USA > Washington DC > The chronicles of Georgetown, D.C., from 1751-1878 > Part 14
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METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH.
The Rev. Mr. Snether preached the opening sermon. The second dedication was during the Rev. Mr. Sher- mer's administration. In February, 1868, the Rev. Augustus Webster preached the dedicatory sermon. The Rev. Mr. Bowers preached a sermon for a collec- tion in aid of the church, which was quite successful. The parsonage was built by the strenuous efforts of the Rev. Levi R. Reese, the pastor, in 1841. The whole cost did not reach four thousand dollars. An error was committed in building. There was quite a hill ; and they cut a part of the hill down and made a basement under ground, and ever since the walls have been damp. The rooms have low ceiling. How- ever, the modern style of architecture had not at that time been introduced. The lecture or school-room was commenced by Thomas A. Newman, the then superintendent of the sabbath school, and finished by his successor, the late John T. Bangs. The school for- merly met in the gallery of the church, which, being too large for comfort, the superintendent and teachers determined to build, and they did so. The choir of this church is an attraction. There have never been but four leaders of the choir since the church was organ- ized in 1828. The Rev. William C. Lipscomb was the first. He taught music for the benefit of the church ; and the singing under so skillful a leader was quite an attraction. After he moved away from town, he was succeeded by others.
I will now give a list of the different ministers who have had charge of the church, and the respective pe- riods of their ministry here: Rev. William W. Wal-
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lace, 1829 to 1830; Rev. Dennis B. Dorsey, 1830 to 1831; Rev. Frederick Styer, 1831 to 1832; Rev. Thomas H. Stockton, 1832 to 1835; Rev. John W. Porter, 1835 to 1836; Rev. Josiah Varden, 1836 to 1837; Rev. Augustus Webster, 1837 to 1839; Rev. Bignal Appleby, 1839 to 1840; Rev. Levi R. Reese, 1840 to 1843; Rev. John G. Wilson, 1843 to 1845; Rev. Joseph Varden, 1845 to 1847; Rev. William Collier, 1847 to 1849; Rev. John Everest, 1849 to 1850; Rev. J. J. Murray, 1850 to 1851; Rev. S. R. Cox, 1851 to 1853; Rev. J. B. Southerland, 1853 to 1855; Rev. Dr. Murray, 1855 to 1857; Rev. David Wilson, 1857 to 1859; Rev. Washington Roby, 1859 to 1861; Rev. Daniel E. Reese, 1861 to 1863; Rev. Daniel Bowers, 1863 to 1865; Rev. D. A. Shermer, 1866 to 1867; Rev. Dr. Bates, 1868 to 1871; Rev. T. D. Valiant, 1871 to 1875 ; Rev. J. T. Murray, D. D., 1875 to the present time.
GERMAN LUTHERAN CHURCHI.
The German Lutheran Church, situated at the cor- ner of High and Fourth Streets, had its origin in this way: Col. Charles Beatty, one of the original founders of the town, had, in 1769, set apart the lot of ground in question, for the sole use and benefit of the Luth- eran Church, and caused the same to be so entered and designated on the plat of the town. Soon after- wards, the lot was taken possession of by the German Lutherans, inclosed, and a school-house erected there- on, and was used by the members of the church as a burying ground for upwards of fifty years. During
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all that time, neither their possession nor title had been questioned, and Colonel Charles Beatty died without making a conveyance of said lot to the trustees of the church, leaving Charles A. Beatty his heir at law. The Court decided "that they could not decree a con- veyance of the lot to the trustees, but as they had been in possession of the lot for fifty years, and have used it as a church lot and burying ground, and as the do- nor, Charles Beatty, and his son and heir at law have declared that the lot belongs to the Lutherans, the Court thinks that the defendants cannot now conscien- tiously turn the complainants out of possession, and will therefore decree a perpetual injunction."
Affirmed by the Supreme Court of United States. 2d Peters, page 566. See, also, 2d Cranch, Circuit Court Reports, page 699.
