USA > Virginia > City of Staunton > City of Staunton > The First Presbyterian Church, Staunton, Virginia > Part 6
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The call is just as much that of the Holy Spirit when he says stay and work, as when he says go and work. In each case it is the voice of the Master who commands, and it is the Holy Spirit who empowers; in each case the responsibility and privilege is the same when the obedient soul says here am I, use me ; the sin and disgrace the same in resisting the command.
How are you to know when you are called to special service in the
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home work. Sometimes others see that you are the one for a particu- lar service. If the pastor and judicious friends urge it, be very sure that God has not called you before you decline to take up the labor. Sometimes you see clearly that something ought to be done in the church; bourne in upon me, we say, very likely then it ought to be bourne in upon you that you are the person to work for the advance- ment of that cause.
Do you say, "I am not fit ?" Paul said, "Who is sufficient ?" and if he was not sufficient for his work, be sure you will not be for yours. Paul's history teaches where only strength for service can be found. If one gladly does what his hands find to do, the way opens for doing more. "The reward of service is more service."
These three things, then, can the women of Lexington Presby- tery do for missions ; Pray regularly and earnestly ; give system- atically and proportionately, and above all, surrender themselves to the Lord for service when and where He may direct.
When asked to take this subject for a paper, it was urged that some practical suggestions on ways of working, founded on experi- ence, would be helpful. Let me say to those who have recently be- come leaders, to successfully conduct a society means work. There must be constant vigilance in this, as in every other occupation, if good results are to be attained. With the mind constantly on the thought of missions, one comes across a surprising number of inter- esting items in the secular papers and magazines. The ubiquitous shoe box comes in handily, labelled with the country or topic ; let the appropriate clipping and tract be put into it. A moment's work, and the matter can be brought out whenever needed without a search, which uses up time and strength.
If possible, let every member of the society subscribe to The Mis- sionary, and it can be made the basis of much study. I would suggest that either the president subscribe for the Missionary Review of the World, or the Society for her. For seventeen years that periodical has never failed to furnish the very information needed in a condensed and striking form. These two magazines should be filed, and if the files belong to the society, in case of a new president, the files should be sent to her as a part of her necessary outfit. As well expect a carpenter to work without tools, as a leader without materials for in- creasing her own knowledge and diffusing it. Good missionary books and other good periodicals are of great value, but for making interest- ing programmes I know of nothing that exceeds a right use of The Missionary, The Review, clippings, and well selected tracts and booklets.
Some suggestions about the meetings of the societies may not be amiss. These should always begin with devotional exercises. We all
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know the natural shrinkage from leading in prayer-prayer the most sacred exercise which the soul can perform. To one unaccustomed to praying in public, I would suggest writing out the prayer beforehand, to give definiteness to the petitions. Pray it over to the Lord as well as pray for his grace for the time of trial. If possible, get other ladies to join, at first in sentence prayer, with only one definite peti- tion. Some of the happiest meetings, our society has had, have been when several, one after another, prayed in this way. The Bible gives beautiful short prayers, which may be committed to memory and re- peated till one ceases to dread the sound of her own voice.
For years the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society of the First Church, Staunton, has used the Missionary Lesson Leaf. It gives a responsive reading of well selected verses of Scripture, two hymns, and closes with a short prayer to be said in unison. The missionary information is valuable, and can often be so used as to assist with the subject of that meeting. The price, for thirteen copies to one address for every month for a year, is one dollar. I have bought a number of leaflets, which contain the address and terms, and will serve as sample copies for any one who may wish to have one.
Taking one of the great mission fields for study at a meeting is a natural thought, and will be found very profitable. When possible, it is well to give two meetings to one country, as the missions have so increased that even a bird's eye view cannot be gained at one time.
The study of one number of The Missionary has been used with benefit. As the issue of the current month would not arrive in time, it is well to take The Missionary of a month or two previous, and formulate and distribute the questions on it. In this way the ground is more thoroughly covered than in reading The Missionary as it comes out.
