Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-10-21
OPENS IT'S DOORS WIDE
TENTH ANNIvEnSAHY OF THE
CONGREGATIONAL CLUB.
Addresses Made by Justice Brewer and
Others at the Celebration
Last Evening.

The tenth anniversary of the Congrega-
tional Club of Washington was celebrated
last night at the Mount Pleasant Congre-
gational Church, and large number Of the
members of that denomination in the city
were present. There was q reception in
the parlors Of the church, the annual din
ner. admission Of members and music and
addresses.
Upon the conclusion of the dinner, in the
basement Of the edifice, the members OF the
club and their guests repaired to the audi
forum.
The meeting was presided over by Rev.
Dr. John L. Ewell, president Of the club
Among those on the platform besides the
presiding officer were Justice David ].
Brewer Of the Supreme Court, Rev. A. J.
Lyman, D. D., of Brooklyn, N. Y: Rev.
Franklin Noble, D. D.: Prof. George Fred
erick Wright Of Oberlin University, Rev.
agency and Mr.. G. A. L. Merrifeld. secre-
tary Of the club. A number of songs were
sung by the Mount Pleasant Church choir.
DR.. Ewell made the opening address, on
glowing terms of the founders Of Chris
tianity and Congregationalism in New Eng
land. and told Of their experiences IN the
new country. Secretary Merrifleld spoke on
Of the club since its organization. He told
Of its growth in the past and Its prospects
for the future.
"Congregationalism of the Future, From
the Standpoint of a Layman." was the sub
ject Of Mr.. Justice Brewers address. He
congratulated the club upon its member
ship. and spoke of the broadness Of the
Congregational creed, which he declared
breathed the spirit of independence. Its
creeds are the most catholic Of ALL" said
the speaker, land 1t will have no creed
which stands for nothing The confessions
of faith in the Congregational churches are
not all alike. The church is broad enough
to take in all who believe in Christ: 1t Is
the church that opens it's doors to all. We
believe in the life and power of the Chris
tian church. Within it's walls are welcome
all who believe in truth and purity and JUS
tice and right, who strive toward higher
ideals, who wish to reach them and who
are ready to help others to reach higher
levels. The church of the future will be
the abode of the highest and purest OF our
men and women
In his brief address Rev Mr.. Cross told
Of his work as a missionary among the In
dians and Professor Wright spoke OF the
religious situation in Russia and Siberia.
The speechmaking was concluded with an
address on The Congregationalism of the
Twentieth Century," delivered by DR.. Ly-
man, who declared that the influence OF the
creed promised to grow larger and larger
with the coming years. DR.. Noble pro-
nounced the benedictior
Before the dinner brief business meet
ing was held and sixty-five new members
were admitted to the club. The affair last
night was regarded as one Of the most
enjoyable ever held by the organization, and
those in charge were highly complimented
for its success.
The officers of the club are as follows:
President, Rev. John L. Ewell. ID; vice
presidents, Rev E. N. Kirby, General Ellis
Spear, Prof. J. W. Chickering. Prof George
j. Cummings: secretary, G. A. L. Merri-
Held; treasurer, Alfred Wood; executive
committee, the above-named officers and A.
L. Sturtevant, J. F. Johnson, A. B. Chat
field; outlook committee, A L. Sturtevant,
William L. Marsh, Rev. B. N. Seymour;
nominating committee. J. F. johnson, Ell
phonzo Youngs. Mr.. William Lamborn, M.
w. Baldwin. J. H. Jennings; reception COM
mittee, A. B. Chatfield, Mrs. A. B. Chat
field. Mr.. and Mrs. A s. Caywood, Mrs.
G A. L. Merrifield, Mr.. and Mrs George
RedWay.