The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1869-12-14
THE CHURCHES OF RICHMOND
st. Paul,s Episcopal Church.


st. Paul,s Episcopal Church.
The first meetings in this vicinity, by
members of this Church, were held
during the spring of the year 1887, by
the Rev. Mr.. Waldo. The congrega-
ton assembled in the old Warner Build
ing, now used for the City Offices. Mr..
Waldo remained here about three
months, and was succeeded by the Rev.
George Fiske, who came in the fall Of
the year 1887. In February, 1888, an
organization was effected, and regular
services have been held since that time.
The first organization consisted of two
male and five female communicates.
In 1889, the congregation, few in
number yet earnest in spirit. began to
agitate the question of building church
and in 1s41, after much difficulty .
suitable lot was procured at the corner
Of Fifth and Broadway, which was then
in the edge, but now near the center Of
town. From the beginning of the Or
ganization for the first few years of its
existance they seem to have experienced
much opposition, amounting at times al
most to persecution. but aided by liberal
contributions from thsir eastern breth-
rem, the lower part of the church was
soon up and enclosed, and in this,
which is now the basement Of the
church, the congregation met from 1912
to 1876, at which latter date the struc-
ture was completed substantially in
it's present form, though numerous mi
nor alterations have since been made.
Returning for q moment to the old base
ment meetings, we have frequently
heard an old member tell how he used
| to sit on one bench with his feet on an
other because the floor was covered
with water.
The lot (the property of the church)
fronts $50 feet on Broadway and 136
feet on Fifth street. and contains beside
the church, o small though neat and
comfortable rectory. The church itself
is some 80 feet by SO feet in size, sur
mounted by a picturesque belfry. spire
and cross. The entrance is through .
| vestibule ut tho end of the building
fronting toward Broadway. From this,
vestibule doors opening to the right
and left admit the visitor to the
side aisles of the church. The audito-
rum contains no attempt at strik-
ing architectural display or ornamen-
tation, but is at once neat, comfortable,
and possessed of the best acoustic
properties of any Of our public edif-
ces. The soft light from the stained
glass windows, the cosy little choir gall
lery with its excellent organ, the pulpit
and the communion table covered with
rich crimson velvet, and the Memorial
Baptismal Font, are the principal at
trsctions Of the interior. The latter of
pure white marble, was dedicated to the
memory Of the late Miss Eveline Cox,
. teacher much beloved in the commu-
nifty. Under the auditorium is the
basement already mentioned, containing
the Sunday School room, vestry room
and other small apartments.
Several improvements are now being
planned for the church, which will rem
der it still more attractive. Without be-
ing disposed to criticise, We would sug-
gest an entire new coat Of paint as the
most needed and valuable improvem emit
that could be made.
The Rev. George Fiske, who was pas.
tor of this church from 1907 till two
years before his death in 1855, was q
man respected and admired by all our
citizens. He was for some time q mem
Der Of Council, and donated to be used
as a Public School House what wos
known as the Franklin Street School
House (since transformed into dwell
ling house). A warm hearted christian,
he labored assiduously for the good
cause, and there have been few men in
our acquaintance whose death caused
more regret than that Of Mr.. Fiske.
| Mr.. Wakefield. the present pastor, was
ordained in the year 1853, and has since
filled with great acceptance the pulpit
Of "St. Pauls". Though by no means
m orator. Mr.. w. is a gentleman Of
careful study. invariably having thor
ough understanding Of his topic, and
speaking in a plain, forcible manner,
impresses his hearers with the practical
truths Of the Gospel, as forcibly as
would aowery, ephemeral orator.
| The Sabbath School held in the base
ment OF the church was formed in 1888,
with four pupils, and at that time was
esteemed quite curiosity, and soon be-
| come axceedinlv n0nnlar II Ia af nsoa