Evening star., 1925-08-29

| Army, with Gen. Sherman on the
| famous march to the sea, and he
was a stanch defender of the prin-
! ciple of the abolition of human slav-
cry. He and handful of support
ers stood together in fighting sav-
cry in a strongly proslavery com
munity. and kept the church in it's
sentiment and activities loyal to the
! Union. The church was small in
number and poor in purse. but 1t be-
came the rallying point for the aboli
tionists among churchmen, and even
| at one time attracted the attention of
Henry Ward Beecher with call to
the pulpit, but Beecher had made
| other commitments and declined with
thanks.
Some time ago Howard W. Cutler
loyal member of the congregation
and leading local architect, acceded
to request from the ''Old Guards
men that he prepare a dra wing of
self-supportinS structure to be
located at the present lot, which be
fore the Civil War had'been part of
tobacco plantation. He accordingly
prepared a sketch of a building of
| numerous stories after the most ap-
proved designs for certain modern
churches. On the ground floor were
to be the auditorium, Sunday school
room and church offices, and above
| upto-date quarters for roomers, al a
| nominal rental, in choice suites and
| single rooms. Gymnasium. reading
rooms, library. movies and various
I things of the present age were
strongly suggested by the enthusiastic
! projectors.
Plan Artistic Success.
Mr.. Cutters plan was an artistic
success. 1t showed beautiful front and
a 10 ~sx,l1
resemble church, nor yet a dormi-
tory. but seemed to meet the dema nds
of an ideal combination. The faction
which wants To tear down the old
brick structure and build at the Sa me
spot were elated. but an opposing
| faction. committed to the idea of an
editice in a more exclusive neighbor-
hood. wherein might dwell undisturbed
those consoling thoughts of right liv.
ing and high thinking" pc in quiet
protest. II was believed at nrSt that
the old settlers would have theiI
way, but the "dissenters'' brought in
leaders from the church at large from
the outside, who cordially approved
| the substitute plan for a location and
an edifice they asserted would be in
keeping with the standing of the
church in the United States and the
position of the leader and mistress OF
| the GeDubllC-
! In this double form the matter was
presented to the occupants of the
! White House. Since Mrs. Coolidge
was the original member of the Con
gregationalist faith and the Preside mt
! joined at Washington through her in
! huence, the first lady's" voice is con
sidered important, and Mr.. Coolidge is
said to be disinclined to interfere. The
first lady" however. is represented
As being desirous of letting the church
men settle the matter, but, of course,
the gallant spokesmen are predicating
their decision TO a considerable extent
upon her desires, and, withal some
| high diplomatic interchanges are TAX
ing place, which would do credit to
the talented representatives of the for.
eign service.
Mr.. Cutler, by the way, made his
| first sketch, as said. by request rather
| than as a representation of his own
! ideas, and stated that If this were for
any reason deemed unsatisfactory. he
would be glad to submit another en-
bodying more of the principles of re
| ligion only" The additional sketch