The Washington times., 1901-11-11
MISSION FOUNDER HoNoRED.
Memorial Services in Memory of the
Rev Jacob II. Wilson.

Services in memory of the late Rev
Ja.cb p. Wilson were held yesterday at
the Wilson Memorial Church, on Eleventh
Street southeast, and at the grave of Mr
Wilson. in Congressional Cemetery. 1t
was the annual memorial day observance.
Several hundred people, members of the
congregation, participated in the services,
which were held morning, afternoon and
evening.
Jacob p Wilson was years ago clergy
man Of the Methodist Protestant denOm-
nation. On account OF iii health he left
the ministry, and entered into business.
a desire to EMS ,ge in benevolent work
led him to take charge Of a mission in
Southeast Washington. 1t was then
housed in a modest frame building on the
site Of the church which now bears his
name.
Although the mission grew rapidly, and
did a vast amount of good. it became in
volved in debt Finally. the heroic ef-
forts of its head availing nothing to re-
lieve the load, he mortgaged his house to
offset the Indebtedness. This even did not
suffice, and the quarters of the mission
were about to be abandoned, when W. L.
Bruen, of Falls Church, Va. whose phi
lanthropy is known to many charitable In
stitutions in this city. became interested
in Mr.. Wilson'S work, and aided him
financially.
After Mr.. Wilson'S leath. in 1896. Mr..
Brlen erected the Wilson Memorial
Church on the site of the mission. For
a time Mr. Bruen was the pastor of the
church. but was obliged TO retire. The
congregation was then taken IN chafse
by the Rev. a. k. Thompson, VINO Tor
the second time yesterday conducted the
annual memorial services.
he Tln
attended. but was unmarked by any elab-
orate features Mr. Thompson preached
the sermon. He chose Tor MS theme me
Immortality Of influence" and his text:
lie being dead. yet spcaketh."
In the course of his sermon, Mr.:
Thompson spoke at length of the life OF
tlun annually honored. Mr.. Wilson. he
asserted. was a man Of great force of
character and is lovingly remembered
bv people of all creeds for the great
good he worked with his mission ir the
southeast section of the city. During the
civil war Mr. Wilson served in the Fed
eraI forces. and was chaplain OF his regi-
m@nt, as well as captain or company.
At the conclusion OF the sermon, Mr..
Rruen also spoke of the life Of Mr.. Will
son and his connection with the mission
MIR. Bruen was Intimately associated IN
the work of the mission with Mr.. VIII
son number OF members OF the con-
gregation also spoke.
The afternoon service at the church be-
gan at oclock. Ine congregation
marched to the grave Of Mr. Wilson in
the Congressional Cemetery. Here i
number of hymns were sung by the as
semblage, among them the favorites of
the former head Of the mission. Many
floral remembrances we're placed at the
base of the monument above the grave.
Mr.. Thompson spoke briefly. and In con-
clusion all Joined hands in circle about
the monument, and sang Blessed BE the
Tie That Binds" Joseph p. Wilson,
brother of Mr.. Wilson, was expected to
speak at the service held last night, but
he was unable to be present. Mr. Wilson
is pastor Of the Roland Avenue NJ. h.
Church. of Baltimore.