Evening star., 1927-10-02
BISHOP FREEMAN
SEES CHURCH GAIN
Denies Spiritual Decline.
Enthusiastic Over Future of
Washington Cathedral.

In spite of recent statements pur
porting To show a decline in the
, Christian Church. there has been "a
steady and healthy growth" both in
, membership and in attendance. Right
Rev. James +. Freeman, Bishop Of
Washington. declares after four years
at his post here Last Thursday st.
Michael's and All Angels day. Bishop
Freeman celebrated the fourth ami.
NerSary of his conservation. Snecal
services were held in Epiphany
Church. where he was conSecrate9
September %. 1928, and at Washing
ton Cathedral.
81 believe that religion has lost
rome of its popular appeal. and never
Will, because. as a French writer once
said, Man is incurably religious.
The bishop said. He admitted. how
ever, that the church needs 10
lencthen its cords and strengthen its
stakes Concerning its needs, h.
said: The conviction grows upon me
that if Christian forces consecrated
more largely upon vital matters con-
cerning the upbuilding of the moral
and spiritual character of the people
and gave less heed to the things eX-
traneous TO Christianity itself, We
would enter upon new era marked
by a great spiritual awak~ninS.'
Faith in City's Future.
Faith in the future of Washington
as the spiritual center of the Nation
and in the Washington Cathedral as
its symbol was expressed by Bishop
Freeman. At the same time he
pointed II the radio as the most I'M
portant new instrument for spread
ing Christianity. 1t has been esti-
mated that more than 1o.000.0o0 peo-
pie have listened to his sermons from
the cathedral over the radio.
Il believe it will yet be possible
TO stand in the cathedral pulpit in
Washington and by radio preach
around the world. In fact, l believe
the radio will be a potent factor in
making the twentieth century the
age Of the brotherhood of man. More
and more / have come to feel that
this growing spirit of brotherhood
may result from the intimacy and
fellowship created through the me-
dunn of the air." he said.
"I have always felt" continued the
bishop. that Washington. as the
Capital of the Nation. must be the
pacemaker in every concern Of the
rational life. Architecturally, it is
iucomparable. and with the new plans
for the Greater Washington contem-
plated in the erection of majestic
buildings for Government purposes,
1t must come to be the peer of the
greater cities Of the Old World. Yet
we must keep in mind Henry James
observation made so years ago. After
inspecting Washington's architectural
development of that period he de-
plored the fact that there was moth
ing here which even remotely sug-
od witt fn "a
Nations spiritual ideals.
That such a witness was conceived
and planne for by George Washing
ton and LEnfant is well known |
When Charles G.. Glover and other |
laymen, later associated with the late |
Bishop Satterlee, conceived the idea |
of erecting great cathedral on
Mount st. Alban. they planned |
more wisely than they knew. For in |
Washington Cathedral is fitting wit |
ness that the United States is a Chris
tian nation and that we have unfail- |
Ing faith in God"
He Grows Enthusiastic.
Risho'' Freeman grew enthusiastic |
as he discussed the future of Wash |
tngton Cathedral and its present state |
Of development. He pointed out that |
there is urgent need and very special
reasons why the people or NaShlng- |
ton should give increased support to |
the cathedral building program. In
October of 1928. the general conven- |
lion If the Episcopal Church will meet |
In Washington for the first time in 80 |
years.
This convention" said the bishop |
"will probably bring to the Capital |
nearly $4,000 persons. including |
ishops of the church from all parts
Of the world. 1t is therefore of the |
utmost importance that the choir and !
crossings of Washington Cathedral be |
fully completed by that time so that |
the great assembly may gather there /
for services. Beyond the moneys now
pledged or in hand $500, 900 is needed |
for this purpose. The civic pride of i
Washington should bring quick re-
spOnse to this need and make certain |
that, as the host city. we may hold
The great opening service under the
Gothic arches of the cathedral.
THE apse, with the eXceI lion Of the
windows and stone carving, has been
completed and financial provision has
been made for the building Of the
rhoir walls. up through the celrestory
hnd for the piers of the crossing.
THE contractors estimate that. il
there is no interruption due TO lack