Evening star., 1951-12-21
1000 See Dedication
OF New York Avenue
Presbyterian Church
By Cospor Nonnes

A 14S-year-old congregation
opened another chapter in its his
toric existence with the dedica-
tion last night Of the new $1.2
million New York Avenue Presby-
terian Church.
Nearly 1000 persons braved the
icy streets and driving rain to
witness simple but impressive
dedication ceremony in the new
structure. New York avenue and
H street NV.
After two years, we come back
to this lovely sanctuary, and this
glorious occasion is a happy one
for us ALL" DR.. George M. Doch-
erty, minister of the church, told
the gathering. The congregation
has been worshipping in Lisner
Auditorium since it's old church
was torn down in February, 1850.
Lincoln Paper Presented.
'Never close the doors of this
church." DR.. Harrison Ray Ander-
son of Chicago, moderator Of the
General Assembly, Presbyterian
Church in the U. S. A.. said in
his dedication sermon. "It is a
place Of refuge and peace for all
at all times" !
A significant historic note was
added to the opening, when Lin
coins first handwritten draft of
the Emancipation Proclamation
was presented to the congregation
by Barney Balaban. president of
Paramount Pictures Corp, at a
brief ceremony Immediately fol-
lowing the formal dedication
service.
This church is q uniquely ap-
propriate home for the document
which led to the Emancipation
Proclamation" Mr.. Ralaban said.
in presenting the manuscript to
A. Chambers Oliphant, president
of the church's board of trustees.
"The Great Emancipator wor-
SHIPPED in the New York Avenue
Presbyterian Church. It's pastor
played an influential role in the
evolution of the final Proclama-
ton. 1t was here that Lincoln
found comfort and strength at a
time when his soul was troubled
by momentous decisions.
''It is particularly fitting that a
religious institution be the perma-
nent repository for this manu-
script. For the Emancipation
Proclamation was born out of deep
religious conviction. It's origins are
rooted in a basic Judiac- ChristianI
concept-the integrity of the in
dividual human personality. This
concept and slavery are utterly
Incompatible"
"Outstanding Lincoln Memento."
Mr.. Oliphant, in accepting the
manuscript on behalf of the con-
gregation, declared: 'We agree tol
keep it accessible for view by the
general public at reasonable times
and to make it the basis for ex-
tension Of the principle of liberty
and the freedom crusade among
free people >. 1t will always be
treasured as our outstanding Lin
coin memento, another of which
is the Lincoln pew from which
you have witnessed the rededica-
tion of this church to the service
Of Almighty God"
This document lays down the
principle that ''the supreme value
of the world is human personality"
DR.. Docherty said in announcing
the presentation ceremony. "It
carries with it the implication of
the final emancipation of the in
dividual from any tyranny or any
form of slavery in the world to-
day. AS such, speaking from the
point of view of the preacher, it
Is the text from which the prin-
ciples of freedom must be
preached"
The minister called the gift by
Mr.. Balaban a completely self
less and sincere act. and I know
that the impulse stems from the
personal desire to show, in some
way. your devotion to this Nation
and all that it stands for"
He also thanked Rabbi Norman
GerStenfeld, spiritual leader of the
Washington Hebrew Congregation,
for suggesting to Mr.. Balaban that
the manuscript be given to the
New York Avenue Church. Rabbi
GerStenfeld unveiled the docu-I
ment, which stood on an easel be-
side the chancel.
Trust Fund Established.
Mr.. Balaban also announced
the establishment of a trust fund