The last year has been an uneventful one in the history of our church.  The regular ordinances have been observed as usual and with a few exceptions our people have attended upon them with fidelity.  No special outpouring of the Holy Ghost has been experienced - still we have enjoyed frequent tokens of His presence among us.  During the year we have lost some of our members by removal and others by death.  But the Lord has added eight to our number which more than make up for our losses.  Our Church has recently purchased a Manse which is now occupied y our Pastor.  Our Sunday School has kept up with more than usual success and there are some encouraging features connected with this branch of our work.  Our people have contributed to the various causes of beneficences with about their usual liberality.  We regret to say that some of our members do not seem to row in the grace of giving.  The Sabbath Day is generally observed with at least outward propriety and reverence, but in some cases it is too often devoted to social visiting.  There has been no case of misconduct among us calling for the exercise of discipline.  The outward walk of the Brethren has been to an encouraging degree such as becometh the Gospel.  But we believe that as a Church we are lukewarm and in great need of the quickening power of the Holy Ghost.

- 1881 -

February 28th, the Session met in the absence of the pastor.  Our pastor having visited a Sister Church in a distant field to preach for them looking for a call, in view of which the following action is had.  Be it therefore resolved:

1. That we view a severance of the official relations of our pastor, Rev. J.F. Cannon, with his people as a calamity to the Church far reaching in its consequences and greatly to be deplored.  We enter our affectionate and solemn protest against such action on his part.

2. That we bear our testimony to the faithful eminent and increasing ability which Mr. Cannon has preached the Gospel among us and we know that his ministries have been greatly to the edification of God's children here, and the people generally.

3. That his services are still earnestly desired by the members of the Church with remarkably unanimity, there being no solitary exception known to us, or believed to exist, while to the congregation at large and the public generally his loss would be greatly regretted at this time when the happiest results may be reasonably expected from his continued labors among us.

4. That the fidelity with which he has served this Church have placed its members, if possible, under renewed obligations to discharge every duty incumbent on them in his support.  And we deeply deplore a seeming carelessness on the part of some in the meeting these obligations and we especially regret the failure which has existed on the part of this body to render to him the fullest encouragement, sympathy and support in his work. W desire hereby most unreservedly as officers and as individuals to promise our full cooperation with him in his future work among us.

5. That in view of these considerations, and others, not here specified that Mr. Cannon be affectionately urged and entreated by the Session and on behalf of the Leesburg Presbyterian Church to decline all calls to leave his people here, by whom he is so greatly beloved, and to continue the work of the Lord among us.

March 18th, the Session met at the call of the Moderator.  The Moderator stated that his object in convening this session was to request the Session to call a congregational meeting for the purpose of uniting with him in a request to the Chesapeake Presbytery to dissolve the pastoral relation existing between him and this church.

To the Members of the Presbyterian Church, Leesburg:

It is doubtless known to you that for some weeks past, I have been considering a call to undertake the pastoral care of another church.  In the meantime many of you have given me most gratifying assurances of your desire that I should continue my labors among you, and also of your prayers that I might be wisely guided in the decision of so grave a question.  I have now to announce that after earnest prayer for guidance and a deliberate consideration of the whole subject, I have reached the conclusion that it is my duty to accept the call, and to this end I ask you to join me in a request of Presbytery to dissolve the relation existing between us as pastor and people.

It is needless to say, dear friend, that it has cost me much to come to this decision, for eight years my home has been among you.  During all that time you have shown me the most abundant kindness and the tenderest consideration.  We have had some precious experiences together, both in time of sorrow and joy. All of which have bound me to you by very strong and tender ties.  But if, as I believe, God in His providence has called me to another part of His field it would be a grave mistake both for you and me to disregard the call.

Impelled by this conviction, I lay my request before you, in the comforting assurance that, although I may no longer be your pastor, the Great and Good Shepherd still has you under His loving care, and that when we have done with the changes of Earth, we shall be joined again in a more precious and abiding union.

