National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1881-10-05
M,KENpREE N. 2. oHuRoH.
seven ThOusana Dollars Raised 70 Cancel
TIA indebtedness.

IL is q pleasure TO note the fact that the
congregation Of this charge, Of which Rev. G.
Herbert Richardson is pastor, on Sunday last pro-
vided for the payment OF It's entire Indebtedness.
When the present comfortable and Methodisucally
constructed church edince was dedicated, on June
10, 1873, debt Of sl4 900 was left on the premises.
The financial crisis which soon AFTER came upon
the country was severely felt by the members Of
McKendrec, some Of the ablest OF whom were re-
duced from affluence to want. Brayely for eight
years did the congregation struggle with their In
debtcdness. until 1t had been reduced TO sum OF
less than $1,000. In this effort the ladies OF the
charge rendered most valuable and noble service,
endeavorlng to compass the payment of the
entire Indebtedness Through the action
property in the District Of Columbia
a bill OF s65O was imposed upon the charge which,
with other items, brought the total Indebtedness
Of the station up 10 a sum slightly exceeding
5000. The financial interests oil the station for
having all been met for the first half year. with
the surety of success for the entire year. II was de-
termined TO bring the subject Of the debt of the
station before the members and see whether they
preferred TO pay the whole debt or part thereof
ny request Of the official members the pastor laid
she matter before the congregation on Sunday,
following Wednesday evening, In the lecture.
room. AZ this meeting the sum Of $1,000 was
pledged, John G. Uarkness, esq, one OF the oldest
members OF the church, leading the column with
SUBSCRIPTION OF $3.50,
conditioned upon the entire amount being raised.
The meeting unanimously resolved to pay off the
entire Indebtedness After thorough canvass OF
the members the congregation assembled oil Sun.
day morning last with the pledge OF some $500,
less by sl,3OO than the amount needed After a
short discourse from the pastor from Psalm cxyi,
l2-" What shall render unto the Lord for all His
benefits toward me"-thc work of raising the
ncsG Ssr %ar had spSsss
representing seven steps, and In the topmost space
was written ihe sum q q 852 GO. the amour. prom,
isod by Mr. Hardness IL the balance was paid. The
first space was soon filled with $1,000 then the next
with 81 500, the third with $500, making total of
$1,000. AT this juncture the pastor
CONGRATULATED THE CONGREGATION
upon the success so far attained and called upon
them to sing the doxology, which was most
heartily responded to, the congregation standing
meanwhile. The work was then renewed, and
$500 soon filed the fourth space then $3.50 the
in order to iii up the difference between the offer
of Mr.. Hardness. The pastor announced that when
the entire amount was raised the reverse side Of
hibited. Five hundred dollars more was soon
pledged, then 500 additional. At this juncture
MIR. Hardness said lie would give $3.50 IL the bal.
| anco $3.50 was raised. Responses came from all
parts Of the house until 1t narrowed down to 500,
when Mr.. Hardness arose, and, with much emo.
ton, declared he would assume that. thus adding
the house came the call Turn the board" With
| Joy 1t was done, and over the doxology,
Praise God, from whom oil blessings
How" were inscribed the words.
"McKendree is free" The sentiment was quickly
caught by the congregation and the familiar words
were sung with All emphasis that only such occa-
sions can produce During the entire service tho
congregation remained almost entirely unbrokcn
by any departures. and manifested firm and I'M
wagering purpose to remain until the debt was
paid. AT night the communion was administered
and short addresses were made by various breh-
ren. the choir of the church furnishing appropri-
ate music Il may be added that OF the 1000 sub.
Is being rapidly collected.