Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-07-12
w1p1NG OUT. CHURCH DEBTS.
How 100000 Was Raised by Rev. Co
bern of Denver.

How 100000 Was Raised by Rev. Co
bern of Denver.
From the ST. Louis Globe Democrat.
In two weeks Denver churches have sue
ceeded in raising sl50,00O and lifting the
debts off three churches of different de-
nominations. Circulars inviting people to
come to the church and contribute to the
debt-raising were distributed, and regard
less of denomination or creed, everybody
joined in the movement, and by the fusion
Of forces the end was accomplished Trim
ity M. f. Church is the most notable eX-
ample of success in debt-raisinS. Trinity
is The largest church and the most ex-
pensively constructed edifice of the Metho-
dist denomination in the United States
But almost all of its liberal donors met
with reverses. and their fortunes of mill
ions melted away like so much snow before
the SUM- Thus 1t came to pass that Trinity
NJ. E. Church, from being the foremost
and most wealthy organization in the west
felt the pressure of Distress and found
mortgages confronting the trustees. with
little or prospect of meeting them. The
sum of 100000 was demanded in the most
Imperative manner. Something had to be
done. and it was done. Today there is not
a cent of Indebtedness, and the congre-
gaticn breathes freer.
A fair share of the amount came from
Catholics. who wrote their checks for sums
ranging from $500 to 81 900. The credit for
the liquidation may be ascribed to Ma jor
Elijah Halford, paymaster United States
army, attached to the department of Colo
RADIO, with headquarters in Denver. His
brain attacked the subject in a way that
could only be devised by one skilled in
the expedents of a newspaper training
His enthusiasm became infectious, the
newspapers supplemented him with able
descriptions of the efforts to float Trinity
and the church became the center of an
excitement that has not had its equal in
the history of the city.
To raise $4,000 in one day, after the re-
sources of the people had been drained to
the last cent, was an undertaking of a stu
pendous character, but the pastor tackled
the subject as manfulfy as if it was his
first appeal for funds. After the introduc-
tory remarks brilliant idea occurred to
one man. who proposed that the roll be
called by states. The first response was
from an Arizona cattle man. who had Just
dropped in to kill time. He saw the preach
er for 500, and then tall man in the gal
lery offered 500 for Illinois. Ohio came
next with $3.50, while Pennsylvania and
Missouri followed with 500. Indiana was
hen 70 with III sorp Ta;e and WAS
tries were called. and the first contribu-
ton from over the water came from japan.
A young Jkpahese from the coast, who
had been married the day before to
white teacher, was the giver of S. Ger
many. France and England strove for hon
ors, and little Finland gave ST. These small
amounts did more to enthuse the people
than any of the great sums that had been
Away up in the. topmost row of the gal
lery was a, broad-shouldered man. who
shouted. Il give IS for Montana" throwing
a gold coin down at the preacher In a
minute men.in4 all parts of the house arose
and threw gold and silver in the direc-
ton Of DR.. Cobern, the pastor Every now
and then Pr. Cobern would turn and,
waving his arms wildly In the air, would
shout: IL
Sing. brothers. sing; we've got another
thousand"
Then the organist would strike the KEYS
Of the great organ with a triumphant
crash and the audience would sing the
Doxology rolling through the great church
in wave of majestic melody.
Here's two for $3.50 EACH" said the doc
tor: that makes $4,000 now: sing it, sing
it, and the reverend gentleman turned to
the choir behind him and shouted in his
enthusiasm. The choir sang, and the peo-
pie, too.
Here's one for $500. That makes the $780,
0GO. Now the mortgage is off. Sing, for
you've rolled the mortgage off"
Then the congregation sang God be
with you till We see you again." in honor
of DE-. Cobern. who will leave for a three
months trip to Europe this week,
The other churches that raised debts
during the past two months, are Christ M.
F.. $25O00: st. Elizabeth's Catholic. 80
coo; Central Presbyterian, $4,000. and
First Baptist. $4,000.