Rev. Charles G. Key, one of the oldest and best known ministers of the Washington Conference Methodist Episcopal Church, died Wednesday morning at his home, 574 Oxtor street, after a very brief illness. Though he had been in failing health for sometime, his death came as a shock to his many friends, both laymen and ministers. Last Sunday he preached at his charge, Eastern Chapel and on Monday he was stricken with paralysis.

 

The deceased was born in Frederick county 78 years ago. He joined the Washington Conference forty years ago. Having had but little scholastic advantages Rev. Keys became a diligent student, and at his death was one of the best read men in the conference. While pastor of Ebenezer church, Washington, he pursed [sic] a course at Howard University. Rev. Key also served as pastor of Metropolitan, St. Paul, Sharp Street, and Ames churches this city, and was several times a presiding elder.

 

He was twice married. His second wife, who was Miss Annie Rivers, of Frederick, Md., survives him.

 

The funeral took place yesterday afternoon at the Metropolitan M.E. church, Orchard street near Druid Hill avenue. The services were conducted by Rev. J. Holmes, pastor of the church, assisted by a number of other ministers. The pall bearers were Revs. D.W. Hays, F.H. Dennis, James Evans, R.R. Riggs, E.W.S. Peck, and N.M. Carroll. Interment was in Mt. Auburn Cemetery. Alexander Hemsley had charge of the funeral arrangements.