His semi-centennial.
The movement to celebrate the golden anniversary of
Dr. Hoge's pastorate originated with the
Ladies' Benevolent Society of the Second Presbyterian Church.
The organization presented the pastor with a durable souvenir of the event, which took the place of a high relief bust portraiture of himself, with the inscription, ‘
Rev. Moses D. Hoge, 1845-1895,’ and on the reverse the words, ‘Second Presbyterian Church,
Richmond, Va.’
A reception was held in the
Masonic Temple on Tuesday, February 26, 1895, that building being tendered for the occasion by the Masons of the city.
The programme included a banquet, at which were present the
Governor of the
State, the clergy of the city, and
Dr. Hoge's immediate relatives.
The public reception followed.
The hearts of the whole people, irrespective of religious affiliations and convictions, was in the movement to do
Dr. Hoge honor, and until nearly midnight there was a surging throng pressing through the portals of the
Temple to meet him, to greet him, and testify their love and respect for him. The occasion was made a testimonial of affection and admiration for the eminent divine such as it falls to the lot of few men to receive.
Indeed, it was a grand civic and military demonstration that would be unique in the history of any city and State—a concentering of all creeds, all classes, all professions, to
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bear eloquent witness to the fact that
Dr. Hoge belonged to the entire community.
The members of his own congregation and choir, the veterans of the Soldiers' Home, Confederate societies, the congregation of Beth Ahaba, the
Church of the Covenant and the
Old-Market Church presented to
Dr. Hoge substantial tokens of their love and admiration, and gifts from private sources, telegrams and letters of congratulation poured in upon him from persons of every shade of religious conviction and every class.
The formal celebration of the semi-centennial anniversary closed on the night of February 27th in a manner that was a fitting finality of the two days jubilee, and the demonstration passed into the history of
Richmond as constituting a tribute to a citizen seldom, if ever, equalled in the experience of a community.
The programme, which was carried out at the Second Presbyterian Church consisted of elaborate music, devotional exercises and a reminiscent discourse by
Dr. Hoge.
There was another vast outpouring of the people, but hardly a tithe of those who surged to the church succeeded in gaining admittance.
