Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-03-26

White House. across Lafayette Square. This
has been called the Church of the Presi-
dents, because 50 many Presidents OF the
United States have attended there. 1t is
now Mrs. Roosevelts church home. Presi-
dent Roosevelt attending the little Grace
! Reformed Church on 18th street near
street northwest
The history of the Roman Catholic
churches in this city seems TO center
around St. Patrick's parish which for more
than ITO years has been closely connected
with the affairs of the capital. 1t was
here that the far-famed Major L'Enfant
belonged-the Frenchman who made the
plans for this most beautiful of cities. 1t
is a curious fact that ST. Patricks
these years. They are as follows:
Father Caffey, 1894 to 1904: Father Mat
thews. 1904 to 1854: Father OToole, 1854 to
1860; Father Walter, 1850 to 1894; Father
Gloyd. 1894 to 1901; Father Stafford. 1901 TO
the presentime. Most famous among the
number was Father Matthews, whose in
fiuence over local events was very great
and who held a high place in the COM
munity for many years.
No denomination has gained greater head
way in Washington than the Methodist
Episcopal Church. Some OF the finest OF
our churches belong TO this denomination.
notably the Metropolitan Church on John
Marshall place, which President Mckinley
attended. and the beautiful Foundry NJ.
E. Church at 10th and Medison streets
northwest. Methodisn had its beginning
here in the first half of the century and has
done no little toward advancing the stand
ing and influence of the city.
Another local denomination which has
labored necessarily to establish new
churches, and which numbers among its
pastors some of the finest men I'm the min
isterial fraternity, is the Baptist. One of
the most interesting stories OF local church
history Is the account of the beginning OF
the Fifth Baptist Church in South Wash
ington at a time when there were no
churches at all in this section. Prayer
meetings were held in halls and the great
est hardships were undergone before the
organization was placed upon a sure basis.
The memory of Rev. DR.. c. c. Meador,
who died only recently, Will never be for
gotten In this connection He was the I'M
firing leader in the work of organization
and lighting The Fifth Church now has
a handsome new building the corner of
612 and Z streets southwest.
Church Built in 1898.
There are many other things that could
be said about Washington's church his
tory, If the time and space could be given
to them. The Lutherans should not be
overlooked, for they have contributed in no
small measure to the record. The Luther
Place Memorial Church, facing Thomas
circle. is looked upon with pride by every
Washingtonian and admired by every
stranger who sees it. There was wide sor-
row when it was partially destroyed by
fire last winter, but only a few weeks ago
it was rededicated, having been rebuilt bet
ter than before.
The First Congregational Church has a
long history and today is regarded one
of the most solid religious organizations
of the city. 1t is situated in the heart
of the business section and is very fire.
quently used for public meetings of an in
terdenominational character