The Washington herald., 1909-01-29

The Rev. J. G. Butler. for many years
pastor of Luther Place Memorial Church,
vas tendsred a reception in honor OF his
eighty-third birthday anniversary BY
members OF his congregation last night
Members Of the church who are opposed
to the pastors further service because OF
his advanced age did not attend the
reception.
It IS probable, said several Of those
present at the reception. that the difficult
ties viii be settled at the meeting called
by the council for February L II was In
timated that the dissatisfied members viii
not have everything their own way al
this meeting.
No DIseOrdant Note.
There was no discordant note IN the
festivities All present united IN doing
honor 10 the long service Of Dr.. Butter
In the addresses made il was the senti-
ment that he be retained as pastor until
he should Of his own accord tender his
resignation
Following a short address by DR.. era
ham, in which he spoke OF the long serv-
fee and interchangeable efforts OF DR.. Butler,
Rev. DR.. Frederick D. Power. pastor Of
the Vermont Avenue Christian Church,
delivered a prayer for the success Of the
church and many more years Of life and
happiness TO the pastor.
DR.. Power prayed for peace and pros
perity ard said the church would stand
forever as a memorial 10 the work OF Dr.
Butler
Senator Knute Nelson, OF Minnesota,
made a sh0r, address. in which he eulO-
sized Dr Butler. He spoke OF Dr.. Buffers
service as Chaplain OF the Senate, and
said that should he az any time leave his
present pastorate he would always find
a following on Capitol Hi who would
ike 70 see him back in the position Of
chaplain.
The Senator said that as long as Dr.
Butler retained the pastorste OF Luther
Place Memorial Church the members Of
the congregation could rest assured they
would have the "oid time religion
preached 10 them. In this connection. the
Senator said.
'Dr. Butler may not get up n the pull
pit with fne or stylish raiment; he may
not express his thoughts in fine fights
Of oratory. but he viii preach the old
work for the betterment and prosperity
OF the church. and VIII always be one
TO be depended upon"
Rev. DR.. Weidley. pastor OF the Church
OF the Reformation. made a short ac-
dress, IN which DIT Butler was euiogized
as one OF the oldest and beSt-known
church workers IN the District
Letter from President.
A letter from President Roosevelt, wish
ing DR.. Butler many happy returns Of
the day, was read. after which l. L.
Randolph made presentation Of a number
OF valuable photographs and autographs,
". II. FinckeI made an address on behalf
Of the congregation, expressing their ap-
probation q bis long and devoted service
Following q short address by Dr. Butler.
in which he expressed his pleasure al the
reception. q barytone solo was sung by
Lucien Randolph. j. Mrs. Polkiason sang
a solo and several piano solos were played
DR.. Butler started his career in Wash
ingtOn AT the time Of the civil war He Is
dean of the Washinton ministry and pres
ident OF the Ministers Association. While
chaplain OF the Senate he was the init
mate friend OF Beck, Sherman. Thurman
Garfield. MorreI. and others famous in
history.
The Church's Finances.
Though well along in years. Or. Butler
has not relaxed his energy in church
work. Although his congregation Is not
rich one, the statement OF the finances
for the last year makes a remarkable
showing. The synod apportioned $50 as
the share Of his congregation IN its gen
eral work. The collections for this pur-
pose amounted 10 S56S50. o. 1880 IN
excess Of the appcrtionment The regular
local expenses amounted 10 44S51S. and
the unusual expenses IN wiping out the
debt caused by the fire. which occurred
five years ago last night. amounted 10
$654s.47. The total benevOlences amount
ed to $3.50. making the total collections
from the membership Of so amount 10
81. 41e.15, or $54S7 per capital. In addition
to this. 500 was contributed by outsiders.
It is certain few other churches show
I g.