The subsequent history of the church is detailed in a letter addressed to the chronicler by the Rev. John J. Suman, its former pastor, which we here insert :
" The condition of the Lutheran Church for the past half century, has been rather deplorable. In the mem- ory of the oldest inhabitant (Mr. Hurdle), there has not been any regular preaching of the gospel by min- isters of that denomination, until very recently. The lot on which the present building is erected, was for a long time unenclosed, and the resting places of the sacred dead were trampled upon by the unhallowed feet of man and beast. These things, it was thought, ought not to be; and a determination was arrived at that they should not longer so exist -. For the people · had a mind to work.'
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" Some time in the year - -, a number of per- sons, mostly among the German population, raised the means to aid in putting up the present building, un- der the direction of Rev. S. Finckle, D. D., who had long been the pastor of the German Church, located on the corner of 20th and G Streets, in Washington City. The design appears to have been the combin- ing of a school (German) with the church, and hold- ing the same in the church building. In this they suc- ceeded. But, from various causes, the school was not a very great success-mismanagement, improper qual- ifications in some of the teachers, and want of proper support, operated to bring the school into disrepute, and prevent its being of any advantage to the church.
" On the 16th of November, 1868, I received a very pressing invitation to preach for the people who de- sired to worship according to the doctrines and usages of the Lutheran Church.
"On Sunday, January 3d, 1869, I received a for- mal written call to become pastor of the church, which I accepted in a note to the trustees.
" It is proper here to state, that at this time, there was no regularly organized congregation of the Luth- eran denomination in Georgetown. The people (mostly Germans) were held together by an association, seem- ing to have for its object the support of the school in the church building, as well as to pay off the debt on the latter.
"It was apparent to all, who at that time worship- ped in the building, that, under existing circumstances, there was very little prospect of building up a congre-
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gation. The school that was held in the building kept it in such a filthy condition that persons would not attend worship there on that account. Unless a change was made in some way the building might as well have been closed, so far as Lutheran interests were concerned. But the question was, how was this change to be effected ? For the pastor to inaugurate an effort to make a change would antagonize him with the Germans. This was not to be thought of. Just at this moment, to put it in its mildest form, the miscon- duct of the teacher of the school induced the trustees of the building to close the same against the teacher; and this formed the entering wedge to accomplishing the desire of the people worshiping there.
" On the 24th day of January, 1869, I was installed, by Rev. George Diehl, D. D., as the first regular pas- tor of the new church. It was a great day for us few Lutherans.
" On the 27th day of February, 1870, at a meeting of the trustees of the church, James Gosler, George Wetzrich, Henry Wirner, John C. Kiser, and Henry Kiser, and myself as secretary, it was resolved, That hereafter the church building be devoted exclusively to church purposes. Truth requires it to be stated that this caused disaffection among the body of Germans. Their hearts were fixed upon the school, and its discon- tinuance was a great disappointment to them, and caused some very bitter feeling.
"On Sunday, June 5th, 1870, the church, having been repaired, repainted, papered, and renovated, was re-dedicated to the worship of Almighty God. Drs.
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Butler, Finckle, and Bates participated in the exercises. The Masonic Choir leading the singing for us.
" At the time of my taking charge of the church there was a debt of about one thousand eight hundred dollars resting thereon, and we have been reducing that debt some. At the meeting of the synod of Mary- land, at Emmitsburg, they appropriated five hundred dollars towards the payment of this debt, to be raised during the synodical year, which was afterwards raised and paid.
" At this time, arrangements were also made by which Rev. George N. Nixdorff was to visit the George- town church, and if he were pleased, he was to become our pastor. Meanwhile, a congregation had been reg- ularly and constitutionally organized-small in num- ber-twelve persons. Rev. Nixdorff visited us, was pleased, and on the first Sunday in April, 1871, he preached his first sermon as pastor of the church.
BAPTIST CHURCH.
The Gay Street Baptist Church was organized June 19, 1866. The following persons composed its con- stituent members, viz : B. P. Nichols, J. C. Nichols, A. M. Appler, J. G. Hedgman, J. W. Haney, W. B. Brittain, James Nelson, Susannah Nichols, Susan Mat- tox, Helen M. Appler, and Susan Nelson.
The church was formally recognized July 9, 1866, by a council, of which G. W. Samson, D. D., A. D. Gillette, D. D., J. Berg, C. C. Maddox, and S. R. White were members.
