The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1882-10-11
WASHING EACH OTHERS FEET.
Tho Religious Observance of a Philadelphia
Congregation.


A large congregation attended the Unior
Bethel Church of God, Germantown avenue
above Berks street, last evening. The mem.
bers of the church are not numerous, and do
not occupy many of the plain, wooden pews,
but when the Rev. j. W. Miller, the pastor,
mounted the pulpit steps at half past seven
o'clock, his eyes fell on the largest audience
that had been seen in the house of worship
for many days. The announcement that
the custom of washing one another's feet
would be observed had been tho induce
ment that led to such a large audience.
After prayer and reading of the Bible the
pastor stated the ordinances to be observed
those Of the Lords Supper and the wash
ing OF one another's feet-had been institut-
cd by Christ and should, therefore be OBJ.
served together. He then read the thir-
teenth chapter of John, which is descriptive
OF the washing of the Disciples feet BY
Christ after the feast of the Passover 81
hope" continued the preacher, stepping out
from behind the pulpit "that the strangers
who are present and those who do not wish
to observe the ordinances will preserve re.
and talking of persons in the pews nearer
the doors. The deaoons will now make
everything ready while we sing"
When the last echo died away the minister
was seen standing near the pews on the left
of the pulpit. Around his waist was tied an
apron, the bottom of which reached below
his knees The string of the apron was
crossed ut the back and brought around and
knotted in front.
"The brethren will please take these pews
at my right, the sisters those on the opposite
side of the church,
After the minister's words the people were
silent. He waited patiently. The invita-
ton was about to be repeated when a man
with white hair and long white beard rose
and went forward He was followed by q
small sprightly young woman, who crossed
the church in front of the congregation and
took chair near the organ, in the corner at
the right of the pulpit. A young man cross
ed over to the left side, and before he reach
ed his seat six or seven women rose in a
uuuy huu Juiueu INC Httie woman In the
corner. Soon the corner pews were full and
the administration Of the ordinance was be-
gun. Placing large sized tin basin half
filled with water before the white bearded
man, who had previously removed from his
foot his boot and stocking, tho minister
washed the foot in the water and dried it
with the apron he wore, The congregation
singing. care you washed in the blood of
Jesus ~
On the other side of the church middle
aged woman was performing the service.
The small woman was the first TO receive
the administration of the ordinance. As
her foot touched the cold water the momen-
tary chill sent the blood rushing to her
face, but with the first touch of the apron
the color WINS subdued About two dozen
people joined in the ordinance and afterward
ate the bread and drank the wine of the
Lords Supper. AT the conclusion Mt. Mil
Ter said that the observance of the ordinance
-. -isesv confession of Christ in His
D---- -7---=.s 49,
light thing said he in closing, "to refuse
to take part in the ordinances; it is the re-
fusal of custom instituted by Christ ct
His supper H. I,HiLndsLl)Hig Iinles