Washington Correspondence


Christian Recorder: February 21, 1863

Turner writes about church events. 


Mr. Editor:--Although I have sent you a very lengthy article, yet, if not too great an intrusion upon your columns, I hope you will insert the following:

The Trustees of Zion Wesley Church (Rev. J. D. Brooks pastor) having made some improvements on the basement of said church very recently, which involved them in a debt of over $100, invoking the aid of two associations, viz., the Young men’s Island Benevolent Association (President James Thomas) and the Benevolent Sons of Levi (President William Beckett) who turned out this afternoon at three o’clock in full regalia at said church in a kind of an ovational capacity. After religious services by Rev. Mr. Dison, Mr. John Mitchell addressed the audience, and was succeeded by Mr. James Black; but in short the speakers were John Mitchell, James Black, George N. Newman, James N. Bowen, James Barns, Robert Dick. Most of the speakers were deep thoughted. Mr. Newman expressed himself in a style very imposing. Mr. Dick’s speech was well-timed and of a very religious character. I thought he wanted to preach. Mr. Bowen made (though indirectly) a regular war speech, and commanded the attention of the audience most masterly. He spoke my feelings to a fraction and was much applauded, &c.

After the speaking was over, Doctor Beckett asked the congregation for a collection, who gave in a few minutes $19. 26. The sons of Levi then came forward and laid down $6. 05. There was hardly one fourth of this association out, for they number fifty-six. The Young Men’s Association then followed, and they gave $19.35; they number seventy members and a very small portion of them were present, because both societies only had fifty six in regalia, yet there might have been others present. However, they realized from all parties the handsome sum of $35.66. Notwithstanding, the collection being very good and very thankfully received by the board of Trustees, yet I thought for the size of the audience, that $50 would not have been an exorbitant donation.

The demonstration upon the whole was a very grand affair, and spoke well for them in a social point; and as for the associations I cannot speak in terms too commendatory, from the fact, that they do not only look to the physical benefit of the members and the public in general, but equally as much to their moral, religious, and literary necessities.

H. M. T.

Washington, Feb. 15th, 1863









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