                    Your affectionate pastor,

                    John F. Cannon

May 29th, a congregational meeting was held the object of which was the election of a pastor.  The committee appointed at a former meeting through its chairman unanimously presented the name of Rev. James H. Smith of Lexington Presbytery as a suitable person to become the pastor of this Church.

When on motion a rising vote was taken the result was Rev. James H. Smith being unanimously called to the pastorate of this Church.

On motion the blank in the call was ordered to be filled with the sum of $850 a year payable in monthly installments and a Manse.

August 3rd, the Rev. James H. Smith was invited to moderate the present Session and act as our pastor at all future sessions which may be held until he shall be regularly installed.

At a meeting of the Chesapeake Presbytery held in Leesburg on the 4th day of October, the Rev. James H. Smith was received from Lexington Presbytery.  And on Wednesday, Oct. 5th, was installed as Pastor of this Church.

Sept. 28th, the Moderator's report on the condition of the Sunday School was received and the recommendations adopted, the same was ordered to be spread upon the record and read to the congregation on next Sabbath.  The discouraging picture presented in the narrative was not overdrawn.  The scholars are few in number and display little or no interest in the exercises of the school.  The teachers are not sufficient in numbers for the efficient discharge of their duties.  The children are so irregular in their attendance that the most laborious and painstaking teacher would naturally be discouraged.  The following recommendations are submitted:

1. The Clerk of Session be requested to make out a correct list of the children of the congregation between ages of say four and twenty years.

2. The Pastor be requested to urge upon every child on such list first the duty and privilege of attending Sunday School.

3. That earnest effort be made to secure two or more additional teachers in order that if possible the number of scholars in each class shall not exceed five or six.

4. That the Pastor undertake the charge of a class of young ladies who are at an age when they should be urged to give immediate attention to the subject of experimental religion.

5. That the teachers be requested to meet for an hour at some place to be designated once every week for the purpose of going through the lesson for the succeeding Sabbath with the Pastor.

6. That an effort be made to supply the school with such papers as may interest the children and attract them to the school.

7. That on the last Sabbath of each month the school be examined in review of the lesson of the month.

8. That the teachers be urged to look up their delinquent scholars and to endeavor to secure their regular attendance.

9. That the Pastor be requested to preach at an early day on the subject of parental responsibilities and duties with a special application to this subject.

10. That the members of Session use their influence to impress on the minds of the congregation the importance of keeping up the school by personal conversation.

11. That a statement on these matters be read publicly from the pulpit.

... but all these must be of no avail unless the Christian parents awake to their responsibility and exercise their parental care and authority in seeing to it that all their children shall regularly and punctually attend.  We therefore exhort and beseech you by the mercies of God, by the love of Christ, by the communion of the Spirit, by the hope of Glory, y the eternal interest of these immortal souls, obey us who have the rule over you in the Lord and submit yourselves.  For we watch for your should and must give account that we may do it with you an d not with grief.  In the name and with the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, with all love and tenderness we exhort you to give your solemn consideration of these things ...

December 7th, after conference with Board of Deacons the following action was had.  That they proceed at once to notify all delinquent contributors among our members to pay in full the amounts due by them up to December 1st to meet the imperative needs of the Church, notifying each member the amount due by them to said date.  And if said amounts are not paid on or before the 25th day of December the failure of said persons to pay shall be reported to the Session for its action as soon thereafter as practicable together with the reasons given in each case for not paying.

- 1882 -

The following narrative to Presbytery was adopted on March 1st (there appeared to have been a format developed so that the narrative was simply a response to questions):

- 1883 -

The Session adopted the following narrative to Presbytery on April 13th:

1. The Church has been supplied with the regular ministration of the Word, except during the months of February and March when the Pastor was on leave of absence on account of sickness, pastoral visitations have been engaged in by the Minister and to some extent by the Ruling Elders.

