The evening times., 1895-09-28
N | home OF THEIR OWN
DrookIand Methodists viii Dedi-
cate Their New Church.
LONG STRUGGLE CROWNED
Two Years Of SeIf-DeniaI and Ener-
getic Work Represented in the
Handsome Little Edifice-Sketch Of
the Congregation and Its Officers
and Pastor.

The pretty little village of Brookiand will
be the scene OF an interesting ceremony
tomorrow, when the Brookland Methodist
Episcopal congregation viii formally enter
their new home and solemnly dedicate 1t
to the service of God.
The church is erected on the corner of
Frankfort and Eleventh streets, one of the
most pleasant sites In Brookland. 1t Is a
graceful frame structure, whose style of
architecture Is In perfect harmony with
the surroundings. The interior is finished
entirely in Quartered oak. The pews are
also oak; the desk and chains of the church
being particularly handsome.
The church will seat about 800 comfort
baiy, and on necessary occasions LEO
more can be accommodated. The architects
are Peters & Dom, of Washington. and the
builders, whiteside & Burgess. of Brook
land. The cost of erection Is something
above $4,000.
The dedication on Sunday marks the end
of struggle, at times severe enough to
daunt the most hopeful Its history dates
back to April II, 1893, when the Metho-
dists of Brookiand met at the residence of
MI i. 4Aotbo6Cs W uoiu pidyCA
meeting.
INCEPTION OF THE WORK
The need of a permanent home of their
own denomination was then urged, and the
first steps were taken. But the congrega-
ton was very snIa II, aud not Overburdened
with wealth. SO the possibility of raising
So 600 seefsed far-off prospect.
Meetings were held weekly in the various
homes of the members. and the cougrega
ton grew larger and more prosperous.
In June, when the Brookland Citizens
Association finished their new building,
the Methodists Immediately rented its
large hall in order to hold their religious
services until they should erect a home
of their own
Rev. E.S. Todd, pastor of Hamline Church,
was the first to extend n helping hand to
the struggling suburban brethren. He al
lowed the Brookland mission to become part
of his own charge, and from Sunday to
Sunday sent different ministers to hold
the prayer services. This arrangement
continued for six months, when Rev. ]. II.
mccarthy, from one of the Northern confer
ences, offered his assistance. Under his
able government the little band of work
ers made wonderful progress, and, assum-
ing separate and independent existence,
asked for recognition It the conference.
HISTORY OF THE STRUGGLE.
At the next annual meeting. March. 1894,
Brookland and Langdon We're united in one
charge, with Rev. c. Tabor as pastor. In
March. 1895, Rev. W. H. Chapman as
sumed control and it is to his wonderful
energy and untiring zeal that much OF the
good work is due.
Mr.. Chapman is well known in Washing
ton. where he has been connected with
some OF the most prominent churches. He
was born at Aiddleburg, Loudoun County.
Va. and entered the ministry at the age
preacher, and his meetings are always
largely attended
The building committee. that has had en-
tire control OF the new structure. consists
of I. s. Hollidge. chairman; DR.. Theodore
Y. Hull and B. E. Murray. The trustees
are l. P. Holton. Theodore Y. Hull. L. s.
Hollidge. J. E. Eastlock, P. h. Johnston.
r s. Wolfe and ]. S. P. Greene The
board of stewards consists of I. 8. Hol-
lidee, G. b. Johnston, Theodore Y. Hull.
B. E. Murray and N. B. Malone.
The present organization is as follows:
Rev. William H. Chapman, pastor; I. p.
Hoiton and c. e. Cissei, class leaders; I. 8.
Hollidge. recording steward; b. E. Murray,
treasurer. A Ladies' Aid Society has
also lately been organized. Mrs. ]. 8. P.
Greene is president and Mrs. B. E. Murray,
secretary.