The Washington times., 1902-06-01
PRAYER MEETINGS
FOR FIRE LADDIES
Rev. Daniel F. Sprigg's I'm
ostentatious Work.
Sabbath Visits to All the Stations
Religious Services Held-Encour-
aged by Officials.

During the past few years there ha,
been created new official of the Fir,
Department. His name does not appea,
upon the pay rolls of the department
and so quietly and unostentatiously doe:
he go about his work that but few rco.
pie outside Of those with whom he ZONES
in immediate contact have any idea o.
his existence.
As matter of fact, he has no official
existence. Failure to obey his orders
would not subject the offender to q
hearing before the trial board. and re,
there is not man in the department,
who does not love the name and rever.
ence the presence of their new found
friend. the chaplain of the department
This gentleman is the Rev. Daniel F.
Sprigg.
About three years ago he began his
work in small way. Calling at the
quarters Of Engine Company No. T.. on
R Street. between Ninth and Tenth
Streets northwest, he asked the permis-
sion of the foreman to hold religious
services in the house.
The men are continuously on duty,
and are not permitted 10 go out of hear
ing OF the big gong in the house. and as
a result they are denied the privilege
Of attending divine service at any OF the
churches Of the city. II WAS when this
condition was brought TO the attention
Of DIR. Sprigg that he determined TO te-
gin the work.
His request was gladly acceded TO by
the officials of the department, and in
ha ha ret ~
meeting in the department WAS held. All
Of the men on duty at the house regard
less OF their religious faith looked upon
IT as a privilege to have the minister
with them. and they entered into the
simple services with heart and soul.
Many OF them had been craving for
such an opportunity. feeling as they did
that in their calling they never knew
when the pathway Of duty might lead
them into the jaws OF death, and that
they might be called upon to leave their
little families without warning. The
brave fellows appreciate this fact. and
IL ripens them into a realization OF the
serious side of life that is not always
brought home TO those of equal years.
The services were of the simplest
kind and all participated in them ex
cept the man on duty at the ticker.
mere was prayer, scrlptural read
ing. short address, and the singing of
several hymns. 1t met, however, a long
felt want among the men, and encour-
aged by his success at No. house. DR..
Sprigg gradually enlarged his field of
action until now every week more than
half OF the engine and truck companies
in the city are visited by him on his
noble mission.
His work has also attracted the at
tention of Chief Dutton, who gave en-
couragement in every way in his power.
DR.. Sprigg is devoted TO his work and
each Sunday his visits are looked for
ward to by the men with the deepest
interest He is particularly suited TO
the work which is distinctly his own,
and his only regret is that the growth
of the department is so great that he
is not able to cover the field as he
would like TO. In fact. there are some
of the companies. that he has not been
able to visit at all and he is hopeful
that he may find some person who viii
be able to enter into the same field and
cooperate with him in the great work.