National Republican., 1883-11-19
Some Of the Themes DsCOurSed Upon in
Washington Pulpits.
impressive Dedicatory Services at the
Church Of the Reformation
Rev. J. W. Pettigrew's Eloquent Sermon on
Thought The Food Of Life.
Christ Ms a Saviour illustrated by Rev
DIR. Deale--Othcr Sermons.
CHURCH OF THE REFORMATION

IMPRESSIVE OBLIGATORY SERVICES YEsTh q
DAY--sERMoN by REV. DR. VALENTINE.
The Lutheran church of the Reformation,
on Capitol hill, was formally dedicated yes
terday forenoon with impressive services,
which were held in tho new auditorium. The
latter is a model of Workmanship and design.
1t is Of the interior Gothic style, with q
gracefully sloping rectangular ceiling. The
furniture and trimmings are of hard woods,
of light and dark shades. Surrounding
are a series of large abbey windows in
beautiful blending colors, the tinted
panes having general tendency to
o largo circle window, which admits
a food Of colored light through mingling de-
signs in yellow red, blue, and purple, adding
q pretty effect to the general result. The now
organ is half hidden in an upper semi circular
alcove surrounded by hardwood ratings, and
appears to peep out at the congregation, ex-
posing its golden finish to good effect. The
floors are carpeted in shades to match the
windows The chancel is of original design,
and yesterday was fairly concealed by
masses Of beautiful flowers, potted and tropic
plants and growing vines. floral open
Bible" graced the center Of the chancel. 1t
was composed of fragrant white flowers, re-
licved by purple immortelles. The Bible was
surmounted bya cross in bright red geraniums
and crown of white. .
The congregation was unusally large, and
embraced many prominent residents of East
Washington and quite number from other
portions of the city. The choir rendered q
beginning with "Thou Art Our Father" by
Homer, and concluding with "Benedicte
Anima Mea." The choir is composed Of Miss
Frederika Nimmo, organist; Mr.. Phil
Richardson, basso; Mr.. James Richardson,
tenor; Mrs. Parsons, wife of the pastor, so.
prano, and Miss McMurray, alto Rev. j. f.
Parsons opened the services. He was fol-
lowed by Rev. M. Vanentine, ID. d., president
of the Pennsylvania college and the Maryland
synod, who delivered the dedicatory sermon,
and took for his text, "Christ also loved the
church and gave himself for it, that He might
sanctify and cleanse it with the washing OF
water by the word that He might present it
to Himself glorious church, not having a
spot or wrinkle or any such thing "-Ephe-
SLAMS v, 25-27.
He said this text is most striking state
ment of tho divine love for the church. 1t
calls attention to the great fact and bids us
remember the object of it, st. Paul says,
"Christ loved the church." Let it be dis
tinctly understood that the object of Christ
when He gave Himself, and now as He reigns
above is not simply to save souls after
death or furnish a salvation for the
world to come, but salvation from
sin now. To save and sanctify and clease the
church before Ho presents it to himself in
Heaven. Now and here the process of purify
ing is to 60 on. This is the meaning of not
only the manger, the cross, and the media
torial crown, but of your means of grace,
your open Bibles, your sanctuaries and
SCI iviccs of worship. To this grand purpose
God asks you to dedicate this house. The
church is Gods organization of workers in
the world to carry on His cause save men,
;od made the world better.
In conclusion the eloquent divine spoke
,nrouragngly to the congregation and said
You have great joy in your labor nova
Lryscnt recompense precious to a noble soul
and | have no doubt that when in coming
centuries these walls shall crumble down, as
all walls must and the record of good there
done and the influence eSerted shall be made
IN and read in the light of eternity, you will
see that you have done u good work in this
iuldhg" A large amount of money was
subscribed aud paid at the close of the
service. The dedicatory ceremonies
for the week will be as follows
Sunday, 1s, II a. m., dedicatory sermon, Rev
NJ. Valentine, ID. D., president of Maryland
synod and president of Pennsylvania college
Gettysburg; Sunday, 49, 1880 p. M, sermon
Rev. c. s. Albert, president of board of home
missions Baltimore Nd; Monday, 10, 1880 p
M, sermon, Rev. George Scholl; Tuesday, 80
7;30 p. M, sermon, Rev. DIR. DOmer; Wednes
day. 7:30 p. m, sermon, Rev. Dr. Chester, o
Metropolitan Presbyterian church; Thursday
1880, Rev. DIR. Butler; Friday, 7:30, Rev. DIR
Rankin; Sunday II a. NJ, sermon by the pas
tor, Rev. w. +. Parson, when will be given
glance at the past work of the congregation
and forecast of the future work.