The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1859-03-12
LOCAL AFFAIRS.
Frnsr Bapr1sr CHuaoH-Tba .,,,,

fiEsf BAPTIST CHuHoH.-The enlarge
ment and repairs TO the First Baptiat Church Co.
nef OF 18TH aud Broad streets, have been pre-
gressing for several months, have at length bean
completed, aud tho principal audience room nil
0e opened for divine service tomorrow morning
Inc addition to the rear of some twenty feat
makes the exterior dimensions 125 by GA feet. and
adds materially to the architectural Appearance ~
the edifce, while 1t affords room for almucb
audience We understand that there are now
sitfipgs fer 1900 persons, and that q much larger
number can be accommodated by extra seats in
the aisle.
Besides tho addition already noticed. the hni,a.
ing has undergone a thorough renovation from
basement to cup0la. The interior waIis hava
been painted white, the psws neatly cushioned
and upholstered, the gallory pews cushioned and
made comfortable, new gas fixtures of baudsome
patterns have been introduced, the aisles and
space IN front OF the pulpit covered with tho best
carpeting, ana other improvements perfected ali
OF which make the building look as fresh and in.
viting as if it were but just erected.
Atthe north end of the building where tba al.
dition has been made, rooms have been constr net.
ed on either side OF the pulpit, as retiring rooms
LOT the Candidates for baptism. These arc on the
same level With the pulpit floor, and open into the
baptistry Ia rear of the pulpit partition, 40 that
the candidate enters aud leaves the baptistry with.
out being seen by the congregation while so doing
In rear ct the pulpit is handsome Ornamental
door, by which Candidates arc admitted into view
OF the congregation. Indeed. the arrangements
lor entering and retiring from the baptistry and
tas dressing rooms on either side of the puIpt.
are complete in every respect
Adore the rooms just alluded TO, are two Others.
whicn nave been appropriated to the Secretaries
OF tue Board OF Foreign Missions, while the hall
pet~eeo tnem has been handsomely fitted up as a
museum for Chinese and African curiosities.
Anotner decided improvement, is a large open.
ing on the front gallery for ventilation Hereto,
iore' IN tue summer months, when the church was
crowded aud the gas lights burning, the heat In
tue gsiieries was almost insupportable, but this
annoyance Will now be remedied by the draft of
ar from north to south, produced by the front yen
tiator, and the doors and windows in rear of the
pulpit - 'A'
We noticed, in onr visit. that the basement story
had been reconstructed, so as to furnish better
accommodations for the large Sabbath school con.
nected with this church. The main room has
peen 30 arranged that II can be divided into three
rooms, by sliding doors, used as one grand hall
30 oy ooieet, and furnishing accommodations fer
!oo children and eoficers aud teachers Directly
IN the rear OF this, are two small rooms TO be
used Tor infant classes, and fitted up to accommo-
uate ioo children. Indeed the entire edifice is go
complete in all it's parts ana so admirably adapts
gu 70 the wants OF the liberal congregation who
worship IN it, that We are sure every member
VIII iee that the Sl0 900 expended in remodeliiug
spent "0''
We understand that Rev DR.. Burrows. Pastor of
this church, will deliver discourse tomorrow
morning. appropriate to the occasion of re opening
and have no doubt that every seat in the church
VIII be occupied by persons anxious to hear this
deseryediy popular Divine.