The news of his death cast gloom into thousands of hearts, and evoked eulogies and letters of condolence never before bestowed upon a Negro. His death was to the members of his church in the nature of a personal bereavement. The various interests to which he had loaned the enlightening influence of his judgment and the beneficence of his presence mourned his loss, and expressed their grief in appropriate resolutions. His life and character formed a fitting theme for the leading pulpits; and the Baptist denomination, the Negro race, and the nation sincerely mourned the loss of a great preacher, an able leader, and a pure patriot.
At the request of many people of both races and political parties, his body was placed in state in the church for twenty-four hours, and thousands of people, rich and poor, black and white, sorrowfully gazed upon the face of the illustrious dead. The funeral services were held on the 20th of February, and his obsequies were the largest Washington had ever seen, except those of the late Abraham Lincoln. The church was crowded to suffocation, and the streets for many squares were filled with solemn mourners. Thus a great man had fallen. The officers of the Freedman's Bank passed the following resolutions, which were forwarded with the accompanying letter from the president:
"Office of the Freedman's Savings and Trust }
Company, Washington, D. C., Feb. 20th, 1873. }"At a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Freedman's Savings and Trust Company, held this date, the following resolutions were adopted:
"1st. Resolved, That in the death of the Rev. D. W. Anderson, Trustee and Vice-President of this Company, we sustain the loss of a most excellent Christian man, and an officer of highest integrity. In all his relations to us he was an endeared associate, and an honored, intelligent, co-worker: ever firm in purpose and faithful to those for whom he labored. Our long intercourse with him impressed us with the increasing value of his services to the church of which he was pastor, and to this institution.
"We also hereby express our sincere sympathy with his immediate friends, and especially his afflicted family.
"2d. Resolved, That, as an added expression of our esteem, this Board will attend and take part in his funeral services, as a body.
"3d. Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon our Records, and that a copy of the same be transmitted to his family."
"Principal Office, }
Freedman's Savings and Trust Company, }
Washington, D. C., Feb. 21, '73. }"To Mrs. D. W. Anderson.
"My Dear Sister: Allow me to transmit to you the enclosed copy of resolutions passed by the Board of Trustees of the F. S. and T. Comp., with the sincerest assurances of my personal sympathy.
"Very respectfully, yours, etc.,
"I. W. Alvord, President."
The Board of the Commissioners of the Washington Asylum passed the following resolutions of condolence:
"Whereas, it has pleased Divine Providence to remove from this life the Rev. D. W. Anderson, late President of this Board: therefore,
"Be it resolved, That in his death we have lost an honorable and faithful associate, a genial and kind-hearted friend, whom we delighted to honor and respect for his many virtues and sterling worth. In him the poor have lost a sympathizing friend; the criminal an even dispenser of Justice, and the Government one of its most efficient officers.
"Resolved, That we tender our most sincere sympathy to his bereaved family, and condole with them in this sad dispensation of Divine Providence.
"Resolved, That the resolutions be entered upon the Journal of proceedings of this Board, and a copy sent to the family of the lamented deceased.
"A. B. Bohrer,
Sec. B. C. W. Asylum."Mrs. D. W. Anderson,
Present."
The Young People's Christian Association, which he had founded, have spread the following resolutions of respect upon their minutes:
"Whereas, It has pleased the Supreme Ruler and Architect of the Universe to remove from our Association our beloved and estimable brother and Corresponding Secretary D. W. Anderson, whose Christian life was a beacon light, for all associated with him to follow, being humble, patient, forbearing, and forgiving, Therefore,
"Resolved, That in his death we have lost an humble and true Christian, possessing the same prominent characteristics which distinguished the Saviour of Mankind, doing good whenever he believed he was serving his Heavenly Master, administering to the poor, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, binding up the wounds of those offended, and laboring zealously for the salvation of souls, but while we feel the severe stroke of death that has stricken down one of our best members, we bow humbly to the will of Divine Providence, 'who doeth all things well,' believing that He has summoned our brother to dwell with Him in peace and happiness and to join the Army that is continually singing praises to Him who rules both the Heavens and the earth, so we cheerfully bow and acknowledge that our loss is his eternal gain.
"Resolved, That we tender to his bereaved family our sincere and Christian sympathy in this their hour of bereavement, and pray that He who has promised to be a Husband to the Widow, and a Father to the Fatherless, may keep and protect them.
"Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be engrossed and sent to the family of our deceased brother, and that the same be entered upon the records of the Association."
And the church testified their love and sorrow in the following beautiful resolves: