Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1886-01-02


SUNDAY - THE Rally WORSHIP OF THE
1RfToNs Al REVIVED IN WASHINGTON.
On 9Th street east, two squares north of East
Capitol street, a small church building of stone
of pure Gothic design, was erected two years
ago since then an addition has been made to
the structure, and now workmen are digging to
lay the foundation Of a still further extension.
Inc original building and its additions have
peen constructed In accordance with one har-
monious plan, which contemplates a picturesque
semi-circular group of buildings. This il st.
James church, which Is unique in this city, not
only INTELLECTUALLY, but account of the
forms OF worship followed. 1t is the representa-
tive here OF the highest of high church Episco-
paiians, claimed by the members the most
ancient and purest form of Anglican worship.
In this church one will find vestments. altar
lights, confessionals and forms which are gen.
orally supposed TO be peculiar to the Roman
Catholic church and might lead an anti-Catho-
lie 10 denounce the church at the first glance
an imitator OF Roman Catholic forms. But a
member Of the church will argue that the
Eaglish church is eoeval with the
Roman church; that the Puritan DOM
rendered unpopular for the time forms which
the Oxford movement of recent times has
Though st. James church. TO one who lives
west of the Capitol seems 10 be located in quite
q remote part of the city, many of those who
worship there come from the northwest, VIII lie
frequently persons who are stopping tempo
rarily at hotels or visiting the city attend SER
vices there. Secretary Bayard was among those
who attended the services there on Christmas
day.
THE HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
st. James parish was formed several years
ago and a vestry was elected though no regu-
lar services were held. The organization OF the
parish as parish was kept up, and at intervals
services were held. Finally, while Dr. Town
send was rector Of the PARISH, he invited as his
been called to Washington as assistant at st
Johns church. Mr.. Clark accepted the invita-
ton, and regular services were first held in the
parlor of private house rented by the parish
the upper rooms being sub-let.
Afterwards services were held in small store.
Then. after many trials, site secured
by the parish on 9Th. between and streets
northeast, and work on the proposed church
much Of the church proper was buiit as could
be paid for at the time out of the funds In hand,
a. the congregation deemed it inadvisable to
incur any Indebtedness The congregations in
creased in numbers gradually from the start,
many persons coming who before had not
from other churches in East Washington
Before the congregation had been In
sos sn an year roomy porch was built OF
building, and the rear of the church was ex-
tended, the space thus added being used tempo
rarily - choir and guild room. The seating
capacity Of the church being now taxed to its
utmost, the congregation, by means OF generous
onerings received during the year.and especially
OF new structure or extension of almost the
same size as that of the present building. This
building will contain the chancel, organ cham
Der, sacristy and choir room.
WHAT Is INTENDED.
The plans OF the church were prepared by
Mr.. Conydon, the New York architect. and SO
arranged as to allow parts to be erected at
time, which, when all are completed. will har-
monize as a whole. The group of buildings when
completed will consist of church and parish
buildings for the use of the parish schools and
guilds, . rectory and a parish house to- be occu-
SiSterS he
TO be used as an orphanage, a home tor old
people. and for other charitable purposes i'm
connection with the parish work. In time, if
necessary, the present church building will be
used as a chapel, and a large church will be
erected
IRREGULARITIES OF THE SERVICE
The services of the church, which from the
beginning have been choral, are now rendered
by q surpliced choir of boys, trained by the
rector, Mr.. Clark. The services are modelled on
the ancient forms of the English church, being
pal churches. Much attention Is paid to the
decorations of the altar. The eucharistic and
the various colors are dispiayed in their nr ne
per seasons The church has part of its fur
niture an elegantly carved bier and an elabor-
ately embroidered pail. which are used when
funeral services are held at the church. The
pail was embroidered by sisters OF ST. John the
Baptist There is daily celebration OF the
holy eucharist, which takes place each morning
at O'Clock, and daily morning and evening
prayer Is held throughout the year, besides five
services on Sunday. In connection with the
parish are guilds for both men and women.
An Industrial school has been conducted by the
ladies OF the parish very successfully. In this
school poor children are taught sewing, and
when they need them the garments made are
given to the children Who make them. There was
used at the church for the first time on Christ
mas day handsome chasuble of white silk
embroidered by the Sisters of ST. John the Bap-
tist. A figure of Christ, as the Good Shepherd
has been worked In silk on the back OF the
chaeubIe with such skill that the features of
the face appear as clearly defined as in painted
miniature.