South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1920-02-24
RECTOR SPEAKS
ON WASHINGTON
Eulogizes Father of Country
Refers to Americaniza-
ton Movement.

At St Paul's Episcopal church
Sunday morning the Rev. L. c. Rog-
ers. preaching on the text, Proverbs
14;34. righteousness exaIteth
nation: but sin is a reprOach TO any
people" said in part
BY a coincidence Of DAYS on this
first Sunday in Lent this nation COM
memorates the 1S8th anniversary Of
the birth Of the Father of his coun-
try, and we may learn many lessons
from his life and character appli-
cable to the times, and the season.
Today many addresses will be made
in eulogy of him. but one which has
just been brought 70 our notice
seems particularly appropriate. Sew
enty eight years ago Abraham Lin
coin, at the close of an address on
another subject, added this:
This is the one hundred and
tenth anniversary Of the birthday Of
Washington. We are met TO cele-
brate this day. Washington is the
mightiest name on earth-long
since the mightiest in the cause Of
civil liberty, still mightiest in moral
reformation. On that name eulogy
is expected. 1t cannot be To add
brightness to the sun or glory to the
name Of Washington is alike i'm
possible. In solemn awe pronounce
the name. and in its naked death
less spIendor leave it shining on
The sterling qualities OF Wash
ington's character. and his devotion
TO our nations welfare are uni
versally known, and gratefully ack-
nowledge. AS leader OF men, gen
eraI, statesman and president all his
powers. abilities and possessions
were placed at the service of the
infant Republic founded on the
principles of liberty. equality, justice
and righteousness. To him and 10
his fellow patriots, America owes all
the honor and respect that can be
shown. and all the appreciation that
can be expressed.
AmericaniZation Movement.
AT present we are deeply inter-
ested in the Americanization of the
many thousands who have come to
our land from the different coun-
tries Of the old world. Something
more than even a knowledge Of the
statements OF the constitution and
the possession OF naturalization pa
pers must be had. We have learn
ed in the years of war that with
these some have been in reality
enemies of our nation; and some to-
day are seeking by violence TO over
throw our government that they may
estab lish the rule of bolshevism.
People must be made Americans at
heart; have a firm conviction of the
truth Of American principles. They
must be imbued with patriotism
such as was manifested by the
founders of our nation. 1t there
fore devolves upon the real citizen
Of these times to be staunch and
faithful lava biding men; to give
concrete examples now OF what
Americans are md ought to be.
But the duty does not end here,
steadying influence Of religion.
Christianity must exert its cOrrec-
tive power on the mistakes and evils
Of the day. The church, founded
by our Lord, is the organized repre-
sentative Of Christianity in the
world Every person baptized into
Christ is a member of that church.
Christianity is judged by the life
and character of Churchmen and
women. BY the possession, and ex-
hibition of a true faith; by regular
attendance at the services of wor-
ship; by the practice Of self denial;
by acts and exercises Of devotion by
development Of the spiritual life. and
leading a consistent life, shall an
influence for good be constantly
having it's effect on the life Of those
with whom we are brought in con-
tact"