Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-11-11
STORY OF ST. JOHNS CHURCH
REMINISCENCES By PRESIDENT
OF HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Judge Hagner Reads an Entertain
ing Paper-Tribute to the Late
DR.. Spofford Adopted.

At the regular meeting of the Columbia
Historical Society last evening at the
Shoreham the president, Judge A. B.
Hagner, entertained the members and
others who were present with reminis-
cences of the ST. Johns Episcopal Church,
which were prefaced with a historical
sketch of that organization. From the
day of the laying of the corner stone Of
the edifce in 1915 the more important
events were given and, more especially,
mention was made of those who have
from time to time been identified with the
church. The list includes many names
known in the national as we'll as in the
local annals of the city. The author of
the paper gave some details In connec-
ton with some of these distinguished at
PENDANTS from the days of Madison. The
church building stands today as 1t was
built more than three-quarters of CEN
fury ago. except for the extensions which
We're made from time to time and which
changed the original design of Latrobe
from that of a Greek cross to Latin
cross.
minute on the life and death of DR..
Ainsworth r. Spofford. prepared by w.
3. BRYAN. was read and ordered to be
made a part of the permanent records of
the society.
Tribute to DR.. Spofford.
The tribute to the life and character of
DR.. Spofford was. in part, as follows:
1T is difficult to form an estimate of
the influence in the active work of our
society of the life and labors of such a
man as DIR. Ainsworth r. Spofford. A
founder of the society. chosen at the
first election of officers as one of the vice
presidents. a position which he held up
to the time of his death, covering
period of more than fourteen years, he
was in a real sense part of it's life.
His conception of the trust confided
in him by the society year after year was
not that it was merely one of many such
honors that came to him. but as one in
volving an obligation of duty. How
thoroughly he acted upon this concep-
ton of an office bearer the records of the
society furnish abundant evidence.
There was no task, however arduous.
that he shrank from undertaking If 1t
came to him rs duty. and the energy
and fidelity which he displayed in the
service of the society was a source of
inspiration to his associates and sub
stantial benefit to the organizations
In spite of his more than four score
years, DIR. Spofford's range of interests
did not become contracted, and he accord
ed new ideas and new methods hearth
ness of reception which usually marks
only that period when the enthusiasms of
youth are dominant.
Aided Historical Research.
He gladly gave his time to assist those
engaged in historical research and placed
at their disposal the ready reference vol
ume of that wonderful memory which
was especially full on the source mate
rails of American history. AS an officer
of this society, as a capable and earnest
worker. as a source of inspiration and
encouragement to others. DR.. SpOnOrd
gave service to the society which has
contributed in a large measure to what
ever success it has attained.
1T is, therefore, with a feeling of real
loss that his associates in the Columbia
Historical Society place on record this
statement of DR.. Spoffords service in this
one department of the activities of a
busy, a useful and a worthy life"
Remarks of an appreciative character
were made by a number of those present
before the action was taken adopting the
minutes.