The colored American., 1902-07-05

-,o hest sale Of Negro church prop
- IN the history of the District of
"-.yi,,oIia was effected in dispOsing of
w. historic John Wesley A. M. e.
~ [o, church, Connecticut Avenue,
-ti,b elegant scheme stands to the
,braUd business tact and excellent
.1storaI diplomacy of Rev. B. J. Bald
irg D. D., the efficient pastor, now
.arying his third year.
The location Of John Wesley is a
,orsDicuOus site, mid-block between L
.n5 N streets. on Connecticut Avenue,
and for many years the enticing envy
If real estate spectators and home
hunters of wealth.
The sale realized $46,500 cash, and
$4,000 in portable collateral. The hap
nv congregation, which was almost
unanimous in favor of the sale, has
Dvrchased the Berean Church proper
~ almost directly in the rear, and
fronting on Eighteenth street, en-
bracing 6,744 square feet, and proper
toned about the same as the original
lot but perfectly square, with a good
SundayschooI annex, for $19,500. AT
ter canceling the old debt of $4,000, a
handsome sum remains for the re-
building Of the Berean edifice, making
it one of the handsOmest churches in
the city, supplied with all modern ia
cilities, steam heating, electric lights,
large pipe organ, etc. The front of
the building will be of best pressed
brick, with bell tower, and ornate ma
s0nry. This will be the second Negro
church, when completed, standing free
Of Indebtedness in the city, the other
being the Zion Baptist.
DR.. Balding has not only demon
strated great business ability, capaci-
ty to control strong forces, utilize pos
Sbilues and opportunities, but to also
master delicate circumstances with
the skill Of an adept.
The various agencies and peculiar
tact brought to bear upon his people
IN meek series of meetings prior to
leaving the old building precluded the
possibility Of any friction or hinder
ance to his well-conceived, regularly
evolved and practical plans. The peo-
pie. naturally, though we'll pleased
with their new and happy situation,
were 10th to quit the sacred spot of
SXty-hye years Of religious association
ana devotion. and turn away forever
from the affairs around which they had
assembled in holy fellowship and com
munlon, where many had been united
IN the bonds of holy matrimony, and
where scores upon scores of their in,
lantS and adult friends had been bap.
uzed. and where the sacred remains
OF the beloved dead had received the
iaSt sad religious rites, and where
thousands had experienced their spir-
NlaI BIRTH HallOwed memories hov,
ELtd there, sanctified with their tears
Inc material work of their hands and
o! thelr fathers and mothers was to
disappear from view. Within those
,OlSecrated walls where their souls
."l so often received inspiration, edi
-'allon, encouragement, hope and new
SIIJual life by the eloquent, soul-stir
ing and faithful preaching of the
blessed Word
lleSe thoughts burned in the minds
U. Ihe congregation, and these impress
SolS Saddened the spirit, while min
s.su with the happy thought of i'm
proved financial advantages al
must beginning of church life anew
.Ie inspiration of the occasion and
sg.eraI enthusiasm all wrought pow
.!-ulIy and peculiarly upon the emo
LUIS luis OF the people, as they worshipped
T.g T.g last Sabbath. June 20, in the old
.Ian ~ Wesley building, and listened tC
~s Strlkingly appropriate and able
'',llon Of the popular pastor.
one OF the most notable meetings in
-; tae He Of the John Wesley congrega
TUH T1 occurred on Monday evening
oIAe ,I 50, when, by a love-feast and
rra v,IeF hitting ceremonies, solemn leave