Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1875-07-04
GAINESVILLE.
Laying the Cornerstone of the
New Episcopal Church.
Impressive Ceremonies on the Oeea-
siOn-4ddress by Rev. William
Graham, Of Nashville.

To the Union and American:
GAINESVILLE, July ], 1S15.-Y esterday
the cornerstone Of the new Episcopal
Church was laid on the site Of the old one
on Franklin street.
Amid a large cOncouIse of citizens in
the open air and after the shades Of the
evening had heightened and the cool
breezes began to blow, the procession, pre-
ceded by the reverend clergy, followed by
the senior and junior warden and veslry-
men Of the church, came out of the parson-
age, (old Trinity Church having been pulled
down to make way for the new church) re-
citing with earnest and solemn information
the simple but grand and impressive office
Of the church appropriate TO the occasion.
Proceeding to the southeast corner, the
clergy took position near the cornerstone,
which had been prepared and adjusted in
its position with a hollow made in it to re-
ceige such articles as might be desired to be
placed therein, and by means Of which fu-
ture ages might know the history of the
edifice, the condition Of our people at this
date, as evidenced by the source of our re-
ligiOn, the Holy Bible, public journals and
periodicals, and one Of each of the coins of
the United States, bearing the mint stamp
of this year, etc; in word, Such articles as,
if found by some antiquary Of century to
come, would give proper facts upon which
to base an estimate Of our religion and civ
ilization. Upon a platform erected near
by were the choir Of the church and an
organ.
The organ, played in most admirable
style by that accomplished musician and
teacher, Prof. Raymond, accompanying the
well-trained voices of the choir, filled the
air with solemn and sweet music. As the
last notes Of the sacred song died away.
the Rev. VIM. Graham, of Christ Church,
Nashville, with the mallet of the worker
in stone in his hand, adjusted the first
rock to be placed in the wall, repeating, in
doing so, that portion of the ritual appro-
pirate TO the act. Striking the rock three
times, be said:
'In the name of the Father, and Of the
Son, and Of the Holy Ghost. Amen. l
lay the cornerstone Of an Sediice 10 be
here erected by the name Of Trinity
Church, and to be devoted to the service Of
Almighty God, agreeable TO the principles
Of the Protestant Episcopal Church in
the United States of America, IN its doc
trines, ministry, liturgy, rights and usages.
Other foundations can no man lay than
that which is laid, even Jesus Christ; who
is God over all, blessed for evermOre, and
in whom we have redemption through His
blood, and the forgiveness Of sins. Amen"
After concluding this ceremonial, the
large audience was called to order by the
Hon O.. y. Henry, the Senior Warden,
vino introduced TO them the orator Of the
day, the Rev. VIM. Graham.
From his first sentence he attracted and
fixed the attention Of his audience 9nd
though many had no seats, We do not be-
lieve one single person present left the
place OF failed to listen to every word he
uttered. He has just enough Of the Scott
ISL accent TO interest. win and attract
every ear, aud when so won, the mind was
charmed, edited and elevated with the
elOqUence, bearing and classical style Of
the speaker.
But l will not undertake 10 give you
even an outline Of this most appropriate
and admirable address, as l hear a
copy has been requested and given to
the NestTy for publica- ton in your
valuable journal. This much l will
say, however, that without distinction Of
sects, the address was regarded as the most
eloquent and appropriate ever heard in this
city, celebrated as il was for its cultiYa,i IN,
its taste ann eloquent public speakers.
From the fat that our parish is now
without a rector, many thought il an ap-
pTCpriate occasion to call one 10 I'll the 20
si.i0n, and some, in their enthusiasm, pro-
posed 10 elect Rev. Vim. Graham 10 the
position by unanimous vote taken on the
spot, and require the efficient and active
ysstry to ratlfy the same in mere formal
an CanOuiCal manner. The writer heard
many ask the orator personally if be would
no, come, and it required all the dignity
and self-pOssessiOn for which he is so emf
ueHtiy distinguished to get a release from
their pressing opportunities.
Suffice it to say, that the occasion was
eminently interesting, and in its way as
complete a success as the church Will be
in grandeur, beauty and symmetry Of aIchi-
teCtu-al proportions when completed.