The Washington times., 1902-10-06
breaches FIRST SERMON
Rev. c. F. Winbigler Fills
First Baptist Pulpit.
CALLED FROM PHILADELPHIA
Members of Congregation to Tender
New Pastor a Reception on Fri
day Night.

The Rev. C. F. Winbigler yesterday
morning preached his first sermon as
pastor of the First Baptist Church, Six
cepted the call few weeks ago, and
moved here last week from Philadel-
phia. The new pastor was introduced
by Rev. r. r. West, member of the
congregation.
Mr.. Winbigler selected as his text the
inquiry of Peter at Cessarea: II ask.
therefore. with what intent ye have
called me?" He expressed the belief
that the purpose of the church in call
ing him was not selfish that the mem
bers had not called him to entertain
them, to give them theological discus
sfons, or to play on their emotions, but
was confident he had been called TO
minister In the true and simple faith
-Four things. he said, entered into the
accepted work Of pastor and his peo-
plea prepared message, prepared
people. simple gospel, and blessed re-
suits.
Eminent Servant.
Peter was weak. erratic man until
the power Of the spirit came to him in
full force at the Pentecost. After that
his faults and his impulses were brought
under and he was most eminent SER
want of the Lord. 1t may be that I am
weak and liable to mistakes, but
know whom I have behind me, and I
hope to lead you as 1 am lead in the
acceptable way of the Saviour.
In no ministry to human beings have
angels been permitted to tell the. won
derful story of redemption. /, sinner
saved by grace. am more fitted to tell
other men the story of redeeming love
than any angel. The people want wit
ness. and witness is one who knows
something. who has had experience in
the thing involved.
"a prepared people is one OF the
requisites to acceptable ministry. The
spirit have not, as rule, been in the
crowded places. The places have been
simple and the people few when the
most signal work of grace have been
done. Not by works, not by might have
the great results come about, but by
the manifestation of the spirit.
No Mention OF God.
Lack of the power of the Holy
Ghost has too often appeared in the
things which have been utilized in the
services in many churches which l am
disposed to guestion. l have heard the
ministers read their essays or deliver
their orations, eloquent and beautiful,
but without one word of God or the
Christ except as men,
"Too much of the music is operatic.
/ do not object to fine music. We ought
to have the best in Gods house. but
great deal that is heard Is better suited
FOR the stage than for use of seekers
after light. The incarnated power of
Jesus Christ is the power we need. The
touch of heart and hand is the eloquence
we need"
The Rev. Winbigler is well known in
Washington. For several years he filled
the pulpit of Calvary Church during the
summer months. For the past few years
he has been pastor of the Frankford
Avenue Baptist Church. Philadelphia.
He is a native OF Maryland and was
in Pennsylvania and at Ober-
lin College. He has been In the minis
try Of the Baptist Church since 1889, and
has been very successful He received
35S into the Philadelphia church in a
few years. He is an able and forcefuI
speaker.
An Old Church
The First Church is one of the oldest |
n the District. 1t was organized 100 |
,ears ago last March. The last of the |
,hurch debt has been paid. and the con-
,regation starts In the new era with
inc prospects. For over two years there
las been no regular pastor, DR.. Charles
y Stakely having resigntd. Until last
rune DR.. Edward B. Pollard supplied the
,ulpit.
On next Friday night the members CT
he congregation will tender the new
pastor a recepton. The music will be
,nder tho direction of Mr. Percy {