Lunenburg Church

(1888-)

The Gospel Messenger Aug. 21, 1888 page 524 Vol. 25 No.. 26

Aug. 3, D. C. Moomaw and myself went into Eastern Virginia, about 150 miles, to Pleasant Grove, Lunenburgh county. On the evening of Aug. 4 we commenced a series of doctrinal sermons, numbering sis in all, by special request. We had large congregations and interested attention, and in the intervals between meetings the people would come where we were, to have conversation with us. Seven were received into the church and baptized. With the one brother already there, this will make eight members in all.

  On Wednesday we organized them by installing Bro. S. H. Love into the second degree of the ministry. He has been a member some two years, and before that time had some experience in ministerial work. Bro. J. L. Oliver was elected and installed into the deacon's office. He had considerable experience, such as Superintendent of Sunday-school and prayer-meetings, having been a professor of Christianity for some years before. He, as well as Bro. Love, has strong faith, large benevolence, ardent zeal, financial ability, and a wide influence in the community. The sisters are in full sympathy with the brethren in their Christian work, and some of their daughters are deeply impressed, and, 1 believe, near the kingdom.

  All the families that were connected with the church are of the best elements of society. Many of their neighbors are interested, and the little plant that the Lord had planted, will, I hope, soon develop into a flourishing church. In the evening of the same day in which they were organized, we held with them the communion service, and so left them much encouraged, ready to go on in the work. At their earnest request we promised to visit them again in the near future, and from all that I could see, a good impression was made upon the people generally, giving the promise of much good for the cause of the Master.   

   This section is in what is called the Black Belt of Virginia, on account of the large negro population. Some of the ancestors of those who are now members of the Brethren church owned hundreds of slaves. Many of them remained with the families and are now in their employment and well cared for.

  Bro. Oliver requested us to say to the Brethren to come to see them and help them in their Christian work.

  If those having the means, would desire to buy cheap land, they can do so here. The people have large farms, but can not work them under the present labor system, therefore will sell very low. With these facts before you, you need have no fears in going into Eastern Virginia. One of the families that united with the church,—brother and sister Whitehead—came from Michigan, and seem well satisfied. This is a healthy country, and has social and business as well as religious advantages. B. F. Moomaw.