The bee., 1884-07-26
The UNION BETHEL nee MET
ROPOLITAN CHUCRH.
DESCRIPTION OF THEIR NEW TEMPLE
OF WORSHIP.

L1lnotlg Inc many grand and imposing church
ounces In The West end, none stand out more
| prominent I'M its grandeur and outlines Of
| y SHieOrlc'A beauty than the church in course of
completion, situated on NJ st. bet. 18th and
lolh Sls. H. w, belonging To the congregation
whose name heads this article.
| Ihe history OF this church is an eveutful
ohe' and brief outline may serve as an in
| cehUiNe TO The rising generation to press for
ward with the work commenced by the early
fathers
Inc church was organized in 1885, over IS
years ago, when not only the vista of slavery
hoVered around the hearthstone ofthe faithful
lew struggling TO serve the King of Kings, but
lhe hydra, headed monster reached into those
humble homes and snatched the babe from
lts mothers breast, and sold one or both into
slavery under the shadow of the Capitol of a
free Republic!
1t was with this condition of surroundings
That few GOd-fearing men and women in
1886 organized the church, and under the
| leadership of A. w. Wayman, afterwards
Bishop Wayman, the first house of worship a
| frame structure, was erected and dedicated to
the ever living God, on the site now occupied
by the magnificent temple OF worship almost
ready for occupancy.
In 1851 the old frame was relegated to the
rear of the lot to give place TO a more commo-
dious brick edifice TO accommodate the growing
and prosperous congregation.
The church then erected, was regarded am
pie in Size and facilities for generations to
come, but the spirit of the Lord permeated
and blessed the congregation to such an ex-
tent that il was found absolute necessary TO
enlarge their temple OF worship, and this was
commenced by Rev. ]. w. Stevenson, in 1884,
The present church edifice, which is near
ing completion, is so 100, and is built of brick
with granite trimmings. The style of archi-
lecture is a harmonious combination of Doric,
Corinthian anG Gothic. The seating capacity
will be about 5000. The galleries will be
open at each end with floors slightly raised
The facilities for exit purposes are most ad-
mirable; i'm addition TO the main door there
are fouI sets of stairway doors at each end OF
| the building
The Pastors study will be in the immediate
rear of the pulpit and within stepping distance
of the same. The auditorium will be 76 X 100
and will be one of the handsomest in the city
The stained glass windows, one ofwhich has
been donated by the Philadelphia conference
another by the Baltimore conference another
4
finest and most exquisite workmanship The
large front window has been donated by the
| Board of Bishops, and will be in full harmony
with the prevailing style of beauty outlined
for this grand structure. The lecture room
| will be a marvel of neatmess and utility, the
size of it will be 81 20. In addition, there
| Will be two parlors 30 40 which will be fitted
| up in a manner to create the envy of the ad-
| mirers of the beautiful.
An infant class room 30 10, also five class
rooms Is 20 and a library 20 20 are pro-
vided for OH the main basement floor, all of
| which will be furnished with the most APP
| proved furniture for their use.
| The sub basement will be specially fitted up
| for domestic purposes 10 be utilized on occa-
sion of social gatherings for the benefit of the
church, and no pains will be spared in provid-
ing it with all the latest and most approved
culinary appliances.
| The organ will not only be majestic i'll pro-
portion but will rank deservedly with the
great instruments in the country; the name
Of the builder, Jardine and Son, of New York,
being guarantee of its superiority. The cost
will be $1,000. The entire cost of the church
edifice will be about $4,000, $4,000 of which
was guaranteed by the General Conference at
Baltimore few months ago.
| The congregation is a live one, fnll of Christ
ian zeal for the success of their church, and
| who, under the leadership of their most wor-
thy pastor, Christian and elegant gentleman,
Rev. Jas. Ii. Handy, will soon have their beau
tiful temple ready for praises TO the Great
Giver of light for his mercy and kindness to
them. The Architect, Mr.. T. G. Morsel, is de-
serving of all praise for his beauty of concep-
tiOn and faithfulness in executing the plans
of the church The various artisans and me-
chanics engaged are deserving of commenda-
ton for the thoroughness and conscientious
manner in which they have performed the du-
ties assigned them.
The building committee consist of Messrs
JnO. A. Simms, sr.. Geo Daily and Andrew
Twine, all men of integrity, vim and push,
Il