Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1873-11-01
A Christian Minister Becomes a Free
Thinker.

~ ~
Thinker.
A GERMAN PROTESTANT CONGREGATIONS WITH
OUT A PASTOR.
Rev. Robert ReitZel, until this week the pas
tor Of the German Protestant church, 18th
street, between NJ and n streets y has severed
his connection with the church and cOngrega-
ton. DENYING the truth Of Christianity, and has
become the lecturer Of Free Thinkers club.
Mr. ReitZel has been but a few years in this
country, and came TO this city from Baltimore
about TOUR years ago and took charge of the
German Reformed congre CATION, corner of 9Th
and streets; also teaching a school there.
With this congregation he did not get along
well, and omplalnts were soon made as TO his
alleged hose habits, the result of which was
that the Synod of the German Reformed
church expelled him therefrom. Quite num-
Der Of the congregation left with him after en-
but the courts decided that the ReitZel party
had no claim to the editice.
THE sECEDERs
then purchased a lot on 9Th street, between VI
and y. and, organizing a German Protestant
regatiOn, built a frame edifice, which has
rot been finished many months. There Mr..
ReitZell has officiated until Sunday last. and at
the commencement OF his ministrations to his
new congregation was quite acceptable for a
time. Gradually he has become extremely lib
eral in his views, and within the past six or
eight weeks his sermons have been in opposition
TO the teachings of the Bible. Finally he boldly
asserted, according to the statements Of some OF
his congregation, that he
DID NOT BELIEVE IN THE EXISTENCE OF A
GOD,
as generally understood by Christians, or in
Jesus Christ as the Son of God. few weeks
since the official members of the congregation,
being dissatisfied with his preaching, gave him
notice that he must change his manner of
preaching, or resign. On Sunday morning last,
during the course OF his sermon, he announced
that his views had undergone a change. and,
not believing in Christianity, he did not desire
longer TO be known a Christian minister and
his connection with the congregation must ter
inmate. This was what many of the congrega-
ton had expected, although the greater portion
regretted the necessity for such course.
FGEE-THINKING CLUB ORGANIZED.
Mr.. Reitzel has. however not been LETT out in
the cold, as during the present week a number
of Germans who agree with his views have or
gained a Free thinkers club or congregation
of which DIR. Scholl IL president, W. Burchard
secretary, and \. Schmedtie treasurer-snd
elected Mr.. ReitZel lecturer. They propose to
hold regular Sabbath services at Temperance
hall.
ELECTION OF OFFICERs,-At the last meetin z
OF Columbia Temple of Honor No. 1, the
following officers were elected for the ensuing
term: G. r. Common, w. g. T.; J. s. Divine, w.
R; n P. Holloway, VT: j. E. Darnaii, W. u;
W. L. Sparrow W. c.; :. p. Crew, W. s.; W. II.
wormsley. W. Chaplain.
Ataregular meeting Of Washington Temple
elected: W. W. Peake. w. c. T.; j. c. Fergu-
son. W. V. T.; j. W. Van Week, w. r.; j. 5.
Benedict, W. A. r.; j. II. Goodwin, W. r. X.
- Hodgson. W. T.; j. C. Churchill, w. U;
Tenley, W, S; T. W. $. Phelps, W. Chaplain.
| ALL SAINTS AND ALL SOULS DAYs.-To-
! dsy Is All Saints Day, q festival and day OF
| oohgston, observed in the Catholic and Epis-
Sopsi churches with services similar to those of
SUNDAY. This FESTIVAL CONNER orates the cOa-
! version OF the Roman Pantheon into temple
| OF Cnrisuan worship and its dedication to the
J Virgin and martyrs by Pope Boniface w.. in
| the seventh century. Yesterday, the eve of AL
1 Sslnts Day, was All Hallow cen when mis-
! chief loving urchins tie cabbage stalks to door
knobs and play other prsnks- Tomorrow Is
| All Souls Day, and is observed in the Catholic
! church by requiem masses and prayers for Al
the souls in purgatory.
1 INTKREsrING TO HoUsEKKxPERs.-By refer.
cree TO our advertising columns, it will be seen
/ ttat Nessrs- Wolford & Shilberg, OF the Arcade
/ in tend making still greater reductions on al
goC us In their establishment, commencing Mon
! dav the 5lst. The selections IN patterns in car
1 pets >re truly the most attractive ever eN
hibitea in the market. Parties contemplating
the purI base of carpets this season Will do wei
| to call on the firm.
NARROW EscAPE.-Mr. s. e. Norris, a car
penter, who resides at No. 2Oii 10th street north
| west, fell from scsaolaing yesterday after
| NJ on, and was very severely Injured; he was
| thought Tor some time % be dead. He was car
| Red 10 the ONCE of Dr. winter who succeeded
| in restoring him to consciousness, snd upon ex-
| animation found that the bones of his shoulder
were broken, and he was otherwise severely in
jured.