The church worshiped for over two years in a chapel 28
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COLORED CHURCHES.
on Market Street, the use of which was courteously granted by the Bridge Street Presbyterian Church. The house of worship at the corner of Gay and Con- gress Streets was dedicated October 11, 1868. This property was secured to the church in a large measure through the liberality of Mr. James S. Welch, and a legacy from the late John McCutchen of five thou- sand dollars.
Rev. James Nelson was the first pastor, and served the church until March 1, 1872. He was succeeded by Dr. A. J. Huntington, who resigned July 1, 1874. Rev. G. W. Beale became pastor December 1, 1874, and continues to the present time. The number of members at present is seventy-three.
COLORED CHURCHES.
Mount Zion Methodist Episcopal Church is located on lot No. 78, in Holmead's addition to the town, and is thirty-five by fifty feet. The deed is recorded in liber A. II., No. 33, page 10, from William Morgan to Henry Foxall and others, dated June 3d, 1814, when the building was commenced.
Ebenezer Church is located on Beall Street, be- tween Montgomery and Monroe Streets ; was erected in 1856; number of members, one hundred and fifty ; Sabbath school, one hundred and sixty, with two super- intendents and seventeen teachers.
The Colored Baptist Church is located on the corner of Dunbarton and Monroe Streets.
CHAPTER VII.
GEORGETOWN COLLEGE-THE MONASTERY AND ACADEMY OF THE VISITATION - GEORGETOWN COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE-PEABODY LIBRARY AND LINTHICUM INSTITUTE-PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
The historical sketch of Georgetown College is from the pen of Reverend J. S. Sumner, S. J., editor of the College Journal. It is such a full and accurate description of the old institution, that to abridge it would be doing injustice to the author as well as to this venerable institution of learning, therefore the chronicler inserts it in full.
"So little is known by the present generation of students of the past history of the college, and so many demands are made from time to time by others for a brief sketch of it, that we think we cannot do better than transfer to our columns a suitable article which appeared in the Washington Daily Patriot in June, 1871, and which was prepared, we believe, by a graduate of '63. It is proper, perhaps, to correct an error the writer has fallen into in stating that the north building was erected in 1808. It had remained in a partially finished condition up to that time, but it was really built in 1791, and nearly completed in 1795. From sundry entries in the old account-books (almost the only existing material for reference in the matter of our carly history), we judge that students began to lodge in it in December, 1797. On the first of that
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month there were fifty-nine boarders in the college, and certainly they must have been greatly cramped for room in the attic of the old college, the only place where it seems possible they could have been accom- modated.
" Father John Early, who was president when this sketch was written, died May 23d, 1873, and was im- mediately succeeded by our present superior, Father P. F. Healy, who had been prefect of studies since 1868 (an office he continues to hold), and vice-presi- dent, besides, since 1869.
"Founded before the city of Washington existed, Georgetown College (since the year 1815, when it was raised to the rank of a university, with the power of conferring degrees in any of the faculties), has been one of the most cherished institutions of the District of Columbia, fruitful as is the latter in noted associa- tions and localities. The Alma Mater of hundreds of distinguished and meritorious citizens of the Repub- lic-not one of whom fails to hold in reverence the old walls in which he drew the inspirations of learn- ing and morality-the college in the present, as in the past, has gathered to itself young men not only from all parts of the country, but also from Mexico, South America, and the West Indies. Its best tribute is rendered in the high character of its graduates-men who have carried with them to their distant and nearer homes, after so many successive . commencements,' the training of high scholarship and the promptings of an honorable ambition. As year by year it has opened its gates in farewell to its departing pupils, it
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has done so with the consciousness that in preparing them for the arduous duties of practical life, it has no less thoroughly performed its duty than secured the love and veneration of those who are graduating from it.
"It is not necessary to speak of the great ability as instructors and the profound crudition of the gentle- men, members of the Society of Jesus-always the firm champions of education-who conduct, and are connected with the institution. The names of its suc- cessive presidents, from the Rev. Robert Plunkett, in the year 1791, to that of its present distinguished and respected head, Rev. John Early, furnish a list of men, eminent for learning and piety, who, as they have from time to time appeared to guide the destinies of the college, have endeared themselves to the community in which they have lived, and to those who have been placed under their charge.
