The Evening critic., 1883-03-12
celebrating It's Tenth Anniversary

Interesting exercises were held yesterday
at the Memorial Lutheran Church, in cele-
brating the Tenth anniversary of that
church In the morning the pastor DR..
Butler, preached an interesting sermon,
during which he briefly reviewed the his
tory of the church, its increase in member
ship, its financial condition and also con-
sideTed it spiritually. The result of his
ten years work was an increase in member
ship Of from forty-eight to 315, 250 of
which now remain and from worship in a
small building to what is now the present
edifice. During this time large sum of
money had been contributed, which had
been used for various benevolent purposes,
including home and foreign missions, and
response to every appeal for aid, educating
young men for the ministry and also to
defray the debt Of the church and its cur
rent expenses
At the evening service platform meet
ing was held, presided over by DIR. Butler,
and participated in by DR.. Chicl1ering, who
led in prayer, and addresses by Senator
Conger, DR.. Rankin, DIR. Power and Rev.
DR., Baugher of Howard University. The
opening exercises concluded, DR.. Butler
stated that at n recent meeting of the
vestry it was thought wise to duly celebrate
its tenth anniversary by appropriate exer-
cises and inviting its friends, the laty and
clergy, to participate. After few open
ing remarks with reference to the growth
and the past and present condition of the
church, he introduced Rev. DIR. Rankin as
the first speaker He related his long
personal acquaintance with DR.. Butler,
whom he characterized as q gentleman,
though he would not write his biography
while living. The project of erecting
statue to Martin Luther met his hearty
approval, and he would be glad of the
privilege of contributing to the fund. DR..
Rankin, continuing, said the temptation of
many Christian people here was that they
were only transient. Many had fallen
away whose influence was felt. Little did
Luther think that his influence would
reach another world. That was the kind
of work to do-work that will live when
we are gone
DR.. Power was the next speaker He
had always found the Memorial Church
good neighbor. Some one had said that it
was good thing to have bad neighbors
He, however, thought differently. With
all Christians he claimed an inheritance
All the events in their lives were part of
his. Two great sons had Germany raised,
Luther and Bismarck. How much loftier
the former than the latter. He believed in
a statue to Luther, was willing that it
should stand in front of the Memorial
Church, and thought the contributions for
that purpose should be universal. He would
like to see statues of great leaders in Christ
as well as of civilians. In harmonious
and quiet action had the work been accom-
plished. Man was judged by the work he
had done, he who brought souls to Christ
being counted the greatest. The Bible
should be used at all times He wished
the church continued success and to count
its work by centuries.
An anthem by the choir was here sung,
after which Senator Conger was intro
dsced. He claimed kin to the reverend
gentlemen on the platform because of his
fathers work, who was also minister Of
the Gospel. He related his acquaintance
with DIR. Butler and his opinion of him.
Had long been q member of the congrega-
tion, and the growth did not astonish him
after recalling the wonderful inventions
and other Improvements of late years.
After Senator Conger closed an interest
ing address by Rev. DR.. Baugher, of How
ard University, finished the exercises of
the evening, which had been witnessed by
large and appreciative audience.