Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-05-30
CHURCH IS POPULAR
FIIIPINOS FLOCK TO HEAR
CHRISTIAN MESSAGE.

Before a large number of members OF
the Washington District Epworth League
at McKendree NJ. E. Church Monday
evening Bishop William F. Oldham OF
the Philippines described the plans and
the strategic Importance of Methodist
church at Vigan. in northern Luzon,
the church which the local Epworth
leaguers have determined to build. Bish-
Cd Oldham was introduced by Homer 4.
Seip. president Of the District league.
The bishop, who has spent the last four
wears in the islands and has been close
observer of the trend of political life
there. predicts a very bright future for
the F,iipinos, and thinks that another
four years will see the islanders and the
resident Americans united in their ef1orts
to bring about the bappiest possible con-
ditions there The school and the west
ern church, says the bishop. are largely
responsible for the development OF the
native population since the first occupa-
ton of Manila by the American forces.
During those days of tumult, while bul-
lets splintered the roof. religious services
were conducted by Bishop Coburn ana
his co-laborers in a Filipino theater. they
speaking to the natives first in English
and then in Spanish and Tagalog through
an interpreter. After the American oc-
cupation had continued "A few months the
repre sc mt atiyes of the various Protestant
creeds in Manila met and decided upon
the assignment to each denomination OF
a certain zone in the islands, in order
that the multiplicity of ereeds would not
bewilder and repel the wavering con-
verts AS a result of this division the
81 h,1vr
northern Luzon. Manila being the eX-
treme southern boundary.
The bishop found only one Protestant
MISSIONARY in his great territory-Harry
Farmer. who, with his wife. went out
from the Metropolitan NJ. E Church Mere.
When more peaceful conditions prevailed,
he said. the Filipinos flocked into the re-
ligious meetings by hundreds. many or
them eagerly processing conversion
From about five thousand converts four
years ago. says the bishop. the member
ship Of the church there has increased 10
over twenty thousand, and there are not
enough churches or assembly rooms 10
hold those who wish to hear the COS
pei Many of the congregations attend
services in relays. in order that al may
hear the services on one day.
The great strategic center of this lllcano
country now held by Methodism. he stat
ed, is Vigan. where a Protestant church
is greatly needed. The opportunity u
build this church. he added. Is onered 10
the membership of the District League OF
Washington. AS a result of his stirring
and Inspiring address large sum was
subscribed by those present and a sreat
impetus given to the project.
When completed the proposed churcf
will stand at one end OF the town plaza
or public square. opposite a Cathoilc
cathedral and adjoining the city school
Rev. Mr.. Peterson. assisted by two ma
tive missionaries will conduct the services
in the new building. The bishop predicted
that Immediate results will be obtained
for the poorer class of natives are eagerly
awaiting the day when they can have
their own churches like the Americans In
the states
The great fiesta recently held in Ma
Mia, the bishop said. had much to do
with creating a favorable impression in
the minds of the Filipinos to the
many-sided character of the American.
I'VE knew he could fight" they said.
land we knew he would do anything I'd
get rich. and now we know he can stop
and play. and he plays as we'll as he
fights"
1t is significant thing. said the speak
er, that the cockpit. once the main amuse-
ment Of the islander. was the only losing
enterprise during the fiesta.
times" the bishop continued. has a con-
quering country in ten years practically
given the subject nation independence in
all but name, and gained the respect and
admiration Of the people"