The Memorial Church, Washington, D. C.
By J. S. WASHBURN
On Friday, November 13, the last payment was made on the debt of this church, with interest in full, so that this church, which was purchased Nov. 1, 1902, is now free from all indebtedness. We are deeply grateful to God for his wonderful providences, and to all the friends whom he has made willing to help to clear this first Washington enterprise from all debt. This is a good beginning. We believe that God will enable his people in this city to establish the institutions which should be located here free from the weight and the blight of debt. There are three rooms connected with the church which have been closed for about eight months, for the reason that they were not in a condition to use without incurring considerable expense. We decided to free the church before we incurred the expense of fitting up these rooms. They would have been most useful during the late General Conference Council. We shall now fit them up immediately. There is need of some other alterations. Eighty-three dollars has been sent in since the debt was paid, besides a special gift for the baptistery and interior fitting up of the church. The work will immediately be done, and the date of the rededication will be announced through the REVIEW. It is apparent to all that it will require a certain amount of outlay to fit up the church suitably for the work it is called to do. Those who have sent in money since the debt was paid will understand that after it is decided by the officers of the General Conference located in Washington that the church is in a suitable condition, if there should be a balance in the treasury, it will be devoted to the building of the sanitarium and school to be located here. Not one cent will be lost or misapplied. The accounts of all the money received directly by myself will be audited by the General Conference. With the belief and understanding that the money subscribed for this purpose by individuals, and that now in the hands of treasurers of tract societies or conferences, will be sufficient to cover all remaining expense, and that it will be promptly sent in, we may now consider this fund closed. I voice the sentiments of all our brethren here when I express once more our deep gratitude for the willing spirit of helpfulness that has been manifested by our people. May God reward all those who have sacrificed to establish this “memorial for God.” As rapidly as possible the list of donations sent directly to me, and not previously reported, will be published in the REVIEW. This will take some time, and we trust that all who have given will wait patiently. Below is given a partial list of contributions received since June 1, and not previously reported in the REVIEW:— Previously reported, $5,494.52; J. N. Loughborough, $5; C. C. Christensen, $2; a friend, $2.40; “L. M.,” $1; Mrs. Thomas Williams, $2; Dr. & Mrs. A. S. Deers, $1; James Taphouse & friends, $7; J. J. Butcher & wife, $2; Mrs. J. E. Kipp, $1; M. Christenson & family, $1; Miss C. Clouson, $5; Mary A. Riedy & friends, $3.75; Charles Christenson for H. M. Grove church, $4.30; Eugene Nelson, $3; J. T. Woodward, $1; Mr. Claude Jones, $1; Mr. & Mrs. A. D. Pember, $1; Mrs. Hildreth & daughters, per20C. Hildreth, $6; a friend, $.50; William Goff & friends, $5; H. C. Carmichel, $1; N. L. Bolinger, $1; A. D. Wescott, $2; “a brother,” $.50; Miss E. L. Fuller, $.50; Sparta (Wis.) church, per A. D. West, $2; Miss Mary Conger, $1; Ina B. Bradbury, $1; Mrs. E. J. Eaton, $5; G. H. Matthews, $10; Mrs. S. D. Wagor, $2.50; D. W. C. McNett, $1.50; Daisy Mallernee, $1; E. J. Westphal, $6; Mrs. Hattie Countryman, $5; S. D. Cole, $1; S. D. Smith, $1; C. M. Christensen, $1.75; H. T. Darter, $1.75; Mrs. Belle Hughes, $2; A. E. Erickson, $2; Rosanah Switzer, $2; J. W. Tabor, $1; Mrs. T. T. Wheeler, $1; N. Roseboom, $5; W. E. Caldwell & friends, $8; Jacob Stull & friends, $6.65; Reuben Wright, $5; A. E. Devereaux, $10; H. T. Holm, $100. Total reported, $5,737.62. 1728 14th St., N. W., Washington, D. C.