New-York tribune., 1905-11-13

capital. had already procured a site and taken
| other steps toward the erection of such an edi-
| hce; that the Roman Catholics had undertaken a
| similar project, and had moreover established
a great university in Washington, and that the
Method1sts We're preparing to follow the same
course and he urged that the Presbyterians ,s
this country should have in the capital citv a
church which should be to them what st. Paurs
Cathedral is to the EpiscopaIians of England
and what st. Giles of Edinburgh is to the Pres
byterians of Scotland
The suggestion of Justice Harlan has been
enthusiastically received and he is in receipt
OF letters from all parts of the country warmly
1ndorsing the plan and promising assistance
and cooperation. Among these is a gratify-
ing letter from the Rev. DR.. Patton president Of
Princeton Theological Seminary, who says:
I have been intending for some time to write
to you in reply to the letter which you were
KIND enough to send me regarding the proposed
cathedral church in Washington. l cannot
say that L have any practical suggestions to
make but | am unwilling to deny myself the
pleasure of saying to you that heartily ap
prove of your suggestion, and that I wish you
great success in carrying it out. 1 am sure
that you will find throughout Church a
sympathetic response
PreSbyterianism needs something correspond-
ing TO the cathedral system of England There
should be in our great cities and pre-eminent-
ly IN the capital of the nation, a church
well equipped, so independent of the ordinary
sources Of revenue and adapted to the do
ing of work beyong the requirements of
parish that within its walls and under its
roof the best men of the nation and the best
men of the Church could. from time to time,
give expression to their mature thinking of
the great themes of Christianity.
Is there any place in America to-day where
one can go and be sure to hear such uplift
ing sermons as one may expect to hear under
the dome of St Paufs? Is there a place in
our land, is there a need in our day for
mons somewhat different from those which are
n he m
cies of ordinary parish? l think there is.
And if the Presbyterian Church shall provide
such place and open the way for the preach
ing of such sermons she will, in my judgment,
do a great service to the cause of Christian
truth. 1 am not looking at this matter from
the standpoint of denomnational pride l
considering it in regard to what l consider
great intellectual need; and because our Church
is broad, liberal and possessed of a catholicity
which does not unchurch those who belong to-
other communions than our own I believe
that the door OF opportunity is especially open
to her Tor the doing Of much needed and
most important work in the direction indicated
by your letter.
Another important letter has been addressed
to the justice by the Rev DR.. van Dyke,
which he says:
The Importance of the idea which you present
1mpresses me Immediately. 1t would be a great
thing, beyond doubt. to have the broad. con-
structive features of Christianity in its Presby-
teTan form (Which is, of course. that of spirit
ual republic under divine headship) presented
fully and powerfully in the city which is to be
more ana more the centre or national NE
Not only as place of worship but also as a
source OF radiating work such a church would
be of commanding influence The part which
has been played by St Giles since its renovation
in the religious life of Edinburgh and OF Scot
land is an illustration of what ought to be hoped
for If such central Presbyterian church could
be established in Washington.
The Ietary of Agriculture who is an ardent
supporter of the Presbyterian Church, says, IN
cordial communication to Justice Harlan:
The influence that such a church would exert
upon the national capital would unquestion-
ably be good Other denominations are wisely
/ planning along the lines. Presbyterian
ism will have a strong hold the American
people as long as We have representative gov
ernment; and that. l hope, will be as long DIS
men need government. Every Denomination
should have it's watchrnen here men or the
highest intelligence able to speak wisely WIN
regard to public tendencies and fearless III the
expression of correct sentiments regarding puo-
( lie affairs, we'll industrious. in season OF
out of season. in the work of eevating huInaIiity-
Mr.. Justice Harlan will seek the apPfo-
baton of the General Assembly of the Church III
this country with the Endorsement of the w esh-
ington Presbytery- Before doing SO. however, iS
VIII endeayor formulate a somewhat iiioLe
concrete plan and he is confident that the ap
proyal OF the General Assembly will be pToiAip,is
accorded although he says frankly that III llo
absence of such approval he would not take an
other step in the furtheEance OF the projee-