The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1885-01-07

conditions of the weather the congrega.
ton was nearly choked with gas. In the
Spring of 1885, as the ladies by their per-
sistent efforts had secured some money
for the purpose, the pulpit, which looked
IN shape not unlike a corner cupboard,
was taken down and a more tasteful one
erected. The front of the gallery was
lowered, the woodwork was painted and
the present unpretentious bell was pro-
cured. The timbers supporting the roof
of the old church were sight to behold.
They we're like heavy bridge timbers
remember when boy climbing up the
ladder to take a peep at them. Only
yesterday three heavy pieces were drawn
away which had been used in the gallery
of the new church, but in the recent
renovation were found to be no longer
needful. No doubt they will soon be
used for fire-wood, but | cannot llclp say
ing "Peace to their ashes" This com
bination ofheayy timbers pressed weight
" on the walls, and if the walls had not
been built of tho very best brick from
old Boss Raisner's kilns and with the best
OF mortar and by the most pains taking
masonry, this heavy mass of timber must
in few years have crushed the building
to the ground. AS it was there was an
Ominous bulge in the walls which some
times aroused the fears of the congrega.
ton.
When in February, 1851, the railroad
was completed to this place and new
era began in the prosperity of this vicini-
ty, it became more and more obvious that
new house of worship must be erected.
After good deal of cautious elaboration
on the part of this Enthusiastically con-
sentative congregation, the old edifce,
which had stood since 1917, was RACED to
the ground in May, 1858, and the corner
stone of the present building was laid
with appropriate ceremonies by the pas
tor, and addresses were made by the Rev.
DIR. John Hall, of Trenton, and the Rev
DR.. Hale, of Pennington.
The congregation worshipped in Boozer
Hall, at the corner of Union and Coryell
streets, until October of the same year,
when they occupied for the first time the
lecture room in the basement. The main
audience room was not completed and
dedicated until January, 1866, when the
pastor read statement of what had been
done, and the Rev. David Magic, d. D.,
of Elizabeth, preached the sermon. Rev
DIR. ID. V. Mclean, President of Lafay-
cite College, took part in the services
and preached in the evening. 1t was
soon found that the church was not built
large enough for the future needs of the
congregation, but it was not until in the
Summer of 1868 that steps were taken for
its enlargement. An extension was then
made of about eighteen feet to the walls
of the church, recess built in the rear OF
the pulpit, and an addition secured of
forty-two pews.
The church was neatly frescoed in the
Summer of 1869, and in the previous
Autumn two of Frink's reflectors were
placed in the ceiling. This extension of
the church gave us commodious room
which was much needed for the infant
class.
In the Summer of 1879, a new chapel
was built in New Hope, and the title
deed placed in the hands of the trustees
of this church. In May, 1877, the pres
ent pipe organ was purchased of John.
son q Son, Westfield, Massachusetts.
In the Summer of 1888, a meeting OF
the congregation was held, and it was re-
solved to build in the rear of this church
chapel, for which subscription to the
amount of So, 500 was soon raised, but on
been secured, this enterprise was, for
good aud valid reasons, abandoned, and
attention was directed to the necessity OF
renovating and refitting the main au.
dienee room. Accordingly, at a meeting
of the congregation held Wednesday
evening, June II, 1884, the trustees pre-
sented different plans of proposed i'm.
provements Of the interior of the church
edifice, and after some discussion, one in.
volving an estimated expense of about
Sc, 600, was, on motion adopted, and the
trustees were instructed to procure from
architects definite plans and speciflca
tions. The trustees held meeting
juno IL, and instructed the Church Prop.
erty Committee to obtain the same, which
was accordingly done. The plan of Mr.
Finch, of Trenton, was finally decided
upon, subject to such notifications as thu
committee thought advisable, and the
committee were authorized to carry oul
the proposed Improvements The con
tract was awarded to Kafer and Cubberly
of Trenton, and the repairs and altera-
tions were commenced about the middle
of August. The pews, of solid oak, were
furnished by Grant, Hempleman & Co,
of Richmond, Indiana. The stained glass
windows, with the exception of the two
in the vestibule and the two small ones
in the pulpit, were presented by individual
members of this church and congrega.
ton, in memory of deceased relatives,
formerly members of this church. -Four
of these windows are memorials of de.
ceased elders.
These windows were purchased from
A. Goodwin 81 Co., PHILADELPHIA. The
marble tablet, to the memory of the irst
pastor of this church, placed in the wall
by the loving regard of the members OF
this congregation, was constructed by
Luther Ward, of Trenton. The COM
Portable cushions in the pews were bought
of Osterman 81 Son, N. Y.
The communion table and pulpit and
chairs were individual gifts.
The cost of the work has necessarily
exceeded the estimates, and as it is in
contemplation to alter and refit the
lecture room, additional subscriptions
have had to be solicited, which are in pro-
cess of being secured. Notwithstanding
the business depression of our town,
which is felt now much more than in the
panic of 1878, subscriptions have, in the
main, been liberal and hearty.
Too much credit cannot be given to the
ladies who have secured about three
fifths of all the subscriptions which have
baen made. The Finance Committee,
with their official chairman, have faith
fully attended to their duty, and as to the
efforts of the Building Committee, the
work accomplished speaks for itself.
think all will agree that as much as posi-.
Bile has been made of the old room for the
money expended. Including the win
dows given by individuals, and the
further improvements contemplated, the
whole expense will be between eight and
nine thousand dollars. We have now a
neat, tasteful land do not think il too
much to say beautiful room. Our
pews are as comfortable as can be made,
all the appointments of the room harmon
ize, the woodwork all hardwood polished
in oil, and everything about the room is
real and substantial There is nothing
of the impertnence of paint, but every
thing is just as it claims to be. We have
reason tie be thankful that no accident oc-
Cured, and that everything has been
done so thorouohly and so we'll II is