The Washington herald., 1907-05-17

By no means do all Of Washington
clergymea agree with Rev. c. Ernest
Smith in his observations concerning th5
falling off in church attendance, and the
prevailing apathy toward religious serv-
ices. which he says are characteristic OF
this city.
That the statements made by the rector
of St. Thomas do not meet with Unani-
nous approval from ministers of other
denominations is evidenced by state
ments of a number Of them.
The Rev John Van Schaick, jr., pastor
Of the Universalist Church of Our Father,
who has taken an active interest in the
condition Of the religious situation in
Washington, in speaking Of the matter,
said last night
IF the church has lost her grip it is
the fault Of the church. II the church
regains her leadership. it will not be by
complaining of neglect, but by making
herself a social force that men dare not
ignore. I did not hear the report at the
Episcopal convention, and have read only
The Washington Herald account II may
not be fair to judge without hearing it
all, but as to the questions raised. l viii
say that 1 do not believe Washington is
going backward, but forward.
Christianity Is Growing.
Christianity is not dying out, but
growing. Christ said: BY this shall all
men know that ye are My disciples, if We
have love one to another BY this stand
ard there is more Christianity in Wash
ington and in the world than ever before
IN our history. In my work in the Asso-
ciated Charities and in my parish 1
have been impressed by the prompt. cor
dial, intelligent cooperation Of all the
newspapers in Washington The fight on
tuberculosis, the summer outings move
ment, the work for the public play
grounds and every other effort to make
Washington a clean, decent. moral. God
fearing city has had the mighty help Of
the press. All this work is the work
Christ urged and did.
when we get into closer touch with
social movements. our churches will he
filed. I, too, regret the multiplication q
social engagements on Sunday But the
way to meet the danger is by putting
more life into our churches. so that
church-going will be a privilege and not
a duty"
DIR. Greene's Opinion,
In the same strain DR.. Samuel il.
Greene. pastor Of the Calvary Baptist
Church said: L can speak for no other
denomination than my own. but I am
compelled TO say that the Baptists are
enjoying the greatest church membership
in their history in this city, and the inter
est in religious affairs was never more
evidently displayed We ALL however.
realize that there is a great interest
shown in games on Sunday. and we all
feel the force Of Sabbath diversions. but
I do not think Washington is on a lower
plane than any other city"
Frederick D. Power, pastor Of the Yer
mont Avenue Church and the organizer
Of the Disciples Of Christ in this city.
said: 1T is probable that Dr.. Smith finds
the conditions ne has mentioned in his
congregation, which Is composed Of a
class that has leisure and money.
Hence cannot agree with Dr. Smith,
although I realize that our conditions are
widely different"
Many Men Attend Church.
4 cannot speak for any other church
but my own,' said the Rev. Ulysses G.
B. Pierce, pastor Of All Souls Unitarian
Church, when asked with reference to
DR. Smiths report on the state Of the
Episcopal Church in the Washington Dio-
cese.
Il have no criticism TO make, nor fault
10 find So far as All Souls Church is
concerned. l can say that we never had
such a large attendance or contributions
as we have this year. Every department
in the Unitarian Church in the District
has experienced growth during the last
year, and. though there is always room
in every church for Improvement. I have
no reason 90 complain. There is large
attendance Of men az our Sunday serv-
ices. What they do in the afternoon
whether they go driving, riding. OF dining.
is, Of course, none of my concern. / am
quite satisfied that my congregation does
not sacrifice attendance for the sake Of
golf or any other amusement