Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-05-13

than any built in these latter days of con-
struction.
St. Thomas has been building for nearly
five years. There was no unnecessary rush
and the contract called for slow construc-
ton. The idea of this was that the place
of worship should be erected only so fast
as the funds were secured by the parish,
thus assuring a freedom from debt de-
sirable in church property. This pan was
followed throughout with the most salts
factory and gratifying results. The Off
Gals and members of the church have
watched the growth and rise of their new
editiCe with no little pride. The slowness
of construction. has guaranteed detailed
care, and there is a complete thOroughneSS
in every bit of the work. The stained-glass
windows have been placed in position. A
mellow light filters through these for the
morning service, while In the evening the
church will be made brilliant by numerous
electric lights. The building will be heated
by steam.
Parish in Its Seventh Year.
Although but recently attaining the
seventh year of its existence the parish of
st. Thomas has risen to dignified posi-
ton in the church world of Washington.
From the formation of the new parish to it's
present fiOod-tide of prosperity there has
been no more faithful and indefatigable
worker than Rev. J. A AspinwalI, the rec
tor, who has been in charge since the in
ception. Naturally there is no one more
SIdtllCu anu PROUD OIL lne handsome new
church than he. The growth and develop
ment of the parish has been wonderful, and
large measure of it's success has been
due to his untiring and Jealous Iabors. Mr..
Aspinwall has enjoyed from the first SER
vice at which he officiated the confidence
and esteem of his Pensioners. They have
supported him in all of his efforts and have
worked with will to accomplish his every
suggestion for the Improvement and ad-
vancement of the church. Fully cognizant
of his duties to the church and to mankind,
Mr.. Aspinwall has always endeavored to
and has succeeded in gaining desired ends
through seemingly inexhaustible energy.
Seven years ago the parish of ST. Thomas
consisted of nothing more than chapel, a
handsome little edfice withal, which now
stands in the rear of the new building and
faces Madison street. 1t was not long until
these quarters were found to be too small
to accommodate the ever-increasing mem
bership and transient Episcopalians who
worshiped there The land at the corner
of 18th and Madison streets was purchased
and $4,000 was soon secured for the in
auguratiOn of work. This was but five
years ago. A building has resulted from
the movement which commands admiration
from the learned architect well as from
the layman in church construction Not
withstanding the expense of the building
operations the parish has maintained it's
policy of generosity, and It's contributions
to charity and worthy objects have been ex-
ceeded by but two parishes of the denomi-
nation in the District-an excellent evidence
of the very sound condition and success Of
the parish.
Cooperating Officials.
Factors In the desirable condition in
which the parish of st. Thomas now finds
itself the wardens and vestrymen of
the church, who have advised and con-
suited with the rector and have ever dis
played a loyal interest in the welfare of
their charge. This interest has been keen
at all times, and the church officials have
performed well their duty as the represent
tatives Of the general membership The
wardens are Col. George A. Woodward
United States army, and Melville Church.
The yestrymen are: Major b. p. Mimmack,
United States army; Major B. F. Ritten-
house. United States army; Brig. Gen. John
M. Wilson, United States army; Joseph x.
McCammon, Murray Addison, Boyd NJ
Smith. Theodore w. Noyes and H. w,
Fitch. United States navy