Forest City press. (Forest City, Potter County, D.T. [S.D.]) 1883-19??, 1914-05-01

A visitor over Sunday In Washing
ton almost invariably inquiries h
proceeds to the presidents church." 1t
is a question whether he goes to church
to worship or to see the president. It's
safe to say, however, hat it isn't all
for worship. And 1 think there is quite
an ~enterprising movement among the
pastors. on the arrival of a new presi-
dent, To capture him for their church.
1t is a good deal like the struggle after
freshmen in college for the various
secret societies.. Perhaps. of all the
churches here. the New York Avenue
Presbyterian has the most unique and
captivating history. 1t is the church !
go to whenever / can, not only for Its
and able pastor. Rev. DIR. Radcliffe. BY
the a he is a special friend OF Presi-
dent Wilson and is a trustee of Prince
ton. For this it was thought the presi-
den would attend this church. but he
selected the Central. whose pastor is a
Scotchman and not specially interesting
as q preacher.
A Church Of Presidents.
TO this New York avenue church.
President John Quincy Adams was a
devotee. He was one of the trustees
and a very generous contributors. Once
when the church was in financial stress
he gave it $1,000 to relieve it. Martin
v tAA pdICt dlICIidcu CulS CIlulCil. dS SIo
William Henry Harrison. President
Pierce was n regular attendant and
with his wife often attended the prayer
meetings here. On one occasion they
entertained the Sunday school at he
White House. President Buchanan
presldent,-Lincoln. ~worshiped. h
pew once occupied by him is still re-
tanned. DR.. Radcliffe tells that once Or.
Gurley, who was Mr.. L.incoln's pastor,
IN speaking of this pew said. Il had
rather sit in that pew, If it We're made
of mud or dirt. than in one OF beaten
gold: 1T will be a Mecca for our Pres
byterians. ~ an influence for patriot
ism for our children and our children's
Children
In 1862, the church (new them.
escaped being seized for use for Il hos
pltal only by the personal interference
of Mr. Lincoln. Willie lincoln was a
member of the Sunday school of this
church. A touching story is told of
this lad in his last hours. He said to
DR.. Curley that he wanted the money in
his little bank given to his Sunday
school for missionary purposes. After
the boy was laid at rest Mrs. Lincoln
opened the little bank and gave the
money to the pastor for the purpose
specified by Willie. The following Sum
day, at the Sunday school. DR.. Gurley
said: Willie Lincoln wanted the mis-
sionaries to have his money from his
iron bank. so / have brought it to you
as he requested. Willie will never
come to u meetings again. He has
gone to live with Go in His beautiful
home above. May you all. yes, every
n of you. meet him there"
DR.. Gurley was at the bedside of the
martyred president as he died. The
room was silent save for the sobs of the
stricken ones. Finally Mr.. Stanton
turned to DR.. Gurley and said. Doctor,
won't you say something" In a few
moment the mir;ster said. Let us ak
to God" and he prayed most %tenderly.
Christ Church on G street S. f.. is the
oldest church in the city. 1t was
erected in 1895. and was attended by
Presidents Jefferson and Monroe. What
Is known as the congressional burying
ground Is close by. In the incipiency
of this city. 1t was practically the only
cemetery here. Many notable men are
buried here. Among them. Vice Presi-
dent George Clinton Of New York, Will
liam West the distinguished essayist
and attorney general under Monroe;