Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-07-08

pl,ai. having been appointed in 1868 De-
spase ms seyenty-four years he is surpris-
rhSLy vigorous not only mentally. but
physically. During his service there three
superintendents have died-Drs .IchoiIs
Godding and Richardson.
Dr. Chester has had a notable career as
q aiersyman In this city. He has been a
resident here since 1884 when he received
eau to this city to institute the Metro
pohtan rresoyterfan Church on Capitol HILL
winch or itself is a monument to his Chris
tan zeal and executive ability
DR.. Chester was born in Hudson N Y
IN issZ After completing high school
course ne matriculated at Princeton Unit
sersily' where he graduated with high
ated from the medical department OF tho
University of Pennsylvania and practiced
medicine at Columbia and Arlington, Pa
Inc ministry claimed DR.. Chester for Its
own In 1859 From 1859 to 1864 he served
congregation at Burlington N J., and II
was In the latter year that he received the
call to Washington. Any sketch of the
clergyman would be Incomplete without an
outline of remarkable passionate here. He
started what was known first as the Canitol
Hill Church, and afterwards as the Metro
politan Presbyterian Church 1t was or
gained In little school house. corner of
Sd and A streets northeast, when seventeen
souls comprised the congregation DR. Ches-
ter was the only pastor of the church in
It's nrst thirty years of existence, and
through his endeavors 1t grew from a hand
fui OF worshpers. attending service in a
room lighted by tallow dips, to a congrega-
ton Of 700, with church property worth
$4,000.
AS the little church grew It removed to
building previously used as market
house at the corner of Sd and Pennsylvania
avenue There the congregation worshiped
for while, when a chapel was built upon
the present site of the church. 4th and b
streets southease While the church edi-
fee was being built the congregation wor-
SHIPPED in committee room OF the House
OF Representatives. where the Lords sup
per and the rite of the baptism were ad-
ministered. the only case of its kind. It Is
thought, in the history of the Capitol. Dur
ing the ministry OF DR. Chester almost
every department Of the government was
represented in the church membership
tended the dedication of It's building and
also gave liberal subscription.
The chapel erected at 4th and streets,
the predecessor of the present church build
ing, had an unusual history. It-was con-
structed in Burlington, n. j.. on the Della
ware river. and brought down on a ship
to the Potomac. its materials arriving here
In such finished condition that they only
required to be put together The founda-
ton of the present commodious structure
was laid April 10. 1858. and the Capitol
Hill, Church was united at that time with
the Metropolitan Church.
Throughout his passionate DR.. Chester
maintained the most cordial relations with
his congregation, to whom the announce
ment of his withdrawal on account of adj
vancng years came as a painful surprise
DR.. Chester was likewise popular among
the Catholics and members Of other de-
nominations on Capitol Hill. In addition
to fulfilling his duties one of the chap
Iains at the Government Hospital for the
Insane DR.. Chester. during the war with
Spain. was detailed as chaplain at Fort
Myer while the post was being used for
hospital purposes He ministered there to
700 sick soldiers In 1892 DR.. Chester was
appointed member of the advisory coun-
ell on religious education. the session of
which was held at the Chicago worlds
fair. Wooster University, Ohio, In 1874.
honored him with the degree of doctor of
divinity AS writer DR.. Chester is favor
ably known. being the author of two widely
read books-"Early Watchers at the
Heavenly Gate" and Ruth: the Christian
Scientist" During the campaign which
ended in the election OF President Harri-
son Dr. Chester contributed many papers
to the literature sent out by the repubi-
cans.