2. The attendance upon the services of the Sanctuary has generally been good.  The non-attendance of individuals has been brought to their notice in most cases with good results.

3. There has been no special outpouring of the Holy Ghost.

4. The improvements of the Church has not been in any way marked.  During the year four adults have been received on a profession of their faith.

5. The Christian department of church members has been, in the main, worthy of praise.  Some are indifferent, some irregular in attendance upon public worship and at the Lord's table.  The Session is earnestly seeking to restore such "in the spirit of meekness". Not a few of our members have lately given evidence of an awkward conscience, a deep conviction of their short comings and a renewed seeking after God.

6. Those of our members who are engaged in Church work are very faithful.  We pray that their number may be increased.

7. The shorter Catechism, questions in the shorter Catechism, and the Child's Catechism are used in the Sabbath School, and to some extent in families.  A ladies Bible class under the instruction of the Pastor is engaged in studying lessons on the confession of Faith.

8. As far as direct inquiries have been responded to, we are informed and must with sorrow report that while this means of Grace is in some families, in many (perhaps we should say nearly all) it more or less neglected, we have earnestly endeavored to stimulate to greater faithfulness in this regard, and "so will we do, if the Lord permits".

9. With many the Sabbath is sanctified by a Holy resting all that day, with many it is a day of rest from labor only.

10. Some of God's people here give to Him of His own freely, some give but little.  The standard of the Church in regard to this duty while far below that of the Divine Word may perhaps compare favorable with that of other churches.  The sacred obligations of this means of Grace has been urged on the people in public and in private.

11. Intemperance and worldly amusements do not prevail among us.  No case has been brought before the Session during the past year.  The method ordained by our Lord of perpetual expostulation in private has thus far been blessed to those who need warning.

12. Nothing has been attempted in this direction, one single colored contributor has been received into the full communion of the Church.

13. Very little has been done towards supplying the destitute places in the neighborhood of our Church beyond the opportunity of hearing the Gospel preached afforded by the regular services of the Sanctuary.

All of which is respectfully submitted to Chesapeake Presbytery by the Session of Leesburg Church.

June 22nd, during the Session meeting the report on the finances of the Church was taken from the table and on motion it was resolved that after a careful investigation of the said finances the Session feel constrained to call, and do hereby call, upon several regular subscribers to the Church to increase their subscription one third to be paid weekly; it being distinctly understood that the subscriptions so increased shall include all contributions expected of such members for other causes as well as Pastor's salary.

September 28th, a communicant of this church was cited and did appear before the Session.  He confessed in open session that he was intoxicated as set forth in the citation served upon him, and professed great sorrow over it, as an act displeasing to God.  The following action was had:

Whereas a communicant of this Church was seen in a state of intoxication in a public place and this fact was brought to the notice of the Session, this night appeared in response to this summons.  He has confessed without reserve his sin, professed deep sorrow over it as an act displeasing to God and hurtful both to his own soul and to the interests of religion and declared his solemn purpose by God's grace and assistance to live a boldly blameless and consistent Christian life, therefore be it resolved that the Moderator do now in the presence of the Session administer to this erring brother a solemn admonition setting forth the grievous nature of this sin, the peril into which he has brought his soul, and a serious warning to go and sin no more lest a worst thing come upon him.  Resolved that inasmuch as the offence was publicly committed and the cause of religion injured thereby, therefore the Moderator of Session shall announce from the pulpit the action taken by the Session and the fact of his confession and repentance in order that the purity of Christ's Church may be vindicated and other s may be warned lest they fall into like snare.

- 1884 -

January 31st, the Moderator reported to the Session that on Monday January 21, 1884 he was called to the bedside of Mr. J. Lewis Hawling residing some distance from Leesburg, who was lying dangerously ill.  That he went there on Tuesday morning and found him very low but in the full possession of his faculties, after conversation with him in which he made the most unequivocal declaration of his entire faith in Christ for the pardon of his sins and his acceptance with God.  He expressed an earnest desire to be baptized into the visible Church.  Although there was no Session present to conduct the examination and to order the rite to be administered, he at once baptized him into the presence of four witnesses.  This action was taken for the following reasons:

First - There was no possibility of assembling a Session for he was then evidently dying, though fully conscious and living about four miles from the Leesburg church.