" In recalling some of these former presidents, the mind contemplates many of the most deserving-as they are among the best known of the clergy of the Catholic Church in America-men well-beloved in their days of service in the cause of education, and whose memories-those of the living and of the dead -are faithfully cherished. We should like here to open up the past for a moment, and speak of these men whose names and histories are so intimately con- nected with much of the greatness and glory of the past years of Georgetown College. We should like to speak of Father Dubourg, who was president in 1796, afterwards Bishop of New Orleans, and later
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Archbishop of Besancon, in France ; of the univer- sally-loved Father William Mathews, for so many years pastor of St. Patrick's Church, in Washington ; of Fathers Benedict and Enoch Fenwick, the good broth- ers, the former afterwards Bishop of Boston ; of Fath- ers James Ryder, Thomas Mulledy, Charles Henry Stonestreet, John Early, and Bernard A. Maguire, men who, each in his way, have done so much to add to the efficiency and reputation of Georgetown Col- lege, and the last mentioned of whom still freshly bears the multiplied laurels of long years of presi- dency of the institution, as he enjoys the widespread reputation of a brilliant orator, an accomplished gen- tleman, and a churchman of renown.
" A few words regarding the history of Georgetown College will prove interesting. The site of the pres- ent institution, on the heights just beyond Georgetown, was selected by the Rev. John Carroll, first Arch- bishop of Baltimore, shortly after the American Revo- lution. In the year 1789, the first building was erected. It still stands : the old building that occupies the cen- tral position in the south row. Two years after the schools were opened with Rev. Robert Plunkett as first president of Georgetown College. The college now progressed auspiciously, so much so, that in due course of time-namely, in 1808-the long and spacious building on the north side of the grounds was erected. Under Rev. Leonard Neale, (subsequently the second Archbishop of Baltimore, who succeeded Father Du- bourg in 1799), the complete college course was ar- ranged, the college having, in 1806, passed under the
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control of the Society of Jesus, who thus introduced the excellent educational system peculiar to that order.
" Up to the construction of the north building, where now are the ' big boys"' dormitories, the library, the parlors, the apartments of the principal officers of the college, the reading room, the 'jug,' etc., it had been customary for the pupils to board with families in Georgetown, but the building of this finely-arranged structure afforded all the accommodation within ' bounds' necessary at the time. It is built after the model of a chateau in France, and, with its two towers, presents a very handsome and venerable appearance. On May 1, 1815, Congress chartered the ' Georgetown College,' which was then raised to the position of a university. On January 17, 1830, the Philodemic So- ciety was founded by the Rev. James Ryder, at that time vice-president of the college. More space being found necessary about this time to afford due accom- modation to the largely increasing number of pupils, who began to flock to the college even from beyond the limits of the Union, the college buildings were en- larged in 1831, (Rev. Thomas Mulledy, of Virginia, being president), by the erection of the large western wing of the south row, where now are chapel, dining- room, and study-room of the older students. At the same time the western half of the present infirmary was erected, and the grounds of the college, including that beautiful, umbrageous, and extensive promenade known as the 'college walks,' were greatly improved and beautified. These walks are a lasting and peren- nial adormment to the surroundings of the college.
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In 1843, the astronomical observatory of the college was built, under the presidency of Rev. James Ryder, and in 1845-Father Mulledy, being president for the second time-the well-known villa buildings were pur- chased as a spot for summer recreation for teachers and students. In 1848, the infirmary building was finished. The political agitations of this year in Europe induced many able members of the Society of Jesus to emigrate to this country. This brought an accession of very learned men to the college, such as Fathers Sestini, Secchi, De Vico, and others, who have written and published several books on educa- tional topics since their connection with the college. About this time (Father Ryder being president for the third time), the college gas works and baths were con- structed, and, in 1851, that admirably conducted feat- ure of the institution, the medical department of Georgetown College, now in successful operation in this city, was established. Rev. Charles H. Stonestreet suc- ceeded Father Ryder in the presidency in 1851, but having been appointed Provincial of the Society of Jesus, after one year's service he was succeeded by the popular Father Maguire, who, at the early age of thirty-four years, entered upon his first term of presi- dent. Under Father Maguire's presidency the college prospered greatly. The number of students increased, and important material additions were. made to the college grounds and surroundings. The large new building for the 'small boys' situated at the eastern . . end of the south row, was erected in 1854. A fine green house was built, and extensive gardens were
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laid out. Father Maguire continued to occupy the president's office until 1858, when he was succeeded by the Rev. John Early, who now so acceptably fills that position.
