Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 26.djvu/268

 258 Southern Historical Society Papers.

descendants of both Dr. Hoge and Dr. Lacy also entered the office of the ministry. On both sides, therefore, Dr. Hoge was undoubtedly of the annointed of the Lord.

Dr. Hoge was educated at Hatnpden-Sidney College. When he graduated there Dr. Wm. Maxwell, (whose widow died in this city a few weeks ago, of venerable years) was the president of the institution, and he was a man of fine attainments, and an ornate and finished speaker. Among his classmates were Colonel Charles S. Carrington, a whole-souled, splendid man; Judge F. D. Irving, whom the law- yers called "the grand old man;" Dr. William T. Richardson, af- terward editor of the Central Presbyterian, and Dr. R. L. Dabney, one of the profoundest thinkers of the day.

Out of all these distinguished men Dr. Hoge won the first honor, and was the valedictorian. While at college he gained a widespread reputation as an orator. Members of his society used to say that his speeches in debate were brilliant and powerful.

BEGAN HIS MINISTRY HERE.

From college Dr. Hoge went at once to the Union Theological Seminary, and he came direct to Richmond after his ordination, as the assistant of Dr. Plumer, pastor of the First Presbyterian church. In this capacity his pastoral work had special reference to the supply of a mission chapel. His success in gathering worshippers there opened the way for organizing the Second Presbyterian church. He was naturally called to be its pastor, and was duly installed. This is the only pastorate that he ever had, although tempting and pressing calls time and time again came from great cities North and South, and invitations to the presidency of Hampden-Sidney College, and other literary institutions; to become a pastor in Lexington, Virginia; St. Louis, Brooklyn, New York, Nashville, Philadelphia, New Or- leans, Charleston, and elsewhere, none of these ever tempted him from the field of his first labors.

WHY HE CAME HERE.

The circumstances under which Dr. Hoge came to Richmond seem of moment and interest. As he drew near the end of his course in the Theological Seminary, a little church in Mecklenburg county signi- fied its wish to engage him as its pastor as soon as he obtained his license. About that time, however, Dr. Plumer visited Prince Ed- ward county, and told Dr. Hoge that he would probably be invited to Richmond to become assistant at the First Presbyterian church.