The Washington herald., 1906-11-17

EvangeIistic services are being conduct
ed in Westminster Church Memorial by
Evangelist Chester Birch OF Winona.
Ind, a weIl-knoWn leader in this branch
Of religious work. The Rev. Mr. Birch ar
rived in the city Wednesday morning.
and Immediately took up the work In the
local church. He held his initial meeting
Wednesday evening, and the power of
his sermon struck the keynote" with his
large audience from the start. He took
as his subject the passage. To what in
tent had He sent for me-" and asked
WAS it merely curiosity, or do you intend
to engage heartily in the work of the
Lord for the uplifting Of humanity" He
viii continue the evaugelistic services in
Westminster Church until Tuesday De-
cember s.
In slang, Rev. Mr.. Birch is an all-around
man, musician as well as a preacher,
and is especially noted as a CornetJist.
He has attracted attention all over the
United States by giving what he calls
''Bugle sermon" for young people. He
wiz hold such a service Sunday afternoon
at o'clock. The following Sunday aft
ernoon a meeting for men will be held.
Rev Mr.. Skellenger, the pastor, viii con-
Duct the regular Sunday services.
Had Varied Career.
The Rev. Mr.. Birch has had a varied
career for a minister of the Gospel. As
a young man he went in for theatricals-
first as an amateur, and then, after con-
siderable study, in the professional ranks.
He was on the road for about two years,
but decided that he did not like the pro-
fess.on and all it entailed, and took an
examination for appointment as a cor
nettist in the United States Cavalry Depot,
at St Louis, Mo He received his ap-
pointment. but after a long trial his
friends convinced him that he was better
suited for the ministry. Consequently,
Gen John a Logan, then at st. Louis,
obtained his release for him, SO that he
might take up evangelistic work.
This was in 1883. and he has been travel
ling over the United tates ever since.
preaching in every state in the union.
he is a big man physically. and very fond
Of athletics Of all kinds. He still goes ~
for all kinds Of sports and while at his
home on Winona Lake in the summer
months. he fishes, hunts. plays tennis
and golf rides a bike" and takes IN
everything else that offers itself In the
way OF sports. It is hinJed that he is also
very handy with the gloves, and could
count many good man out
While at Harbor Springs. Mich, hold
ing eyangelstic services just previous to
his Washington engagement, Rev. Mr..
Birch was giving one OF his bugle ser
mons. It was on the Thursday preceding
election day. and Gov Warner was in
town on a stumpiEs tour of the State.
When he learned Of the bugle sermon he
came over 10 the meeting, Upon its con-
clusiOn Rev. Mr. Birch, noting the COVER
uOr's interest in the service, asked him Il
he would like TO speak.
Governor Addressed Meeting.
The governor did not let such an op-
oortunity slip but addressed the meet
Ing. sagely combining himself in most part
te the good work OF the evangelistic
meetings, and, incidentally. complimentiug
Rev Mr. Birch. He then suggested that
he had 10 go TO speak at his own meeting
and politely requested ali those present
20 attend. It is said that the governor
carried Harbor. Springs with an over
whclming majority. and Rev. Mr. Birch
vOucheS for the fact that the church was
greatly benefited by the prestige received
through the governors attendance and
good word.