Second - In the exercise of his judgment concerning Mr. Hawling's spiritual condition he was aided by the presence of Rev. Dr. David of the Episcopal Church, whose opinion concerning the propriety of the baptism coincided with his own.  One main end of the provision of the constitution, viz, the observance of due caution in receiving members, was thus guarded.

Third - The case was extra-ordinary and therefore the measure to be applied must needs be extra-ordinary also.  Our Lord grants baptism to all believers (Mark XVI - 16) and his apostles did the same (The Acts VIII - 37) "The law is good only when a man uses it lawfully".  The spirit of the law is more precious than the letter.  The spirit of the constitution which design to give baptism to all credible believers must be obeyed if possible in accordance with the letter, if not by passing beyond it.

April 2nd, the Clerk of the Board Deacons made a verbal report through the Clerk of the Session in regard to the request that the Session made of the Deacons at its last meeting.  The Deacons had not had a meeting during the ecclesiastical year just closed and therefore there were no records of its proceedings to inspect.  Whereupon the following action was taken. That the Session would call the attention of the Deacons to Book of Church Order, Chapter 4, Section 4, Paragraph 4, which their verbal report of the Clerk of the Board of Deacons declares that they have not confirmed themselves to.  The Session earnestly enjoins the Deacons to confirm to the requirements of the Book of Church Orders as aforesaid and address themselves with diligence to the duties of their office.

September 8th, whereas there are vague reports which have reached the ears of the Session to the effect that there is a prevalence of drinking and other forms of sin in the Church, and whereas there reports have been of such a character as by their indefiniteness to preclude Session action; therefore resolved that the members of the Session be charged to exercise special diligence as watchers for souls, who must give account, to discover and bring to discipline any and all such breaches of God's law.

September, the Moderator stated that he had been informed that the Harrisonburg Church of Lexington Presbytery had made our a formal call for his pastoral services and that at present advised he is inclined to accept the same when property presented to him.

December 15th, at a congregational meeting of the Church, Mr. Smith informed his people officially of the situation, whereupon the congregation entered their solemn protest in the proceedings following.  Mr. Smith is a young gentleman of more than ordinary promise, as a minister he is earnest, entertaining, and instructive.  As a Pastor he is faithful and attentive and greatly beloved.  As a gentleman he is kind and affable, ever ready to engage in every good work, having for its object the promotion of morality, virtue and true piety among his fellowmen.  And this community generally, like his Church here , would regret any action on his part the result of which would be his departure from among them.

At the congregational meeting, Elder Bradfield on behalf of himself and other members of the Session offered the following paper for the consideration of the meeting, which after due consideration, was unanimously adopted by a rising vote as the sentiment of the meeting:

RESOLVED: by the congregation of the Leesburg Presbyterian Church, that we have heard with deep regret of the cal by the Church as Harrisonburg for the services of our beloved Pastor after due consideration we deem it our duty most earnestly to protest against any severance of his Pastoral relation with this Church so soon after their auspicious opening, scarcely three years ago, and at a time when, from previous providential hindrance, he has now commenced his regular work among us.

We bear our testimony to the faithfulness of Mr. Smith's work here, and to the affection and regard in which he is held by this Church and community, and we appeal to him not to leave at this time a charge already hallowed by many sacred associations, in which he has already been blessed, and when so much remains to be done.

We deem it a solemn duty to warn the Presbytery of the harm and injury which will come to the Church by the proposed disruption of his pastoral relations at a juncture we consider critical in its history; and we invoke the aid and authority of the Presbytery to prevent these grave results, believing that it there ever was a time, when a change was unwise and improper, this is the occasion, and we are unwilling to assume the responsibility or to fail to enter our solemn protest and warning.

