Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-01-16
BUT ONE Passionate
OF CENTRAL
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
Founded Thirty-Seven Years Ago by
DR.. A. W. Pitzer-Special
Services Yesterday.

The thirty-seventh anniversary of the
pastorate of Rev. DR.. Alexander w. Pitzer
at Central Presbyterian Church was APP
propriately celebrated at IL o'clock yester-
day morning with special services. The oc-
easion was also notable for being the
thirty-seventh anniversary of the organiza-
tion of Central Church.
DR.. Pitzer yesterday completed thirty
seven years of ministerial work in this
city These years have been filled with
abundant labor. For fifteen years he was
professor of biblical theology in Howard
University: for three years he taught In the
Methodist Deaconness Home; for several
years he taught the teachers Saturday
Bible class: he is member Of the council
of the Central Union Mission. and has
been for thirty years president of the Bible
Society by a unanimous annual election.
Dr. Pitzer founded the Central Presby
terrain Church in May 1868, and has been
its only pastor The handsome and valu-
able church edifice and chapel on the corner
of and Sd street northwest were built and
paid for under his pastorate. At the morn
ing service yesterday the congregation
voted unanimously to give him an assis-
tant in the person of Rev. Lucien l..
Knight of Atlanta, Ga, now at Princeton
Seminary. Mr.. Knight was on the staff of
the Atlanta Constitution and is generally
regarded as one Of the best of the young
men coming into the ministery. The church
was filled yesterday, many of DIR. Pitzers
friends from all parts Of the city assem-
bling to offer their congratulations. Adj
ditional interest was added to the occasion
by the presence Of three missionaries of
the Southern Presbyterian Church from the
dark continent. Rev. w. H. Sheppard and
wife. and Rev DIR. w. NJ Morrison, who
took part in the services. Mrs. Shep-
pard's singing was especially effective.
DR.. Pitzer spoke feeiingly of the comfort.
peace and harmony which have served as
potent factors In the upbuilding Of the
church from its foundation. He commented
upon the goodfellowship existing among the
members Of the church and OF the splendid
financial condition Of the church, stating
that it was entirely free from debt.
Mission in Darkest Africa.
DR.. Pitzer then. introduced Rev. w. H.
Sheppard. q !. colored missionary Of nthe
Southern Presbyterian Church to the Congo,
who gave an account of his adventures in
darkest Africa Rev. Mr.. Sheppard and
Rev. Samuel Lapsley left New York for
Congo Free State fourteen years ago. For
a time they dwelt along the coast, then
moved father into the interior some 1900
miles, where his friend died.
Mr.. Sheppard told of how he assumed the
responsibility for CARRYING on the work
it by penetrating the forbidden land of Lie
kenga, the king of the Bakubas He related
how he escaped being made a king Of the
nation and told of narrowing experiences
AFTER 1 had learned the language of the
Bakubas was warned to leave the coun-
try When the king heard that knew the
language he called his witch doctors to-
gether to determine how this could be. They
told him was none other than the kings
son who for many years had been lost Mr.
Sheppard said the king sent for him fmme-
diately, and when he denied any kinship
with the king the latter angrily retorted
oh. you do, not know it. but you are my
son.
The missionary did not lay claim to the
kingdom upon the kings death, and the
royal crown went to rival family of the
king. Following out the custom of the
country, the new power ON the throne began
killing all the sons of the former king The
missionary was summoned to the kings
palace, and. being secluded in dark room,
was ordered by the king to drink his
poison. The old despot consented that the
missionary should offer prayer that their
differences might be settled The king
changed suddenly. and. Mr.. Sheppard says,
under. the influence Of Jesus Christ per-
mitted him to live.
From that moment" h. explained. 'the