For several years, as we know, text-books have been prepared for study classes. 1902-Via Christi, an introduction to the study of mis- sions. 1903-Lux Christi, an outline study of India. 1904-Rex Christus, of China. 1905-Dux Christus, of Japan. Also Sunrise in the Sunrise Kingdom. The Woman's Foreign Missionary Society, First Church, Staunton, has been studying the last named volume with a marked in- crease of interest ;; indeed the enthusiasm excited has been great, owing, no doubt in part to the war in the East, which is engaging the attention of the world. But, with due allowance for this, the more accurate and full knowledge of any heathen people, of their needs, of the efforts being made by consecrated, heroic men and women for their salvation, must warm the hearts and enthuse the minds of intelligent Christian women. Without knowledge it is impossible to interest, without more knowledge, to maintain that interest. The present war
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is a striking illustration of this. Attention having been turned to the nations in deadly conflict, everything that concerns them is read and discussed with avidity. Maps are eagerly scanned for places until lately unheard of, and men with outlandish names have become house- hold words.
A few years ago Dr. Paton, of the New Hebrides, lectured in Staunton to a crowded audience. We had his life in our missionary library. ยท A few faithful sisters had read it, and fewer brothers. The demand for it now became so great by those within and without the society, that we had to lend it with the proviso that in should be read quickly and passed on to a specified person.
This brings me to the importance of a missionary library. Let quality rather than quantity be the aim. Add one or two books a year, and get a librarian who has read and can recommend them from her personal enjoyment of them. I regard the proper librarian as al- most as important as good books. Busy people need tactful pressing to undertake a book, and yet love to hear of what is being done by our modern Pauls, and may I add, Priscillas.
It may at first be difficult to get the members to take a part in the study programme. At first give only short readings ; then ask that the matter be told instead of read. After a while the members to condense longer articles, only reading some striking quotations. On some occasions the salient points of a whole book have been presented in twenty or thirty minutes.
The main object has been the increase of missionary knowledge and zeal, but a second result has been an intellectual benefit. Our minds become incrusted with the daily cares in serving the physical wants of our families ; the intellectual, and above all, the spiritual, need these helps to greater development.
Try to get the members in rotation to take charge of the meetings. It lightens the burden of the president gives variety in the treatment and adds interest, as we will enjoy what we have taken an active part in.
In closing let me entreat that prayer be constantly made for the race of continuance. "Ye did run well" for a time, is written on many a promising society. Zeal will flag, enthusiasm wax cold, and then the sense of responsiblity to Him who was ever mindful of the work the Father gave Him to do, will enable us to be faithful to the end. Let "patient continuance" be the motto of all who strive to advance the kingdom, knowing that "all the promises of God, in him are yea, and in him amen, unto the glory of God by us."
Staunton, Va.
MRS. J. ADDISON WADDELL.
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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, STAUNTON, VA.
STATISTICAL REPORT TO PRESBYTERY.
Annual Report of the First Presbyterian Church, Staunton, Va., to Presbytery, for the year ending March 31, 1908.
Elders 10
Deacons
12
Communicants added on Examination
10
Communicants added on Certificate
16
Total of Communicants
596
Adult Baptisms
4
Infant Baptisms.
7
Baptised Non-Communicants.
105
Officers and Teachers in Sabbath-Schools and Bible Classes 35
Scholars in Sabbath-Schools and Bible Classes.
418
FUNDS CONTRIBUTED.
Foreign Missions
$1963 28
Assembly's Home Missions
127 94
Local Home Missions
1197 75
Colored Evangelization
94 68
Ministerial Relief
165 31
Education
566 82
Publication and S. S. Mission
75 54
Bible Cause
53 05
Presbyterial
45 00
Pastor's Salary
2400 00
Congregational
2378 40
Miscellaneous
505 70
$9573 47
A. M. FRASER, D. D., Pastor.
JOSEPH A. WADDELL, Clerk of Session.
SESSIONAL REPORT OF WOMAN'S SOCIETIES
SOCIETY OF WOMAN'S WORK-68 Members.
Contributed for Local Causes
$282 00
" Home Missions 35 00
66 Other Causes 10 00
---- $327 00
LADIES' AID SOCIETY-38 Members.
Contributed for Miscellaneous Causes $ 93 00
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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, STAUNTON, VA.
WOMAN'S HOME MISSIONARY SOCIETY-106 Members. Contributed for Home Missions $197 00
WOMAN'S FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY-27 Members.
Contributed for Foreign Missions. $149 00
SESSIONAL REPORT OF YOUNG PEOPLE'S SOCIETIES
YOUNG LADIES' MISSIONARY SOCIETY-34 Members.
