Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-02-28
IN THE CHURCHES

Among the churches of Washington which
regularly observe Lent the forty days
period which began last Wednesday is one
Of unusual activity along religious and de-
votional lines. 1t Is the season OF many
forms and ceremonies, in the observance
Of which the members Of the several
churches engage with more than ordinary
uniformity. At perhaps no other period OF
the year is there evidenced more devout-
ness, more strict adherence to religious
principles, than during Lent.
The period is especially significant In re-
calling the sorrow of the apostles when
they were deprived Of the person of Jesus
Christ. Formerly the forty days period
was devoted to fasting from food. as well
as the dispensing with worldly pleasures.
The food fasts Of the present day, however,
are observed less rigidly than in ancient
times. and the communicates now only
deny themselves luxuries, as rule. Still,
on particular days the discipline Of some Of
the churches provides that only food Of
certain kind and quantity shall be eaten.
One Of the purposes of this dispensing with
luxuries. 1t Is stated, Is to teach the COM
municant to be self-sacrificing.
The services held On the churches during
Lent tend essentially toward developing the
spiritual part of human nature. By fore
going the gayeties and pleasures Of social
life 1t Is thought that the communicates
mind and heart are more receptive to devo-
tional Impulses, since there>is more time for
the contemplation of spiritual things. Many
OF the ceremonies are particularly impress
sive, even to those who do not personally
participate in the observance Of Lent and
they are calculated to inspire noble thoughts
and sentiments. By the observance Of the
rules of Lent another benefit Is also aimed
at, in that 1t Is time for Strengthening the
religious beliefs Of the members Of the
churches, and also of renewing their zeal
in church matters
The closing week. commonly called pas
sion week, is especially filled with impress
sive forms Of religious devotion. The sor-
row occastoned by the death Of the Saviour
indicated by the ceremonies of this period,
gives place to triumphant rejoicing in the
beautiful exercises Of Easter which marks
the close of Lent. In this event all Chris
tan churches participate, and the time is
one OF general rejoicing among the religious
people.
In the observance Of Lent the meetings
are not confined altogether to religious mat
tiers. but In some instances lectures on edu-
cation and sociological themes are provided
for the communicates
The Churchman'S League Of the District
has arranged a course OF five Lenten lee
lures for the month Of March, in accordance
year will be held at St. Thomas Episcopal
Church. and the subject Of the series will
be 1.-THE Influence of the English Church on
Anglo-Saxon Civilization" The lectures
Will be given Tuesday evenings, beginning
March 3, with the exception that the fourth
address will be delivered Monday evening
March %. The several divisions Of the sub
ject and the speakers are as follows:
The Church as the Formative influence
on the English Nation" Rev. Thomas
Richey. DID, Of New York; 1.-The Church
as the Educator of the People," Rev. w. A.
Query. B. D.. of Sewanee, Tenn: 1.-THE
Church as the Champion Of the Peoples
mond. Va: 1.-THE Principle Of National
Churches" Rev. Charles A. Briggs, DID,,
of New York: 1.-THE Church and the Spirit
Of Liberty" Mr.. Joseph Packard Of Balti-
more.
Rev. DR.. Herbert Scott Smith, rector Of
st. Margaret's Episcopal Church, has ar
ranged for course Of Lenten lectures to
be given Friday afternoons during Lent.
The first lecture Of the course was given
yesterday afternoon by Rev. Richard Lewis
Howell, who spoke on the subject THE
Grandeur Of the Jew" large audience
listened to the address, and great interest
was manifested in the discourse. The other
lectures, five in number, will also be deliv-
cred by Rev. Mr.. Howell, the topics being
as as, follows: christianity as q Whole"
Christianity and Missions" Christianity
and Science" ''Christianity's Climax"
At St. Thomas Church, in addition to the
regular services of the season, Rev. DR.. G.
Ernest Smith, the rector, has planned to
give an address each evening at the even
ing prayer service. The addresses will be a
continuous exposition of the book Of the
Acts Of the Apostles
Considerable interest has been aroused in
Christian Endeavor circles by the announce
Rev. Cornelius Woelfkdn, D. D., of Brook
| Ign, who will address big mass meeting
Of the District Christian Endeavor, to be
| held next Wednesday evening, March A. in
30 r,t.r ID IT, ~
| DR.. Woelfkin is pastor Of the Green Avenue
Baptist Church in Brooklyn. He is con-
| sidered one of the most ma ghetto pulpit ora
| tors In the country, and the Endeavorers
] anticipate the coming mass meeting and
| the address of DR.. Woelfkin with a great
deal Of pleasure.
The District C. E. Union has held several
| large public meetings within the past few
| months The last large meeting was held
| the evening Of December 4, when the prin-
| cipal officers Of the national and interna-
| tional organizations were present and de-
livered addresses 1t is said that an un-
usual degree Of interest has been awakened
| In the young peoples movement by the
| recent gatherings, and 1t is expected that
| the meeting set for next Wednesday even
| ing will be equally as profitable and enjoy
| able as those preceding.
The general conference Of tho Methodist
| Episcopal Church of America will be held
(. In May OF next year In Los Angeles. Cal.
| This decision was reached recently by the
governing board Of bishops.
The Mems Club of Gurley Memorial Pres
| byterian Church held a social meeting last
| Tuesday evening in the lecture room of the
| church, which was largely attended. The
| program for the evening was considered as
| especially pleasing and consisted of recita-
tons by Mr.. D. B. Perry, sketches and
stories by Mr.. C. E. Fairman; trombone
solos, by Mr.. r. L. Bodwel; piano solos, by
| Miss Myrtle Powell. and vocal solos. by Mr..
4 &c Mrs. Ia II Eln11 tod
| as accompanst for the singers.
| Rev. DR.. Natter who for a number of
| years has been engaged in missionary work
1 In China under the ailsrdcas nf the si,,x.