Evening star., 1942-05-17

so that IN many OF the parishes addi-
tional masses on Sunday morning have
had to be provided This growth has
been noticed, however, not only at the
Sunday masses. but also at the services
held during the week.
This increased attendance can be
attributed chiefly to two causes:
First, the great influx into WASH
ington from all parts of the Nation of
people drawn here by the Governments
need Of more workers In our war effort
Second. the realization by thinking
people that in these dangerous and
critical times we must seek Gods guid-
ance for ourselves and our country"
Colored CONTRIBUTIONS Growing.
Two leading spokesmen for the COL
ored population, DR.. Mordecai johnson,
president of Howard Uni, ersity, and the
Rev. E. c. Smith. whose Metropolitan
Baptist Church has a 1000 membership.
saw definite evidence of Washington at
prayer.
Said DR.. johnson: "Our colored peo-
pie are taking refuge in religion, but
they feel 1t should not be their only
recourse In time Of stress and strain.
They are depressed because they hear
so much about democracy and freedom
and they know they are not sharing the
fruits of democracy at war. The
church attendance is most healthy. Tho
general atmosphere of wartime WASH
ington, as far as the colored people are
concerned, is one of serious concern
The Rev. DR.. Smith said his church
attendance has increased about Is per
cent.
I'm war as in peace" he said. "the
Saviour has q message that sustains
the weary and exalts the spirit Our
members find religion . bulwark against
the strenuous times in which they live"
He added that his church gives every
serviceman attending services q free din
ner ticket. Call 1t practical Christian
ity, II you like" he said. 1T represents
doing some small thing for the colored
soldier and sailor. aside from spiritual
inspiration"
Recreation for Servicemen
So much for the purely spiritual side
Of the story. Servicemen who like .
lighter diet, after having religious serv-
ices in camp, fnd any number Of en-
tertainment programs arranged for
their benefit.
Organizations such as the United
Service Organization. the Soldiers, Sail
ors and Marines Club and servicemens S
clubs look after the recreational needs
OF visiting uniformed men. The Dis
trict servicemens Housing Committee Is
. co-ordinating agency for groups and
organized bodies which have cots and
space for weekend visitors.
Churches are beginning 10 do their
bit toward providing servicemen rscrea-
ton and entertainment. At least three
District churches have put into eject
Bishop Freeman's observation that AL
churches should extend their facilities to
men In Tho armed services not tast on
Sundays but every day IN the week.
These three churches are Mt. Vernon
Piace Methodist, 900 Massachusetts, ave-
nus NV: First Baptist. Sixteenth and G
NV, and All Souls Unitarian, Sixteenth
and Harvard NV. Their parlors and
recreational facilities are open 10 serv-
icemen every evening An Souls Church
also provides showers for servicemen
from 8 am. to 10 pm, and also fur
nishes 30 cots for lodging On Saturday
night and Sunday morning breakfast
Arrangements are made tn advance BY
calling Columbia 1894
The Warrington FEDERATION Of
Churches weekly bulletin reveals the ex-
tent to which the church program Il
being accelerated Events listed m.
cluded dancing, bowling and hiking
parties, free dinners, sightseeing tour
with motorcycle escorts, group singing
movies, refreshments. bridge parties
organ recitals. drama, music and book
reviewing and other activities. Herr
are q few excerpts from . recent
bulletin:
Want q Home Away From Homel
That's what you'll find In the newly
furnished, bright and CHEEKY youth room
at the Church Of tho Ascension, 1901
M6S66CLuScttS AVCAluC NV OPSAA ASSscS
every Friday night at 8 O'Clock.
Every Saturday . tour OF the city
In private cars with motorcycle escort
and guide service is provided by Wash
ington churches. There Is no charge
Meet In the rotunda at the National
Gallery Of Art, Constitution avenue at
Sixth street. at pm. Late comers car
join the party as late as pm. Tour
closes with supper and party for young
people. See things you'd miss on foot
Come and bring your buddies.
"The League for Men In the Service
Of the Covenant-First Presbyterian
Church, Fellowship House, 1858 Massa-
chusetts avenue NV. Dinner at e:15
dancing, 7:45 and 1890 pm.
"Foundry Methodist Church, Sixteenth
and p streets NV. Dinner at 6:l5
dancing, SIS to II pm. Servicemer
Of all the United Nations are cordially
invited.
Dancing, fun. games and refresh.