- 1885 -

March, a congregational meeting was held after services Sunday, the pulpit of the church having been declared vacant.  On motion the name of Rev. James R. Bridges of Maryland Presbytery was put in nomination and was unanimously elected as pastor.

May, the Rev. James R. Bridges was installed Pastor of the Presbyterian Church, Leesburg by Chesapeake Presbytery filling the vacancy that had been in the pulpit for about five months.

June 17th, the Session met and it was ordered that hereafter the regular meetings of the Session shall be held on the first Wednesday nigh of each month.  It was further ordered that the communion shall hereafter be held quarterly.

- 1886 -

April 12th, the following Sessional Report was ordered to be reported to Presbytery:

- 1887 -

April 1st, during the regular business of the Session it was ordered that the available books of the present Sunday School library be donated to the Sunday School at Cool Spring.  It was also ordered that the old hymn books of the Church be donated to Wise Chapel, Prince William County per request.

Selections from the narrative prepared for Presbytery indicate a general feeling of improvement ...

The Pastor has been conscientiously faithful in the discharge of all his duties.  He has preached twice every Sunday except when absent by leave of the Session and once by sickness, he preaches at two mission points and whenever able to be present he catechized the Sabbath School.  He also seeks to develop the grace of giving among the children as well as among the adults.

The Elders have attended to their duties with fidelity.  Whenever certain qualities may be lacking they are more than counterbalanced by other qualities equally as important.

The Deacons during the past year have held regular meeting and have managed the temporal affairs of the church in a manner deserving praise.  It is the hope and belief of the Session that during the coming year we shall see even more marked improvements.

There has been a steady improvement in attendance upon the services of the Sanctuary.  The services are all well attended as compared with last year, though there is yet room for improvement at the weekly prayer meetings.

The Ladies Sewing Society has during the past year spend $128 in improving the Manse, $26 in supplying the Church with new hymn books, $10 towards the Sunday School library, and $30 for home and foreign missions.

The children too seem to be filled with the same spirit and meet regularly every week in a society of their own.  They have given $12 toward the Sunday School library, put a gong on the manse, and have undertaken to raise $5 for the proposed church in Pemaamluco, Brazil.

In worshiping God with their substance, with but few exceptions, our people have done well.  Besides paying a deficit on last year's salary they have paid this year's salary with the exception of $22.  They have given to the different causes more than they have done for seven years past.

- 1888 -

April 23rd, the Church at Leesburg, VA in giving information of its condition to Chesapeake Presbytery has abundant cause for gratitude and love for God's pressing Goodness since our last report.

1. Our Pastor has been faithful and successful in the discharge of his labors, and the ruling Elders and Deacons have been faithful as usual in the discharge of their official duties.

2. The attendance upon public worship and Sabbath morning has been good; but the night service and the mid-week prayer meetings are too much neglected by some of our members.

3. We have had no revival of religion in the usual acceptance of that term, but on the regular ministration of the Sanctuary the Holy Spirit has often visited us.

4. We thing we can say that in some respects there are improvements in the Church; this has been more particularly shown by a more systematic financial support and the increased amount given in the past year to the causes of the Church.  Several persons have acknowledged the Master and have been admitted to membership among us.

5. Our members have generally been faithful so far as we know and there ahs been a growth of Grace in individual cases.

The Sabbath seems to be observed among us, but there is need in some instances of greater care in the selecting of reading matter and threat all the hours of this day may be properly employed.

Our Pastor has preached to the colored people at their request in their Houses of Worship, but no systematic instruction to them has been practicable as they have their own churches among us.

Our Pastor has been preaching regularly twice a month at Clark's Gap and Cool Spring, two destitute places among us.  Good congregations and a successful Sabbath School has been conducted by one of our members at the latter point during the summer months and some addition has been made to the Church from that neighborhood.

