National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1886-06-01
METROPOLITAN. NJ. r. onUncn

METROPOBITANA a. NJ. II. CHURCH
Continuing the DedIoatory Exeroises--
Speeches by Senator sherman and
Others.
Metropolitan A. NJ. E. Church was filed
to oyerflowlng last night by large audi
once to witness the continuation OF the
dedication ceremonies Senator Sherman,
Gen. Robert Smalls, Bishop A. w. Wayman,
DR.. B. T. Tanner, Bishop Campbell, Rev.
B. w. Arneth, Rev. DIR. Townsend, and
Rev. DIR. Salter were seated upon the plat
form. The exercises were opened with an
anthem by the choir. Prayer by the Rev.
DR.. Salter, Of Georgia, followed and Bishop
Wayman introduced the Rev. DIR. Town
send, OF Richmond, Ind, who said "Thore
have been events happening in our race
history which to us have been aud are
significant but this occasion aud this visit
OF our distinguished guests VIII be quoted
by US as marluDg an important era In our
moral aud religious life.
"You are not here necessarily as religion
ists, nor yet as statesmen, but here because
you are interested I'm the nations advance
ment and higher culture. Learning OF our
struggles and OF this grand achievement,
you hnve come to join with us In our re
joictngs, and bid us Godspeed In the work
OF elevating that portion of American citl-
zens who, In the past, were the children
OF misfortune, and Of the most uutoward
circumstances.
"Your presence brings good cheer, and we
are made to feel thereby that, taken alto
gether, as citizens in common, our interests
are one and the same; that religious,
moral, social, and political advancement
tend to the glory OF the nation, and to the
betterment OF the condition of all classes,
whatever their complexion or past condi-
tion.
"Tbeproblem of this ago is, what shall we
do with the colored Americana will au-
swer the question. We started out seventy
years ago to demonstrate TO the world the
capabilities Of the colored people OF Amer
ica, and /, In behalf OF these bishops who
have always stood in the front ranks bat
tling for the elevation and advancement Of
the race, l again welcome you to this tenn
pie"
Bishop Wayman then introduced Senator
Sherman, who was received with applause,
and in the course of his remarks said
"This is surprise to me. did not expect
to make a speech, but 60 hear the bishops,
whose business 1t is to speak in such a beau.
tiful temple Of worship. This is a striking
scene to me. When 1 came TO this city
thirty years ago the commonest right OF the
black man was disrespected, but to-day YOU
are the equal before the law of the richest
man In the country. You have the law on
your side, and you owe tito your race aud
yourselves to assert your rights. Thirty
years ago, II had attempted TO address an
audience like this, would have been hooted
at aud scorned; now take pride In so do
ing. The day is not far distant when IL will
be as safe for colored man In South Caro-.
lima and Mississippi TO enjoy the same priv
legee Of citizenship as he does now in the
Districtn Ht 'FN
"At the close OF the war,'' Mr.. Sherman
said, "Mr. Foster, Ben. Wade, Senator
Cameron, and myself visited Hilton Head,
5. G., and were invited to attend
colored church. We accepted the invita-
ton, and went to the humble meeting house.
1t was not large. You could put IL in one
corner Of this edlflce. The minister was a
good old gentlemen, whose discourse was
more sensible than elegant. After discuss
ing other topics, he aelated, in his pc
culiar way, the history Of his church.
Said he: Builder John, he bro't de logs,
and Brudder Sam bro't sumtln to fix ein;
and now we owes for de church. Now's
good time TO took up collection This
was literally responded to, and netted over
two hundred dollars.n
Mr.. Sherman called attention to the fact
OF the importance of keeping free from
debt, and this applied to churches as well
as individuals. Learn 70 depend upon your
seves. You must save money and accumu-
late land and property. Educate your
children. Instruct them to be industrious
and temperate. again repeat and assure
you Of the deep interest take In your well
fare. There are 100000 of you, and you
should stand up for your rights before the
law as other men. Here at the capital you
are looked upon as guide and an example,
and Ihave every reason to congratulate you
upon your wonderful success and advance
ment.