June 28 : Moses Hoge Sunday
Moses Drury Hoge Sunday will focus on the legacy and theology of Rev. Moses D. Hoge, the pastor of Second for its first fifty-four years. On the commemoration of the 45th anniversary of his pastorate, a Richmond Times- Dispatch editorial in 1890 proclaimed that “there is no man in this city whose career, both in the sacred and civic walks of life, has shed abroad a more beneficial light or exercised a more exalted influence than that of Dr. Hoge.” An editorial in The Slate commented that “the entire South is proud of Dr. Hoge for he is regarded not only as a great moral leader and pulpit orator but as a splendid champion of Southern civilization.”
Rev. Hoge was a personal friend and confidant of Robert E. Lee, Jefferson Davis and Stonewall Jackson. He was the Honorary Chaplain of the Confederate Congress. While his father deplored slavery, Moses Hoge was a slave owner. When he died in 1899, Richmonders lined the streets to Hollywood Cemetery to pay their respects. Over 5,000 attended his funeral.
His life story and ministry are complicated. He was a man of his time and reflected the prevailing culture and attitudes of most whites in Richmond during the Civil War era. At the same time, he was an inspiring pastor who founded our Church, and who twice served as the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church. He was a strong advocate for Presbyterian Reunion in the 1880s..
There are many questions for the church to ponder as we try to reconcile the past. What are we to make of his legacy? How are we to judge this man? Who are God’s people? What is the meaning of grace? Throughout the year, our Church will engage in honest conversations about our history, our founder, and issues of race and reconciliation. A series of forums will be led by Dr. Roger Gench, Theologian in Residence, leading up to March 22.
On Moses Hoge Sunday, we will have a special morning program in the Chapel, led by Dr. Julian Hayter, University of Richmond Associate Professor of Leadership Studies. Dr. Hayter is the author of The Dream is Lost: Voting Rights and the Politics of Race in Richmond, Virginia. Dr. Hayter will speak on the role of the church during the Civil War, Reconstruction, and during the Civil Rights struggle. During morning worship, Rev. Evans will preach a sermon on the legacy of Moses Hoge.