The Washington times., 1915-05-01
DREXEL B|DDLE TO
CONE TO CAPITAL
To Make Series of Addresses to
Sunday Schools and Bible
Glasses May g.

Anthony ]. Drexel Biddle. better
known probably as TONY" Biddle. the
society boxer and athlete. is coming to
Washington. He isn't coming in the
role of a boxer. nor as a society man
to demonstrate any Of the many talents
of his versatile character. but In the
role Of an advocate of practical re-
ligion.
Announcement was made today that
Mr.. Biddle will make a series Of ad-
dresses before Washington Sunday
schools and Bible classes Sunday week.
The announcement caused almost as
IL word had come that BILLY Sun
day or some evangelist just as IA
nous were coming to the Capital.
For Mr. Biddle has come to fame by
since he is the founder of the chain OF
Drexel Biddle Bible classes. with $1,000
members enrolled in Sunday schools or
fifteen denominations. all the way from
Rhode Island to California. as we'll as
in Canada. the West Indies, Australia.
and other foreign lands. ..
Only Four Years Old.
This great association Of Bible stu
dents, which grew from a class of three
members, taught BY Mr.. Biddle In an
Episcopal Sunday school in Philadel-
pha, has been developed within the rast
four years. In the spring Of 1911. as his
own class increased in numbers, he con-
ceived the idea of the larger organiza-
ton, and with all his splendid enthusi-
asm and ample financial means started
the worldwide movement.
Mr.. Biddle will address tho Vaughn
Class during the lesson hour of the
morning service. Then he will go to
Bethany Church. Second street and
Rhode Island avenue northwest to speak
| especially to adult Bible students. and
at o'clock will return to Calvary
Baptist Sunday school house, where he
Is to be initiated in the David and
Jonathan fraternity OF the Vaughn
Class as honorary member. AS this
is a special occasion. it has been de-
cided to invite Sunday school teachers
of the District to meet Mr.. Biddle at
time and to witness the exemplihcation
OF the ritual in the east parlor. the
| secret work being impaired In another
room.
In the evening at s o'clock Mr.. Bid
die will address the Bible class students
of Vermont Avenue Christian Church.
Practical Christianity.
| The teaching of practical Christianity.
promotion of Bible study. advancement
of brotherhood among men, and en-
| couragement of unity in the churches,
| these are the objects of the Drexel
blDle tldbbeS very llttlt lOI
| mality is required for affiliation with
| the organization. The rules and objects
| of affiliating classes are not interfered
| with. and class name, officers, lesson
| systems, etc. remain intact. If a class
| desires to affiliate this desire Is off,
| cially communicated to the organiza-
| ton and the names of the class officers
| are furnished: and when a class is en-
| rolled a certificate of membership Is
| sent members buttons are supplied
free. and a gold founders button" is
| given to the teacher and slso to the
| one who was most instrumental ir
bringing the class into the organiza.
| ton.
The Drexel Biddle Bible Glasses com
| prise organized classes of women al
| we'll as men. and the religious train
| ing Is supplemented and strengthened
| by a most attractive appeal through
| athletic. social. and educational activi
| ties, the idea being somewhat similar
to that of the Y. NJ. c. A. Two ol
| three bible class homes are main
| tanned in the East. with parlors, dormi
| tories reading rooms. and opportunitie!
| for social games. music. and athletic
| exercises. At one of the summer homes
| there are thirty-four acres of grounds
| with baseball diamonds. tennis courts
! crouuet grounds, and other facilities TO
| recreation. 1t is the intention to opeI
| additional homes as the movemen
| spreads.