- 1889 -

January 16th, The Session met and was constituted with prayer.  The Moderator laid a communication addressed to the Session before the meeting and requested that, on account of its contents, he be permitted to withdraw as Moderator.  The communication being the resignation of the pastoral relation existing between the Moderator (Rev. J.R. Bridges) and this Church, and requested the same to be laid before a congregational meeting that they might unite with him in a request to Presbytery to dissolve the pastoral relation.

The action was taken in a congregational meeting held July 7th immediately after morning service to take such steps as the Lord in His Wisdom may direct, in calling a minister to become our regular pastor and transact such further business as may be requested for the good of the Church.

On September 18th, the Rev. John C. Dinwiddie was installed Pastor of the Leesburg Church by a committee of the Chesapeake Presbytery.

- 1891 -

April 16th, a congregational meeting was opened with prayer by the Rev. John C. Dinwiddie, Moderator.  He stated as he had formerly come that he had been called to take charge of the Presbyterian Church at High Point, North Carolina, and after consideration he deemed it his duty to accept the same.

Elder Janney offered the following paper which was adopted:

Whereas, our beloved Pastor after due consideration has decided to accept the call and has requested this Church to consent to a dissolution of his pastoral relation s with us.

Resolved, that we deeply regret the severance of a pastorate, so recently established, and so happy and useful as his has been to us in this Church; and it is only the decided convictions expressed by him that it is his duty to go to another field of labor, that now permits us to yield an unwilling assent to his request.

We bear our hearty testimony to the fidelity and great ability with which he has preached only the Gospel to this people.  We have been greatly blessed in the ministration of a man of large and varied acquirements, extensive learning especially of the Sacred Scripture, and of entire consecration.  An in parting with him we invoke the blessing of the Great Head of the Church upon him and his family, and upon the Church which has been so fortunate as to secure him for a Pastor.

August 9th, The Rev. John C. Dinwiddie having tendered his resignation as Pastor of this Church, it is ordered that a congregational meeting be convened to be held the following Sunday for the purpose of considering said resignation.

Pursuant to the authority conferred upon the Session at this congregational meeting the Session has employed the Rev. G.L. Wolfe from Feb. 1, 1892 as stated supply for such time as many mutually be agreed upon during the vacancy of pulpit of this Church at the sum of $52 per month.

- 1892 -

March 6th, on motion the Session recommended to the congregation the name of Rev. George L. Bitzer of Louisville Presbytery as a suitable person to be called to the pastoral of this church.

On Wednesday, the 1st day of June, the Rev. George L. Bitzer was installed Pastor of this Church.

- 1893 -

April 16th, the Statistical, Systematic, Beneficence and Sabbath School reports were presented:

June 20th, a committee was appointed to examine into the condition of the Church roof and if necessary obtain estimates of a new tin and shingle roof.

- 1895 -

A member was cited to appear before the Session to answer not only the charge of neglecting his attendance on Divine Service, but continuance in refusing to appear in obedience to citation served on m and having bee n seen and talked with by the Moderator with reference thereto, and he in said conversation declared that he did not repent of his acts and neglect, nor did he intend to obey the citation on him.  It is therefore ordered that he is hereby excommunicated from the Presbyterian Church and forever debarred the Sacrament of said Church.

- 1897 -

April 8th, Statistical and Sunday School reports:

May 31st, a letter from Mr. N.J. Purcell in reference to the sum of $200 left in his hands by the will of Mrs. Martha D. Vandervanter to be disposed of as the Session of this Church may direct.  On motion resolved that we accept the said sum of money and request that the same be paid to the Treasurer of Board of Deacons and the same be appropriated toward the payment of amount due on Pastors salary and other expenses of the Church as of June 30th 1897 if such defiance exist.

