterian church was elevated to its position in the tower of that spacious church edifice. This was accomplished by Messrs. Bobbitt and Boogher, the contractors for executing the carpenters' work of the church. It was a job of no little difficulty and required the labor of sixteen hands. In the afternoon of Friday the eloquent tongue of that large bell announced in strong, deep and mellow tones, which rang musically upon the cold winter air, that it had assumed its proper position in the tower whence, as desired, it would call worshippers to the temple.

The bell which could not only be heard, but which could not be unheard, and his wishes in that respect have been gratified, for this bell cannot be unheard save by the dead.

It will be remembered that Prof. Joel E. was appointed by a Committee of ladies to select a suitable bell, and that after visiting the foundries of several States, he selected and purchased this one in the city of Baltimore. The result as proclaimed in the sweet tones of the bell itself, establishes the wisdom of the Committee and the good judgment and musical taste of their appointee.

From Monday to Friday evening of last week a large number of hands were busily at work in getting the hall in the basement—the lecture room—ready for occupancy, on Saturday. By dint of hard work they succeeded, and on Saturday afternoon the Sunday School of the Presbyterian congregation, in accordance with the announcement previously given, assembled there to reorganize and to enjoy the nice entertainment provided for them. The occasion was of interest and was much enjoyed by those present.

On Sabbath morning last, the Presbyterian congregation worshipped for the first time in their new church. They occupied the lecture room in the basement which is sufficiently capacious to accommodate with comfort a large congregation—one hundred and fifty more than the old church. Regular religious services will be held in this room till the main body of the church shall be prepared for the occupancy of the congregation.

The sermon of Sabbath morning—the first preached in this new church—had special reference to the occasion, and was founded on the text: "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord"—1st verse of the 122nd Psalm.

The general subject, forcibly presented and ably discussed on this occasion by the Pastor, was, the importance of stated public meetings. He showed the necessity of meeting together—that that was the mode of accomplishing any great object. This led naturally to the importance of having suitable houses in which to hold such meetings. In this connection he showed the importance of churches, and their value to the community in a pecuniary, moral and religious point of view. They added to the value of property more than ten times as much as they cost. In this connection, he asked the question: "What would the property of this town be worth, if there were no churches in it?" He dwelt upon the privileges enjoyed by those who lived convenient to churches, and urged upon the congregation the duty of regular attendance upon church services—that they should not allow inclement weather to prevent their attendance—that it was better to serve God if it killed them.