The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1878-04-19


Besides, the new congregations Of the
Presby,erians and Baptists were each
building magnificent temples 70 His
glory. The organ In the Baptist Church
cost double the price Of the whole build
ing in which they worshiped; and the
Baptist brethren had not half the solid
wealth Of which they could boast. There
was Dove, the Baptist banker, who had
put down round ten Dove
was very shaky indeed, ETC., etc.
The matter was talked about in pri-
vate ut first among the members; the
ladies were all, without dissenting
voice, vehemently In favor Of building.
Then vague hints were dropped in
reference to il by Mr.. Supplee in SER
mons. A good deal was said by those
in favor Of II about carnal-minded de-
votion to worldly things (meaning pic
lures, Persian rugs, etc., at home), and
neglect OF the service and glory Of God
(meaning new church, organ, etc) Z.
Some visiting clergymen openly express
ed their surprise at the lack Of energy in
spiritual affairs in 50 young and vigor-
Gus church.
At last the st. Marks people found it
impossible to worship in their plain hall
without sharp computations, and when
they knelt on the hemp carpet felt one
moment that their Maker was insulted
by it, and the next wondered whether
the dissenters who were in the back seats
were laughing at it secretly.
OF course fire smoldering so holly
as this is soon kindled into flame. A
meeting of the vestry was called on
Monday. Subscription papers went
round on Tuesday. Without any diff
Guilty $50, 900 were raised. In the course
Of week dozen eligible lots were Of
fered to the committee for sale. But a
wealthy grocer (not a communicant) re-
lieved them Of all difficulty in decision
BY presenting them with corner lot in
one Of the most fashionable quarters of
the city. The gift was received with
enthusiasm. But it insensibly altered
the plans of the committee and the ideas
Of the congregation. The thirty-thous-
and dollar house would look shabby in
the neighborhood of the most magnifi-
cent private dwellings in the city; or,
though they did not put it into words,
they felt that the house which could be
built to the glory of God on Sixth Street
would not rebound to His glory at all
on Franklin Avenue. The architect, in
offering his plans, submitted first one
which would "suit the location" and
one in accordance with the
price named. A most meager, paltry
affair il seemed. Both the committee
and the congregation felt themselves
reused to generous emulation. They
were convinced that this was the Lords
work. The subscription papers went
round again; but only $4,000 were
added.
. But am confident said Mr.. Sup
pies to the committee, ssthat the church
will do better than that when warmed
up 10 the work. l will make appeals
from time to time; stir up their con-
sciences. As the building progresses,
their zeal will increase. Nothing will
draw forth fervor in money or love like
q tangible object"
- My advice, then, gentlemen said
the architect, with smile, sswould be
to make the tangible object as worthy
Of feryor as possible. Take this plan,''
unrolling the costly one upon the table,
with an Off hand air. "Leave margin
for their generosity. It's like putting
high ideal before man and bidding
him live up to il. Beside, SIR turning
to MIR. Supplee, s'the sermons preached
under such dome as this must elevate
your people. Consider the effect upon
your imagination--you breadth of
thought. They will gather the interest
Of their money in that way, If no
other.r
:. No, sir" said NJ. supplee, gravely.
'sNo personal considerations move me
Ia this matter. look upon this temple
simply as an Offering to Almighty God
rom my people. Though" he added,
II should be 10th to deny the effect upon
The religious emotions Of beauty in art.
hope you will illustrate it nobly in the
The present instance. Well, gentlemen,
what do you say? Shall we count upon
he generosity Of the people or notp''
The master-builder interrupted the
answer BY a suggestion that the esti-
nate Of cost for the finer design was
very liberal-thrown off hastily-that,
no doubt, by shaving in corners, be
,ould bring Il down considerably.
That was decisive. The committee
With $4,000 to build church, began
q build one which would cost $50, 600.
Every man or congregation that has
,uilt house knows the result. The
'difice, when handed over by the build
n, had cost, in round numbers, $780,
100, with one tower left unfinished I'm
Ter wooden cap. To be sure, it was
a perfect work Of art by the
congregation; the carved gargoyles
we're the most hideous to be had for
money. The wood even in the cellar
vas genuine black walnut. The fires.
'oing was bold in design and delicate
n finish. For two or three months, the
worshiped in the new tenn
lie with a delighted cnmnlacencu srhioh