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Story
October 31, 1894
The Central Presbyterian
Richmond, Virginia
What is this article about?
The Woodstock Presbyterian Church in Virginia extends Christian hospitality to unaffiliated Presbyterians from nearby towns during their October 20-21 communion services, resulting in large attendance, new members, and spiritual refreshment for the congregation.
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Full Text
For the Central Presbyterian.
Pastoral Notes.
A Sample of 'Christian Hospitality.'
Not by an individual Christian but by a church! And in this case, the "Woodstock church."
Between here and Broadway, Va. there is a gap of thirty miles of territory of Winchester Presbytery, heretofore "unoccupied." In it are three important towns (strung along the Baltimore and Ohio railroad.)
These three towns have, each, little flocks of Presbyterians, without church or organization. Woodstock church, by congregational action invited these friends to be their guests, during the Saturday and Sabbath services of our communion season, October 20th and 21st. A "Committee of Entertainment" was appointed, just as at Presbytery, to seek out "homes," meet the guests at the depot and elsewhere as the case may be, and escort them to their homes. The pastor visited the towns beforehand, and extended to our people there the hearty invitation of his flock, care was taken to show that the occasion was not a "social event." but one of "church fellowship," so that all formality would be put away.
"Our Communion Season."
The plan of "Christian Hospitality" worked well. Most of our invited guests came, and the rest gave us proofs that they appreciated the practical demonstration of church fellowship shown them. The weather was perfect; the congregations at every service large and attentive. The number communing surprisingly large. Four members were received, three by profession of faith. Interest amongst others of our unconverted friends was manifest. and more ingatherings will follow we feel sure. The love of God was evidently shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost given unto us, and Christians were refreshed, strengthened, and their faith much quickened. Woodstock church has had much to discourage in the last few years. Some fourteen or fifteen families have been lost by death or removal. But God has given us a "token for good."
And I believe the instrumental means of this blessing was the "sample of Christian hospitality" they gave.
Woodstock, Va., Oct. 22.
P. D. S.
Pastoral Notes.
A Sample of 'Christian Hospitality.'
Not by an individual Christian but by a church! And in this case, the "Woodstock church."
Between here and Broadway, Va. there is a gap of thirty miles of territory of Winchester Presbytery, heretofore "unoccupied." In it are three important towns (strung along the Baltimore and Ohio railroad.)
These three towns have, each, little flocks of Presbyterians, without church or organization. Woodstock church, by congregational action invited these friends to be their guests, during the Saturday and Sabbath services of our communion season, October 20th and 21st. A "Committee of Entertainment" was appointed, just as at Presbytery, to seek out "homes," meet the guests at the depot and elsewhere as the case may be, and escort them to their homes. The pastor visited the towns beforehand, and extended to our people there the hearty invitation of his flock, care was taken to show that the occasion was not a "social event." but one of "church fellowship," so that all formality would be put away.
"Our Communion Season."
The plan of "Christian Hospitality" worked well. Most of our invited guests came, and the rest gave us proofs that they appreciated the practical demonstration of church fellowship shown them. The weather was perfect; the congregations at every service large and attentive. The number communing surprisingly large. Four members were received, three by profession of faith. Interest amongst others of our unconverted friends was manifest. and more ingatherings will follow we feel sure. The love of God was evidently shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost given unto us, and Christians were refreshed, strengthened, and their faith much quickened. Woodstock church has had much to discourage in the last few years. Some fourteen or fifteen families have been lost by death or removal. But God has given us a "token for good."
And I believe the instrumental means of this blessing was the "sample of Christian hospitality" they gave.
Woodstock, Va., Oct. 22.
P. D. S.
What sub-type of article is it?
Historical Event
Biography
What themes does it cover?
Moral Virtue
Providence Divine
Triumph
What keywords are associated?
Christian Hospitality
Presbyterian Church
Communion Season
Woodstock Va
Church Fellowship
Spiritual Renewal
What entities or persons were involved?
P. D. S.
Woodstock Church
Where did it happen?
Woodstock, Va.
Story Details
Key Persons
P. D. S.
Woodstock Church
Location
Woodstock, Va.
Event Date
October 20th And 21st
Story Details
Woodstock Presbyterian Church invites scattered Presbyterians from nearby towns to their communion services, providing hospitality through a committee; the event succeeds with large attendance, new members received, and spiritual renewal for the congregation despite recent losses.