Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-11-22
Church ACTIVITY
OUTLINED ON AIR
Federation Secretary Re-
views Religious Life Under
Auspices of c, of c.

| The accomplishments of the Wash
ington Federation of Churches after IL
years as an active force in the social,
| educational and religious life of the
| Capital were reviewed last night by
Rev. w. L. Darby, executive secretary
Of the federation, in an address over
Radio Station WMA11, under auspices
of the Washington Chamber of Com
| merce.
Throughout its history. Washington
has been known as a city of churches
and church-going people," Rev. Mr..
Darby said. The speaker pointed out
that at least half of the population is
enrolled in the 3e9 churches of the
community, representing AZ recognized
religious bodies.
Rev. Mr.. Darby traced the present
spirit of religious Cooperation" q
manifestation of which was the local
federation of churches, through four
periods of development during the past
four centurtes-,rst, a period OF bitter
antagoniSm, then a period of federation,
followed by a period Of competition,
eliminated today by q period of CO.
operation.
Happily" Rev. Mr.. Darby said, I'VE
are not in the early stages of the fourth
period" He declared that in business
and commerce the old days of isolation
are gone forever, and that the churches
in most of the major American cities
| "are Just beginning to follow this
worthy example. No one can imagine
city the size Of ours" he said, with
out its Chamber of Commerce or some
similar organization"
Likewise, it followed, Rev. Mr.. Darby
continued, that the churches of a large
and enlightened city should seek uni
| fed action. He traced the growth OF
the federation from an original mem
bership of SIS churches IL years ago to
its present strength Of lis churches.
along with the enlargement OF the fed
eration's activities.
The speaker called attention to the
good work accomplished in the life
of the city by the federation'S various
committees. These include Music
Committee, which sponsored the recent
appearance of the Westminster Choir;
committees on civic affairs, religious
drama and pageantry, employment,
evangelism, finance, the practice OF in
ternational good will, race relations,
religious education, vacation schools,
young peoples activities, social service
and the welfare of the Womans Coun-
Gil of the Federation IN Juvenile Court
and the hospitals.
"Uncounted thousands Of people are
| familiar with our Christmas project
the distribution of stockings and greet
ing cards in the hospitals on Christ
mas morning, enlivened by the singing
of carols. Last year 1000 such stock
ings were distributed, with $50 young
people assisting. The success of this
undertaking was made possible by the
work and contribution of hundreds of
people. The project is under way again
this year and 1t is expected that it may
be possible to match that record OF
1890. This year at Easter time 1000
potted hyacinths were distributed to
hospital patients under a similar plan.
People are glad to help make these eff
forts successful in the name of the
united churches of Washington.
1.-THE accomplishments of these IL
years show what can be done by unified
planning and concerted endeavor. The
federation is earnestly trying to help
the churches of Washington fill that
large place, to which they are entitled,
in the manifold life of our Nations
Capital"