- 1898 -

February 23rd, the Moderator, our Pastor, reported to the Session that he had received a call from the Presbyterian Church at Huntsville, AL and that he considered it his duty to accept said call, and requested the Session to call a Congregational meeting of this Church to be held immediately after morning service on Sabbath March 6, 1898 for the purpose of uniting with him in a request to Chesapeake Presbytery to dissolve the pastoral relation existing between him and this Church, which was on motion accordingly done.

April 7th, the attendance upon the services of the Sanctuary has been good and the people attentive.

Family worship is observed in some families, but not as generally as could be desired.

The Lords Day is generally observed by our members, but we would be glad to see more spiritual observance of the Sabbath.

The training of our children and growth in the Sabbath School in the scripture and catechisms of the Church has been faithfully performed in the home to a considerable extend.  The officers of our church are laboring in three outposts Sunday Schools which are well attended and at tow of which prayer meetings have been regularly maintained.

Our people have generally been faithful in worshipping the Lord with their substance and in giving to the support and extension of the Gospel.

Our minister has been paid in full.  There has been no special evidence of spiritual life, growth and activity among our people.

Worldly conformity does not prevail to any great extend.

Our church as engaged in Evangelistic work at outposts, at Cool Spring, Cannon Chapel, and Clarks Gap and our Pastor has given several weeks to holding such meetings.

March 5th, to the membership of Leesburg Church, Beloved Brethren:

It is my painful duty to ask you to join me in a request to Presbytery to dissolve the pastoral relation.  Presbytery is called to meet at Central Church, Washington March 22nd at 11:00 AM.

I need not assure you that this step has been taken after much prayer for Divine Guidance.  I believe it is ?His will that I should go.

With heartfelt gratitude for your many kindnesses to me and mine during six happy years praising God for His Grace of Christian fellowship, and invoking His Love shed abroad in the heart of each one.

I am, with warm affection, your Pastor George L. Bitzer.

After a feeling address, Elder Janney offered the following resolutions:

1. That we reluctantly comply with the request of our dear Pastor to sever the ties that have bound pastor and people together so lovingly for the past six years and we do so only because it is his express with for this action to be taken by us.

2. That we gratefully record our high appreciation of the valuable services rendered by Mr. Bitzer to this church and to the widely separated mission points connected with it and we bear our testimony to the fidelity, industry, zeal and distinguished ability with which he has preached the Gospel of Christ with increasing success for more than six years.  Himself feeling its sweetness and power more and more, he has grown as minister and has been instrumental in building up the Church and adding many to its membership.

3. That we part from Mr. Bitzer with sincere sorrow and pray that rich blessings may follow him and his family wherever they may go; and we congratulate the Church at Huntsville on securing the service of this able minister and faithful servant of Christ.

August 30th, the Session met, Rev. J.W. Lupton, DD Pastor elect acted as moderator.  A full conversation was had on the condition and work of the Church.

The Rev. J.W. Lupton DD was installed as pastor of this Church September 14th.

November 2nd, at a joint meeting of the officers of the Church it was resolved unanimously that it is desirable to secure a suitable Manse for this Church, and after consideration a committee was appointed to consider the whole subject of providing a new Manse and of disposing of the present property.

- 1899 -

August 22nd, the Session met.  Whereas by the last will and testament of Isabella G. Ball, the testator bequeathed to the Presbyterian Church of Leesburg the sum of one hundred dollars with condition that said Church should keep her grave in proper condition.  Resolved that said legacy, with the condition attached, be accepted.  The executor of said will is requested to pay the amount of said legacy to the treasurer of the Board of Deacons, and said Board of Deacons is required to attend to and keep said grave of Isabella G. Ball in good and proper condition.  The Board of Deacons is authorized and empowered to use said sum of money towards the repairing of the Manse property belonging to said church.

- 1901 -

April 10th, the following reports were read and approved and ordered to be certified to Presbytery:

On the part of a few very good - many of our people are remote from Church and cannot attend regularly, some members have not attended for years.

The faithful few have family alters.