Contributed for Current Expenses. $ 14 89
" Foreign Missions 165 00
" Home Missions 25 00
66 " Other Causes 61 74
-$266 63
JUNIOR AID SOCIETY-25 Members.
Contributed for Miscellaneous Causes $ 50 00
CHILDREN'S MISSIONARY SOCIETY-20 Members.
Contributed for Foreign Missions $ 20 00
COVENANTERS-15 Members.
Contributed for Current Expenses
$ 4 00
" Foreign Missions 70 00
" Home Missions.
35 00
-
-$109 00
YOUNG WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN ASS'N, M. B. S .- 116 Members.
Contributed for Foreign Missions
$ 5 50
" Other Causes 65 00
- -- $70 50
SUNDAY SCHOOL.
Contributed through Treasurer
$304 98
Other Contributions
21 60
$326 58
M. B. SEMINARY SUNDAY SCHOOL-205 Members.
Contributed for Foreign Missions $250 00
CHURCH OFFICERS
The Ruling Elders in 1897, named in the order of their election, were Joseph A. Waddell, Davis A. Kayser, George S. Walker, Charles Grattan, Henry D. Peck, N. Wayt, James N. McFarland, Henry A. Walker and Samuel F. Pilson.
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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, STAUNTON, VA.
The Deacons were James H. Blackley, William A. Burke, Arista Hoge, C. B. Somerville, James A. Templeton, S. H. Henkel, William H. Landes, Charles K. Hoge, John M. Spotts and James A. Fulton.
PRESENT ORGANIZATION
Pastor :- Rev. A. M. Fraser, D. D., installed May 21, 1893.
Elders :- 1858, Joseph A. Waddell ; 1875, Dr. George S. Walker ; 1880, H. D. Peck ; 1885, J. N. McFarland; 1894, S. F. Pilson ; 1894, H. A. Walker; 1894, H. H. Bolen; 1903, W. H. Landes; 1903, Dr. J. B. Rawlings ; 1903, C. F. Neel.
Deacons :- 1864, J. H. Blackley ; 1880, Arista Hoge ; 1888, J. A. Templeton ; 1888, Dr. S. H. Henkel ; 1896, J. M. Spotts ; 1896, C. K. Hoge ; 1896, J. A. Fulton ; 1903, R. E. Timberlake ; 1903, H. J. Taylor, 1903, McH. Holliday ; 1903, C. S. Hunter ; 1903, W. W. King.
Sunday School :- C. R. Caldwell, Superintendent ; C. S. Hunter, Secretary ; H. A. Walker, Librarian and Treasurer.
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CHAPTER X
THE BEGINNING OF A REVOLUTION IN THE MODE OF RAISING CHURCH REVENUES.
A T a meeting of the officers of the First Presbyterian Church of Staunton, held June 1, 1892, to consider the condition of its finances, which is somewhat dis- couraging, owing to the large arrearages in pew rents ; pending a proposition to enforce the pew rent system to its logical results, or else to abandon it altogether, and substi- tute some other method of revenue, Elder Jos. A. Waddell read a paper which so forcibly set forth the objections to the pew rent system, that some of those who sympathize with his views, thought it best to have the same printed and dis- tributed to the congregation for their consideration.
The following is a copy of the paper :
HOW SHOULD CHURCH REVENUES BE RAISED ?
A little more than a hundred years ago, the church was consti- tuted by law in Virginia. The people were assessed by public officers, and the money due from them "for the support of religion," was col- lected by tax-gatherers, like any other public dues. The money thus raised was applied for the support of "the church," and Dissenters, consisting then mainly of Presbyterians and Baptists, had to con- tribute as well as others, and in addition to provide for the mainte- nance of their own institutions, as best they could. Amongst the re- sults of the Revolution of 1776, the religious establishment was abolished.
But soon afterward, the scheme of a "general assessment" for the support of religion was proposed in the State Legislature. It was earnestly advocated by Patrick Henry and other distinguished public men, who appreciated the importance of religion and desired to pro- mote its influence amongst the people. According to this scheme all tax-payers were to contribute, willingly or unwillingly, to a general
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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, STAUNTON, VA.
fund, to be apportioned to the various denominations, the liberty granted to the tax-payer being that of indicating the church or society to receive his quota.
