The Washington times., 1906-10-14
Preparations for Dedica-
ton the Second Sun
day in November.
ESTIMATED COST $4,000
Remarkable Growth of the
Branch of the Lutheran
Church Since 1905.

On the last Sunday in September.
1875 the FIRST service in the interest OF
tho Evangelical Lutheran Church OF
the Atonement was held in the rooms
stiI occupied by the mission at 10 r
street northeast. The present pastor.
the Rev J. 0. Baker, Vho was visiting
Washington at the request of the Home
Missionary Board, conducted the SER
vice, at which between forty and afty
people were present and much iDteles
manifested In the contemplated Organi-
cation. on the following Sunday a
permanent organization was effected and
last Sundat the first anniversary was
celebrated with special services.
Immediately after che church organi-
cation came into existence the subject
of a church building was taken up and
the result of the earnest and active
efforts of the pastor and congregation
is now seen in the handsome edifice
which is approaching completion and
which is intended TO be used as the
chapel of the main church building, al-
ready N contemplation and which viii
eventually occupy The entire site.
Larger Edifce in Prospect.
Fronting on Rhode Island avenue,
which here crosses North Capitol street.
the chapel with a seating capacity Of
80 is 50 arranged that the church and
chapel by an ingenious system OF roll
ing partitions can he thrown into one
large auditorium. having a total seating
capacity or about lloo.
The present structure is expected 20
cost about $4,000. nut the plans for the
entire construction OF both church and
chapel VIII represent an outlay OF $50
eco and when entirely completed viii
be of imposing size and representative
OF the highest type of church archi-
lecture. The style is the late English
Tudor Gothic and is pleasing and har-
menious in every detail. The material
used is Port Deposit granite and IN
diana limestone.
The Rev. I. o. Baker. who mauglir-
ated the opening Of the mission, was
called TO take charge In February of
this year and since that time has de-
voted himself 20 the development Of the
work.
To his earnest efforts is due much OF
the success and prosperity of the
church and his hold upon the affections
OF his congregation is manifest IN their
active endeavor TO assist in every pos
sihle way his suggestions for the glory
and advancement of the cause to which
he and they have dedicated themselves.
Pastor and congregation are one IN
every active movement and the result
Is seen in the handsome building which
In one short year has become the home
OF this successful congregation.
First of the Denomination Here.
Although with the exception of the
syuOdica1 conference Of the general
council this is the largest organization
OF Lutherans In America. this Is the
first church IN the National Capital con-
nected with it.
The design OF the building was drawn
by ". r. Wagner and Il Il. Williams.
assistant architects OF this city, and the
was intrusted to Kemp &
Kennedy. builders. with the result that
the work has given satisfaction in every
particular.
On the second Sunday in November il
IS the intention to dedicate the chapel,
and already great preparations are be-
ing made looking forward to that event.
The building committee consists OF
George O. Berger. J. Henri Wagner, /
Harvey a. Bennett, George r. Hane, Al
fred Heitmuller, Charles Read, Joseph
Beck. and the Rev. l. o. Baker.