National Republican., 1873-09-11
FOURTH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
Thirty-f fourth Anniversary Of DR.. J. q.
Smiths Pnstorate-A Happy Experience
and Pleasant Reuuion.

Thirty- fourth Anniversary Of Dr. J. q.
snith's Pnstorate-A Happy Experience
and Pleasant Reunion.
There was q very pleasant reunion Of the
members and congregation OF the Fourth Pref
byterian church last evening at their house Of
worship, on Ninth street.
The exercises were held In the basement,
which was appropriately decorated. Upon the
white wall, In the rear Of the platform and
choir, were the words "our Psstor,n In large
se o,ser nv "a one ana y, ssd
eral smaller American nags. Entering the room,
on the right hand wall appeared the words
Es.nfql r,eSseeer and on shs ei, hand % sa,l
white and blue streamers, OF bunting, were hung
at intervals under the ceiling; stretching across
nf ss room and arapng ne ws a. ne % de
fourth anniversary OF the pastorate of the Rev.
,.I THIS church was nIst organized in November.
pastor. He was followed by Rev. Mason Noble,
who IN turn gave place TO the present incumbent,
Dr.. Jno. @, Smith, on the 10th Of September,
1889. The church consists OF some SIX hundred
members, and has q Sunday school numbering
some three hundred scholars and forty tesshers
and oficers. DR.. smith Is now upwards Of
seventy years OF age, and Ia In very feeble health
| His medical advisers did not deem It prudent for
him TO attend the reunion at all, but he could
| not Withstand the temptation to Join the party
they would grant him. He came In about 8
O'Clock, accompanied BY his wife and supported
on either side BY two parishoners.
Mr. B. A. Jsnvier introduced them In q few
well-chosen remarks OF earnest congratulation
| and tender affection, concluding by presenting
Mrs. Smith with beautiful bouquet on behalf
| Of the audience.
Those present then passed around the church
sAluting the pastor and his wife In passing them.
When they had once more returned TO their seats
the choir ssuv with great spirit and feeling the
Pastors Welcome" Miss McGill presiding at
| the piano.
Dr. smith Keeping his seat, with an apology,
talked to his people familiarly for Q few minutes
o. the times that had passed, OF the children he
had christened, Of tho couples he had united ln
the holy bonds OF matrimony, and OF the many
trioulations and Joys that be and that congrega.
ton had experienced together.
They had bought the ground where that build.
| Ing stood for twenty-five cents per foot. The
building originally cost some u Q, 900. The valua
ton placed upon IL In the report OF the church
| property sent TO the Vienna Exposition was
10000. Dr. Smith preached In Georgetown seven
yearn before coming to Washington. His re
marks were full Of humor and exhibited strone
affection for the church and people from whom
ne evidently felt that In the nature Of things hs
soon must part. He suggested an easy mode Of
| securing an organ worth 5000. II two hundred
persons would pay o. monthly for one year tht
result with the $500 now In hand would be the
value Of the beautiful organ they all desired.
| As the doctor left the room the choir SAM
| coronation" after which the evening wa,
spent In music, refreshments and conversation
| with evident pleasure by all participants.