" The breaking out of the civil war in 1861, se- riously hampered the progress of the college. For several weeks, namely, up to July 4th, the peaceful grounds and buildings of the college were used as a barracks for soldiers ; the sixty-ninth and seventy-ninth regiments of New York volunteers having been quar- tered there. In 1862, after the battle of Bull Run, the college was again seized upon by the military au- thorities, and was converted into a hospital. In 1863 the college was relieved of this burden, and commenced anew its career of prosperity. In 1866 Father Early retired, and was succeeded by Father Maguire, who thus entered upon his second term, to be again suc- ceeded by Father Early, in whose able hands, as in that of his immediate predecessor, the renewed prosperity of old Georgetown College, recovered from the dam- aging effects of the war, became, as it continues to be, a source of sincere gratification to its legions of friends.
"So far our extract. The article ought to have added that the law department of Georgetown Col- lege was organized in 1870, under Father Maguire's administration. In his time, also, the members of the graduating class were assigned rooms. This arrange- ment, after five years satisfactory experience, may be considered as a permanent one.
" Under the present administration, many desirable changes and improvements have been added. The 2.9
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study of Chemistry, which was formerly confined to a single year, and that the graduating year, now cov- ers two years, beginning with Inorganic in Poetry, and concluding with Organic in Rhetoric. This arrange- ment leaves more time to the Philosophers for the studies appropriate to their year. A course of Eng- lish Literature under a special Professor, is also em- braced in the years of Poetry and Rhetoric. Provis- ion has been made, besides, for students of English in less advanced classes. Formerly, every student was obliged to conform to the regular curriculum, embrac- ing Greck and Latin, and none were admitted on other conditions.
"Now, those who wish to pursue English branches alone, and do not aspire to graduation, are provided for, and consequently fewer eligible applicants are turned away. Exercises in Declamation in presence of the assembled classes take place monthly, each speaker being criticised by those of his fellow-students who are called on by the president for their opinion, the president afterwards adding his own. By these means, greater excellence in Declamation is acquired, and is attainable by a larger number than under the old system of theatrical performances, discarded some years since. Class hours have been changed to suit the convenience of day scholars, and greatly to the physical advantage of the boarders, chiefly by giving them a longer recess between the breakfast-hour and the commencement of school duties. With the same view of health and comfort, the old penal confinement of ' The Jug,' alluded to in the above sketch, has been
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abolished, the dinner-hour has been set back, and many other conveniences have been introduced which it is unnecessary to describe in detail, but which are strongly in contrast with the quasi monastic discipline of former years. While physical development and the needs of recreation are further promoted by the two well-appointed gymnasiums, for the larger and the smaller boys respectively, put up by the college, and the two billiard-tables provided for the larger and one for the smaller students, as well as by the Boat Club organization got up by the students themselves. The course of studies is allowed to suffer no detriment, but is promoted as occasion demands. A special im- pulse has been given of late, in the direction of science, historical enquiry, polemical skill, and mathematical proficiency, by the donation on the part of friends of the college and of the president, of medals in reward for successful efforts in each of these directions. Fur- ther developments, towards which preliminary steps have been taken, are in contemplation, but must for the most part await complete realization until the ad- ministration is able to erect new buildings, the plans of which are now undergoing final consideration.
"The following is the succession of presidents of Georgetown College :
" Rev. Robert Plunket, October 1st, 1791, to June 13th, 1793; immediately succeeded by Rev. Robert Molyneux, to September 30th, 1796; after whom fol- lowed Rev. Win. G. Dubourg, to March 29th, 1799, who subsequently assisted in organizing St. Mary's College, Baltimore. Rev. Leonard Neale then occu-
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