The Washington times., 1894-09-09

aiterWard the association decided to the con-
gregation the lot and chapel 1t had erected.
Since that time the history OF the church has
been that of a struggling congregation with
high aims, which have been gradually ap-
proached, and the body now begin to see the
end Of its labors. Fighting against heavy
odds 1t haG kept in the front rank, and the
dream of magnificent Baptist Tabernacle
within the shadow of the Nations Capitol
may soon become reality.
NOVEL BEGGING SCHEME.
In 1886 the old chapel became too small for
the worshipers, and it was decided to erect an
additional structure. The question Of raising
the money for this enterprise was earnestly
discussed, and most novel plan was adopted.
circular letter was prepared and, with an
engraving of the proposed building, sent
broadcast over the land. Every public man
of any note received one of the letters. They
were sent TO the South as we'll as to the North,
and the responses were not few. Among
those who Endorsed the work undertaken by
the church was DR.. James G. Yelling, late
president of Columbian University. The let
tor claimed aid from those to whom 1t was
sent on the ground that the membership was
composed largely Of government employees,
who might at any time lose their positions
and return 10 their former homes in the
States and those who took their places would
city TO live. With the money secured from
this letter and from private subscriptions the
work on the addition was begun, and in 1887
it was dedicated. The congregation has been
using 1t ever since. and 1t now consists OF 100
members more than at that time. To relieve
the crowded condition is the hope OF this peo-
pie. The plans for the tabernacle are all
completed, and with strong hearts they are
entering on the struggle 10 build II. Time
may be required, but the congregation has
patience and pluck and sooner or later will
finish the work on which il started years ago.
Not satisfied with the letter scheme, some
of the younger members of the congregation
conceived the idea of publishing paper
which could bo taken as the church
organ for this vicinity. The Metro
politan Baptist was the result, and for
three years II appeared regularly. At first the
idea was pleasing. and much interest was
manifested, even on the outside. but rs the
years went by interest died, and the paper
was forced TO suspend last December. II was
a breezy publication, and contained much in
teresting church news. Allen c. Clark was
the editor and j. O'C. Roberts the business
manager. Stephen +. Hamilton looked after
the local news and made it very readable.
There is some talk that this feature may be
revived. Whether the old editorial stan will
take hold again is a question. They enjoyed
it while at it, but feel that the labor should be
divided with others.
THE FIVE PASTORS.
The church has had five pastors since 1873.
The first was Rev. Stephen II. Mirick. Then
came in the order named Reys. Joseph w.
Parker D. D., W. NJ Ingersoll. W. II. Young,
and Green Clay Smith The latter has been
in charge for the past four years. He is
known throughout the country, and il is
seldom a church has pastor who was once
y.F
Territory, and Presidential candidate. Gen.
Smiths history is an interesting one. and
adds 10 the church of which he is now pastor.
He is Kentuckian by birth, and his father
fought with and was Il friend OF William
Henry Harrison, and was aftorward Con-
gresham. Mr.. Smith served in the war
with Mexico as volunteer and was
commissioned lieutenant Tor gallant sery-
ices. After this he finished his educa-
ton, studied law. and at the outbreak OF
the civil war was member Of the Kentucky
Legislature. He was an UnCompromising
Union man and raised a regiment OF cavalry,
going to the front in command. In 1862 lie
was made brigadier general, and was sont
10 Congress IN 1868. He was a member OF the
Republican convention which nominated
Lincoln and Johnson, and came very near
being placed on the ticket rs the candidate
for Vice President instead of Andrew john
son.
In 1866 he was appointed Governor of
Montana Territory, and took charge when 1t
required a man OF nerve to iill the position.
Shortly after he entered the ministry. and in
1876 he was the Prohibitionist candidate for
President. He was most engaging speaker,
and took high rank as an orator in Congress,
He was at his best, though in those days in
a crowd, and al n meeting in New York held
during the war he captured a great crowd.
following Gov. Morton, OF Indiana, and
IIaT,r- I'D A. .lR.ar II.
eloquent, and as a pastor scarcely equaled in
the city. He is kept busy visiting the mem
bers of his congregation, and is the life of all
social gatherings Called General by
most OF his flock. he is respected by young
and old. He is greatly interested in the work
OF the young people of his church, and believes
in doing all he can TO further it. In this con-
rection he says: Il believe IN all means used
to elevate the standard Of thought among the
young. They are the hope Of the future. If
good papers and good books can be placed in
the hands OF the boys and girls. outside the
influence OF church, mucn good can be
done. In the church one must keep them
busy"
SOME INNOVATIONS.
The officials of the church are workers who
stand shoulder to shoulder with their pastor.
Several of them are constituent members of
the church. and though they have moved 10
the northwestern part OF the city, still retain
their membership and are regular attendants
at all the services. The deacOns are: Walter
J. Brooks, UrIah s. Hanks Westwood 7.
PaxsoD Benjamin Vail, jr.. George w. VIII
hanson. and Charles II. GreathOuse. The
trustees are: Allen C. Clark, Francis Mclean,
Henry c. Murray. George &. Ross, and Dun
can Thompson. The officers of the church
are: Allen C. Clark, treasurer; James orc.
Roberts, chairman of finance committee;
Stephen F. Hamilton, director of ushers, and
Francis Mclean, clerk. In all things they
have worked together in harmony and the
high standing of the church is largely due TO
their efforts.
The two deaconesses, who find as much
work as they care to do among the ladies of
the church, are Miss Fannie A. Lacy and
Mrs Camilla Lowell. The female portion OF
the congregation is divided into two parts,
and each of these ladies takes charge OF one.
Her duties are to visit the sick and those in
trouble, and their labors have been most sue
cessful. The appointment of these deacon
esses several years ago was an experiment,
and now the church can scarcely see how il
could get along without them. The results
have been far beyond the expectations of the
church officials. and when Baptist minister
glancing over the list of officers. saw the
names of the deaconesses, he asked the clerk
Women at work? How do they do?" "Ele-
gantly," was the enthusiastic response. Its
the best change we have made for years. "
There was a third deaconess, but she moved
from the city, and the two ladies named have
charge of the entire work.
Services are held IN the church twice each