The Presbyterian clergy and people warmly opposed the scheme, as an infringement upon liberty and injurious to religion. Memorial after memorial in opposition to it, was adopted by Hanover Presbytery, then the only Presbytery in the State, and the Rev. John B. Smith, of Hampden-Sidney, was sent to Richmond to remonstrate in person before the Legislature. Finally, a general convention of Presbyterians was held at Bethel Church, in Augusta County, which adopted an earnest protest against the measure. Soon afterward, the bill securing complete religious liberty was passed by the Legislature, and our people congratulated themselves on the establishment of just and sound principles.
The policy of our church was therefore long ago established, that the institutions of religion should be supported by the voluntary, free will offerings of the worshipers. Whatever plan for raising money in- fringes in any degree upon this fundamental principle, should be care- fully avoided. In my opinion, the common practice of RENTING PEWS is directly in conflict with it.
After the completion of our present church building, it was de- termined to raise the necessary revenues by renting pews. Accord- ingly prices were affixed to the various pews, from $15 to $40 each, per annum, in view of the supposed eligibility of the different sittings. A number of pews under the gallery and elsewhere, in out-of-the-way and undesirable locations, were set apart as "free," for the use of casual attendants or members of the congregation too poor to pay for more desirable places. It was understood that a family or person tak- ing a pew and afterward becoming unable to pay for it, should take a cheaper pew, or, if necessary, retire to one of the free pews. Thus the sittings in the church were disposed of like stalls in a market, or boxes in a theatre, and it was contemplated to "run the church" on "strictly business principles."
How has this system worked ? I hazard nothing in saying that as a financial scheme it has proved an utter failure, while in other respects it has caused much discomfort to many of our people and no little injury to the best interests of the congregation. In New York and other large cities the system may be practicable so far as raising money is concerned. A popular preacher, or attractive music, will draw a crowd of wealthy worshipers ; it is fashionable to go to church and have some sort of religion ; and many people will attend on Sun- day to display their finery and keep in good society. But the poor and people in moderate circumstances are practically excluded. In a
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town and community such as ours, necessary church revenues cannot be raised by such means-certainly not without constant irritations and injury to the cause intended to be promoted.
The system is based, it seems to me, on wholly erroneous prin- ciples. It discourages the scriptural doctrine that each individual ought to contribute in proportion to his ability. A comparatively rich man occupies a $20, $30, or $40 pew, and because he pays the sum fix- ed by the officers of the church as his quota, he is apt to conclude that he has fully discharged his duty in the premises. Next to him in church may be a poor family, struggling for daily bread and decent ap- parel, who must pay the same sum as the richer brother, or run the risk of being ejected from their place. This threat is involved in the sys- tem, and is held over the head of every pew-holder. The Board of Deacons have not generally enforced the system. That they have not is proved by the fact that probably three-fourths of the present pew- holders are not now paying the full prices of their pews as originally assessed. Yet with every disposition to deal kindly, the officers, in accordance with their duty as long as the system remains in force, have several times deprived families of their places and practically ex- cluded them from the building. It is not their fault, but the blame is to be attributed to the plan adopted, and which they are required to enforce. But carry out the system, as it ought to be carried out as long as it is continued, and what will it result in? Three-fourths of the wor- shipers must give up their pews and take refuge in the free pews. Who are to occupy the vacated seats ? As far as now appears they must remain vacant, while the recent occupants, unable to find accom- modation in the seats appropriated to them, must stay outside al- together.
Further objections to the plan are, that it fosters the idea of an aristocracy of wealth in the house of God-that the rich are to be better accommodated than the poor, or to the exclusion of the poor ; that it causes much discomfort to those who from a reverse of fortune, or otherwise, cannot pay the stipulated sum; that it tends to exclude people from the church ; and generally that it is unscriptual and in- jurious to the cause for which the building was erected.
The Apostle James says we must not have the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ "with respect of persons," nor say to the rich man, "Sit thou here in a good place," and say to the poor, "Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool."
