The Washington times., 1902-03-05
Comm. .Ssioner Macfarland Of
fers Civic Congratulations.
WAS AN HISTORICAL EVENT
Clergymen of Other Denominations Ex-
press Appreciation Of Work of Church
Home Services to Be Held at Church
Thursday Night.

Clergymen OF all denominations last
night at the First Baptist Church joined
with those of that creed in commemorat-
ing the one hundredth anniversary of the
Baptist Church in the District of Colura-
bia. Prominent divines laymen, and a
large congregation made the occasion a
notable one in the weeks series of meet
ings.
Hon. Henry B. F Macfarland. Presi-
dent cf the Board of Commissioners of the
District of Columbia. was among those
who delivered addresses. while some of
the NEST gifted pulpit orators of the city
assisted in expressing congratulations to
Baptists for the century of noteworthy
history just closed
The immense auditorium of the church
at Sixteenth and Streets. brilliantly
lighted. was decorated with palms. On
either side of the pulpit. in immense fig
ures of evergreen were the figures, "1s02-
1902. In spite of the inclemency of the
weather a large assemblage was pres
ent
The Pastors Address.
IL,
presided. and in calling the meeting to
order expressed his thanks to Almighty
God fo- the privilege of gathering with
the members of his congregation to cele-
brate the turning of the hundredth year
mark in the life Of the Baptist Church at
the National Capital
He traced briefly the growth of the
ha
the vast Increase in the number of
churches of the Baptist denomination dur
ing the long period. and expressed the
hope and belief that the next century
would witness greater progress and more
remarkable growth.
To the representatives of the various
denominations seated upon the platform,
said he. he held out his hand in brotherly
love. He thanked them for the cordiality
OF the greetings which they brought from
their several congregations. and desired
a closer bond of union between all men,
gathered under the one banner of Christ
IL was his honor and privilege, ne de-
clared, TO be able to introduce to the
meeting Commissioner Macfarland, whom
he characterized as an earnest Christian,
Jealous patriot, and far-seeing, honor
able citizen.
Civic Congratulations.
Commissioner Macfarland, for the gov
ernment of the District of Columbia, said
he was glad Washington could boast of
church 100 years old-that the National
Capital could possess anything of such
age. commemorating as it
does life of progress, endeavor, and sue
cess. There are not many old things in
he declared, and the fact that
the Baptist Church was celebrating its
one hundredth anniversary was a note
worthy event, not only in the religious
history of the city. but in the civic an
nails OF Washington.
He paid a tribute to the church, to the
various pastors whose efforts have in the
past done so much for the uplifting of
the District of Columbia, and expressed
the opinion that in the future the example
of the past would oe closely followed
"The government of the District OF Co.
1umbia," said Commissioner Macfarland,
gladly pays tribute to this celebration
of O century of honor. Because the state
has no union with the church 1t can ap-
preciate and admire the church's good
work the more. Because il does not have
to support the church 1t honors it the
more.
Benefited by the Church.
at has nothing to do with the creeds
Of the church, and therefore it has moth
ing to do with the controversies of the
church. But it is benefited by the deeds
Of the church, and therefore it is CRATE
full for the successes of the church.
'It sees in this commemoration hun
dred years of noble, faithful. and disin-
terested service OF the community 1t
sees hundred years of steady, increas-
Ing. and valuable contribution to the
1t sees thousands upon
thousands OF men and women. boys and
girls, led in the way of the highest Chris |
tian citizenship. 1t sees more than three |
of righteous and patriotic liY- |
Ing. which has enriched US all.
Imagine all that the Baptist Church |
has done in the District of Columbia, sub |
tracted from our history and our pres !
snt possession and you learn the meas |
IRE OF our debt to that great denomina-
ion. THAT is a debt which cannot and |
should not be payable in money, directly |
or Indirectly. The church should support |
The state, and not the state the church. |
srence, and affection by the community.
Able to Discharge Obligations.
1t is one of the glories of our voluntary
system that the churches are so splen-
idly supported by their own members
hat they are better of than If they |
we're supported by the state, and are SO
we'll able to discharge their obligations
o the state.
But from time TO time. and especially |
IN occasions like this, the state may well
and liquidate. SO far as that
s possible, its obligations of gratitude.
And with our thanksgiving we can mingle
ejoicing that the tree which has yield
ID such abundant and wholesome fruit is |
arger and stronger than ever, and shows
,romise Of greater and better results in
he future"
The President of the Board of Commits
ioners was followed by Rev. DR.. But
er, pastor OF Luther Place Memorial |
,hurch, who brought TO the interdenom-
national meeting the greetings of the
lutheran churches of the city.
Rev. John NJ Schick, D. D., pastor of
trace Reformed Church, where President
Roosevelt attends, delivered an address
II his eioquently simple manner, assur-
ng the Baptist Church of the co-opera-
Ion OF the worshippers OF his creed, and
1t upon the completion of
century of glorious and successful life.
On Behalf of Presbyterians.
Rev Teunis S Hamlin, d. D.. pastor
4 the Church of the Covenent, offered
on behalf Of the Presby-
.rfa,e ~ tho nfefrict of Ca,up,bga ua