Outwardly the Lords Day is fairly well observed, as to the real intent of the day as set forth in the scriptures, we fear our people as a whole have not found it.

Our people are not rich, some give scripturally and liberally, many others not at all.

There is not that separateness from the world enjoined by Christ, a few seem to recognize that the friends of the world are the enemies of Christ.

The pastor preaches once a month at Cool Spring and once a month at Clarks Gap.

August:

Dear Brethren,

"Forsake not the assembling of ourselves together, etc." part of the 25th verse, 10th chapter of Hebrews.

There is, among others, the question asked at every regular meeting of the Session, "Are there any of our members who are negligent in their attendance upon public worship?"  When we look over our congregation, when assembled for public worship and our list of members we must answer in the affirmative, alas, very many.

Now, Brethren in Christ, the Session has determined to ask you, why are you negligent in the performance of the religious vows you took upon yourselves voluntarily when you presented yourselves before the Session and made profession of your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and were received into full communion in the Church and enrolled as members thereof.  Or it may be that when and infant, your were set apart by baptism by Godly parents and dedicated to God, and after arriving at the proper age, came forward and took upon yourselves the vows taken by your parents at the time of baptism.  As you are fully aware the Session in its act of receiving you into the church, acted entirely upon your profession, not being able to know the secrets of your heard, and were only able to judge from the expression of the lips, but let us realize that God is not mocked.

Have you fallen away from the profession you made of faith in and fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ your Savior?  Or are you now willing to acknowledge that you were mistaken and that you were not then, or now, a true child of God and entitled to the redemption purchased by the blood of Christ?  If, simply, your love has grown cold and you have wandered away from the fold like lost sheep, why not return and seek the Lord, your Savior, and in prayer and supplication invoke His forgiveness and ask for strength to enable you to renew your vows and live in closer fellowship with Him than you have ever done before, and receive the strength to withstand the darts of the adversary and the evil that is in the world, for we are assured that if we but ask aright in faith believing, strength will be given us so that we will be enabled to grow in Grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and come off conquerors and more than conquerors through Him that loved us and gave Himself for us.

We, as a Session, holding as we do that each member thereof has been set apart by the Holy Ghost for this office, are bound to look after the interests of Zion and to the spiritual interest of each member of the Church which we represent.  And you, as members of said Church, are bound to listen to the Session and be assured that the Session alone is looking to your eternal welfare and salvation.

Are you not bound to consider these things, and have communication with the Session and receive such advice and benefit as the Session is enabled to give, for the good of your immortal souls, and the upholding of our branch of the visible church of which we have been made overseers.  Let us impress upon you that your name being enrolled as a member of the visible Church on earth will not save you, the only salvation for any of us is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and living a consistent Christian life, looking along to Him who is the author and finisher of our faith, for there is no other name given among men for our salvation except the name of Jesus Christ.

Hoping therefore that you will prayerfully consider these things and renew your vows to Christ and the Church of our choice, and henceforth show your interest therein by a regular attendance on the ordinances and services on the House of God, and by contributing of your means, whether much or little, to the support of the Church and the Gospel, the obligations you have assumed.

The Session considers it its duty to inquire and know of these things, and in so doing it is with the kindest feeling and interest in your spiritual and eternal welfare, the salvation of your immortal soul.  By direction of the Session.

                                        A.J. Bradfield, clerk of Session.

December 4th, the Board of Deacons are requested to have the arch above the pulpit and the cracks in the wall of the Church building examined and if necessary to have some proper person put an iron rod through the building so, if possible, to close up said cracks and to prevent the walls of the building from further spreading.

- 1902 -

June 4th, the thanks of the Church through the Session are tendered to the Ladies for the splendid organ purchased and put up by them in the Church which is enjoyed by all.

November 4th, the Session resolved that in accordance with the proclamation of the President of the US that the Church be opened and thanking services be held on November 27th, 1902 at 11:00 AM.