The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1901-10-03
COMMUNICATIONS

To the Editor of The Spy:-
The house of worship which the
Worcester City Missionary Society is
aiding the Armenian Church to build
is rapidly nearing completion. The
structure already presents very pleas
ing appearance, and is accorded favor
able comment by all observers. The
people for whose use 1t is intended are
enthusiastic over it,
Meanwhile the work of raising mon
ey for the payment of its cost goes OH
successfully, though somewhat slowly,
by reason of the multiplicity of other
things that demand attention. Every
body recognizes the Importance Of the
work, and the bearing of it, not only
upon the well-being Of the Armenians,
but of the city at large, so far as they
stand related to 1t, and gladly con-
tributes If possible, even though the
amount be small.
Rev. Mr.. Benneyan. the pastor of the
church, has been visiting Of late sew
eral cities and towns in New England
and elsewhere, in which his country
men reside, for the purpose of collect
ing money for this building, in order
to make good his pledge on behalf Of
his people Of $4,000. He has been very
successful, all things considered. In
recent letter from New York city,
where he is at present, he says: Il
wish you could see the interest and en-
thusiasm my countrymen of this city
show in our cause. Our church build
ing has had a great moral effect upon
them in all the cities and towns of
this country. 1t has revived their In
terest and activity where they were
becoming more or less indifterent.
Wherever l go to present my Gauss
they rejoice to hear all about our work
fo criyrp fnT G11Ph a
BILE object which is so dear to their
hearts. Unfortunately, the majority
of our people here and elsewhere, be-
ing very poor, can not give as much
as they desire. I am very much en-
couraged, and believe our building will
bring spiritual blessing, not only to the
Armenians of Worcester, but also to
those in other cities"
The explanation of this deep interest
of Armenians of other cities in the
building of a church here is that Wor-
cester is recognized among them as
metropolitan. Their house of worship
now so nearly completed together with
the Gregorian Church on Laurel Street.
erected some years since, are the only
buildings of the kind in the country
for the use of Armenians, unless 1t be
on the Pacific coast. These two church
organizations are the only ones in all
stituted and enrolled. though there are
missions in nearly every one of our
larger cities.
We are very anxious to complete
this church home, so much needed by
our Armenian brethren. without debt.
and thus break the long record Of the
past of mortgage debt on churches,
which is troubling so many of them at
present, and hindering their members
from dining what ntharx1rfca
so gladly do in aiding this church. We
can easily do this If the good people
of the city will only look upon this
work as of common concern and give
aid accordingly. Every payment as 1t
has become due has thus far been met
promptly. We wish If possible to keep
this up to the end.
By direction of the society. the I'M
dersigned is acting as a member of
the building committee and as treas
urer. and in this latter capacity is So
Letting contributions. in connection
with the pastor of the Armenian
Church. ELDRIDGE MIX.