Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16

inventions. have worked wonderful changes
that are noticed in the sacred architecture,
as Wei as In other branches Of the broad
art Fifty years ago most OF the church
buildings In the District were low, frame
structures. furnished with hardwood
benches for pews, and with little or no in
terror or exterior decoration. The musical
part of the service consisted principally OF
singing. accompanied, whtn at all. by
small organ Of the melodeon type. The
conversations in some instances were sep
arated on the sex line-the men and boys
on one side of the church and the women
and girls on the other. 1t is evident that
the members of churches in those days did
not attend the services for material COM
Tort. but there is no doubt of their earnest
ness.
Striking is the contrast furnished by pres
emit conditions. Large brick or stone edi-
noes with broad doors give a silent well
come to the worshipers. The structures
are beautiful to look upon from the outside.
WhlIe the interiors present a most inviting
appearance. The light streams i'm mellow
colors through the stained-glass windows
and falls upon soft carpets and circular
oak pews. with curved backs These are
fitted in many cases with cushions and
form comfortable seats for those who come
10 participate IN the service. 4 grand pipe
organ peals forth the strains Of some soul
stirring melody in mighty volume while n
choir of trained voices takes up the song
in tones Of joyful acclaim There have
indeed been amazing changes.
Fifty Years Ago.
A diversity of denominations has given
to the city a larger number OF church
buildings than would otherwise be the case
Fifty years ago there were but twelve sects
represented in Washington, while now
there are more than twice that number.
The founding Of churches in the capital
began first in the extreme western and
eastern parts of the city, but IN 1852 the
majority were located near what is now
known as the central business portion of
the city
In demonstrating the development OF the
churches since the first issue OF The Star
1t is interesting to note comparisons as to
the number of organizations then and now
The twelve sects in Washington fifty years
ago were represented by forty-five white
congregations. with buildings erected
for their own use. while there are 163 such
organizations at this time. There were but
nine colored churches fifty years ago as
opposed to ninety-two now. The denomi-
nations and the number OF societies af-
fliated with each sect in 1852 were as fol-
lows: Baptists, 3; Catholic. 6; Christian, /:
Episcopal. 3; Friends 2: Lutheran, 4: Meth
odiSt Episcopal, 10; Methodist Episcopal
South, l; Methodist Protestant, 3; Presby-
terrain. 4; Swedenborgian, 1; Unitarian, l.
The representation of cOlOred churches
were: Methodist, Z; Baptist, /, and Presby-
terrain. l. 1t will be seen that the increase
in white churches has been more than
threefold. while the colored churches have
increased more than tenfold.
In the decade from 1880 TO 1900 there is
noted the greatest increase in the establish
ing of new churches, no less than thirty
having been organized in that period. The
colored people showed greater activity in
organizing religious societies just after the
close of the civil war and in the ten years
following 1870.