Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 26.djvu/279

 .1 .]/, ,,;/ .17. />. lloge.

The concluding address of the evening was that of Dr. Hoge, returning thanks for the congratulations extended to him, and re- viewing briefly, but with exceeding eloquence, the chief events of his pastorate.

Altogether, the celebration of February 27, 1890, was a great pop- ular recognition of the services of Dr. 'Hoge, and an unmistakable expression of the confidence of the public in his piety, zeal and ability.

The success of this celebration was the chief topic of conversation of the day, and an account of it, in book form, was issued. But great and impressive as was the observance of the forty-fifth anniversary of Dr. Hoge's pastorate, it was transcended by that commemorating his fiftieth anniversary. The dissimilarity between the two was re- markable, great care being taken to avoid the repetition of anything that occurred at the former anniversary. Each was unique in itself, and each of its kind was an unsurpassable tribute of admiration and affection to a minister in whom the world found a rare combination of goodness and greatness.

HIS SEMI-CENTENNIAL.

The movement to celebrate the golden anniversary of Dr. Hoge's pastorate originated with the Ladies' Benevolent Society of the Sec- ond 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, Febru- ary 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