Let us then try some other plan. Let us take down the labels which appear on many pews-on one "For Rent" on another "Free." The latter proclaims : "Sit here if you choose, but do not forget that you are a pauper." Take down those labels, and declare that every
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seat not already appropriated is FREE to who ever will take it. Make no distinction between the rich and poor. Let the poorest member in the congregation have the best seat in the house, if there be such a seat. Cause all who come to feel AT HOME. It is their Father's house, and their home. Thus the membership will be increased, and there will be no lack of necessary funds for defraying the expenses of the con- gregation.
It will be observed that the objection is not to a proper pew system, but to the renting of pews. On many accounts it is desirable that every family, and if possible, every individual, shall have a fixed and recognized place in the house. It is not seemly or agreeable for the regular worshipers to enter pell-mell and scramble for seats-a father here, a mother there, and the children scattered about. There- fore, let one or more pews be assigned to each family, and bear their name. At the same time the body of the congregation, through its officers, must retain a proper control of the sittings. Every individual must understand that he is indebted to the congregation for his ap- pointed place, and that he is not at liberty to monopolize more space than is necessary for his comfortable accommodation. Of course it is impossible to furnish a whole pew to each person ; and where several persons are associated, by their own agreement or by the church officers, there must be amongst them a spirit of mutual courtesy and regard. The one who enters first should not insist upon sitting at the entrance, and require others entitled to the same accommodation to work their way in over knees and feet as best they can. This selfish, unaccommodating spirit is fostered by the system of renting pews. The feeling is : "This is my pew, I pay for it. You have no right here." The whole church, however, and every seat in it, belongs to the congregation, and all worshipers are entitled to accommodation without distinction.
According to the plan proposed, no family will be disturbed in the present arrangement, but each will retain its place as far as agree- able and suitable. When strangers apply for accommodation, they will not be told, as now, "Here is a pew you may have for $40, there is one for $30," etc., but, "Here are the vacant pews, or seats, take whichever you prefer."
Thus having relieved the church from the odium of affording its accommodations to those only who can pay for them - throwing the doors wide open, inviting all to come and welcome, whether they pay much, or little, or nothing at all- the poorest having all the rights which money can obtain- how shall the amount necessary to defray expenses be raised ? Money is indispensable. There is no denying that, and there is no incongruity in keeping the fact before the people.
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In every civilized community money is necessary for subsistence, and without it the religion of Jesus Christ cannot be maintained and propagated. In the hands of one who loves God and his fellowmen, it is a blessed thing. It may be sanctified and become a holy thing. Let us not fall into the mistake of contemning money as something unclean and not to be mentioned in connection with religion. It is not money itself, but the undue, sordid love of pelf, which the Bible denounces. It not only represents dwellings and food and clothing, but also churches, Bibles, and to some extent even the proclamation of the gospel. How shall preachers abide in their calling, or go on their errand, without the means of subsistence ? And how shall meeting-houses be built, and warmed, and lighted at night, unless funds are provided for the purpose ?
Money is indispensable. How shall it be obtained ? Not by a system of governmental taxation-our ancestors delivered us from that burden a hundred years ago. Nor by an arbitrary and imprac- ticable assessment by church officers, in consideration of a certain allotted space in the house of worship. But rather by each individual assessing himself. It is not for me to say what my neighbor shall contribute. I am bound to give, or pay, in the fear of God and ac- cording to my ability. The Bible lays down the rule-"Each one ac- cording to his ability."
It is objected to this plan that some persons who are able, will contribute nothing, and that the fear of losing their pews must be kept before them in order to obtain their contributions. I imagine there are very few people of this kind. No one of the least self-re- spect, who is able to maintain his family, would allow his neighbors to furnish subsistence to his wife and children or even to himself ; and it is almost incredible that any one able to help would consent to receive all the accommodations afforded by the church without contributing to the fund. But if their be such a man, the remedy is not by a threat to turn him out of his pew. That man specially needs the gos- pel. Keep him in his place, therefore, hoping that by the grace of God he may yet be brought to appreciate his duty and privilege in this respect. In the meanwhile, others ought to make up the deficiency with the same spirit which induces them to send the gospel to idolaters and other benighted people.
I have heard of a society of simple-minded Christians in one of the West India Islands, who, it seems to me, hit upon the true plan for raising the expenses of true religious services. They adopted three rules, as follows : 1. We will give cheerfully; 2. We will give promptly; 3. We will give as the Lord has blessed us. It is related that on one occasion, when the officers of the church had met to
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