The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-05-27
EDWARD LORD CLARK's FINE CHURCH.
Celebrating the Payment of Debt-A Cier-
gyman's skill at Carving.

The Presbyterian Church of the Puritans,
at l30th street and Fifth avenue. celebrated the
recent payment OF its debt yesterday. The
building is of massive white marble, in the
Gothic style Its beauty is marred by two half
completed lowers. The interior is highly deco
rated The pews wainscoting. and pulpit are
OF elaboratey carved oak. A deep scarlet car
pet matches the upholstery OF the pews and
chancel The rich cream colored walls are re-
lieved by mosaic frescoing. in perfect l~rmony
with delcate-blue paneed ceiling Memorial
windows OF stained glass soften the light A
popularity is room up one flight OF stairs in
the chancel, known as the invalid chamber II
is furnished with easy chairs and lounges, ana
il entered through private passaEs entirely
out Of sight Of the congregation. Three WIN
dows of stained glass are 80 arranged thht IN
mites may take part in the services without be-
ing seen by any one In the church. IT was hullt
for worshppers unable to endure the iallsue
of ordinary participation in devotional HN'r-
cises The cost Of the ed flee was about s23O.OUQ.
Crippled by the panic, the church was lelt WIN
n debt Of considerably over $lOO,OOO. An appeal
was made 70 the Church Extension Committee
of the Presbytery. and the result was the pay
ment OF a first mortgage for s6noOO on ronul-
ton that the congregation should raise the re,
maindrr Of the debt. A meeting wus held ana
the requisite amount sui lscribed. n percentage
large enough 10 satisfy the pressing creditors
The cxercises yesterday were largely musi-
cal A procession Of Sabbath school children
their offerings (abOut $500 in alb receiving in
return certificates on parchment fastened with
blue ribbons. The decorations were a prOiu-
sion Of flowers filing the chancel. and lArge
hiue silk banner. bearing the motto of the sun
dny school. His Banner over us is Love- The
Rev. Edward Lord Clark. the pastor, said that
he had been frequently asked what right his
church had to get in debt in order to provide
eXtrnVagant Ornameniution. He was ANXIOUS
TO explain that all things, beyond tho bare
walls including the woodwork, irescoing, and
organ had been voluntary gifts. HAD he been
disposed. he doubted whether he would have
had authority To refuse them.
An elabOrately carved lrcze OF plaster. which
surrounds the ceiling and the ornamental caps
and brackets attached to the main pillars are
all the work Of the pHstor's own hands. A rick
ety pair Of pine wood stairs, little moro than q
ladder leads the way to the lnstors study at
tho top OF the western tower. Here he has given
full vent to his passion for carving at which he
is very expert. The room il so small that tho
hard wood floor is almost concealed by the skin
of Bengal tiger. The fireplace and book
shelves. which run up twenty feet to the ceiling.
and the stnircascs leading 10 the upper shelves,
as well as the furniture, arc carved IN Intricate
designs out OF solid oak. Over the open CRATE
he has engraved In bright red letters the words.
" Ye fire and heat. praise ye the Lord" Curiosi-
ties are visible wherever resting place can DO
found for them ~