Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-11-02

Ane neaatifa1 Granite Edinee ~ -.
South Pariah.

The interesting ceremony Of dedicatino .bs
new granite church edifice of the South
Parish, Hallowell, occurred last Wedne.d.v
afternoon, few words in regard to which
VII De OF special interest at the present time.
Inc wooden church. built in 1896 on the s.me
spot ana known as the "Old South Church. .
vas well known landmark, the written his.
| Tory OF which would be very interesting. II
vas burned on Sunday morning, Dec. LAT
1910 with all Of its contents, since which
| Hine worship has been continued in the
chapel on the opposite side of the STREET. Eff
iorts were immediately made to raise funds
!of the erection of a new church. there
being $1,000 insurance TO starr with.
Liberal donations soon came in and vork
was commenced on this beautiful structure
OF granite, Henry Vaulk Of Yew York being
the architect. Various hindrances arose to
retaro work but with strong determination.
.eai and sacrifice the present edi6ce, which
u one OF the handsomest in the State, has
been completed, pride not only 70 the socie
" out the whole community 1t has a seat
ing capacity for about four hundred. beside.
vestry on the north, the folding doors of
which can be thrown open. making room for
many more. The tower, which is l4O feet hi oh
ana furnished with thirty-four hundred
pound bell. and clock, stands on the south
east corner where is the main entrance
Inc grounds are handsomely terraced and
turf d
The interior is handsomely finished in ash
and cherry. The floor rises gradually from
the desk. which is on the west side, to the
east front The pews are arranged in a
circle in such way that ali are within easy
hearing distance from the pulpit
The organ stands in recess in the rear of
the pulpit. 1t is fine toned instrument; the
case Is stained in imitation Of mahogany pre-
senting rich appearance. 1t was manu.
featured by Hook Hastings, cost SI7OO and
Is present from Mrs. Henry Sampson
OF New York, in memory of her father, the
late Hon. Simon Page, who for about
~ years was one of the deacons of the church
and for 90 years superintendent of the Sum
day school. The pulpit and furniture are
presented by the children and friends of
Prof. George Shepard as token of regard
Tor this the only church where he preached
as pastor. His pastora,e extending over a
term OF 10 years commencing in 1928. The
communion table is present of the Gilman
family in memory Of the late Miss Sarah
Gilman The pulpit bible is one that was
presented to the late Dea. Page some 10
years ago by the SUNDAY school and now pre-
scented by the family to the church. The
chandelier, vestry carpet and other valuable
gifts are from donors unknown to the public.
The ladies OF the society purchased the carpet
for the church from the proceeds of sociabes
and entertainments given by them, besides
raising considerable sum for other purposes
Al the dedication. letters were read from
Rev. II. Q. Bu'terfield and Rev. C. G. Nc.
Gully. former pastors of the church, who
were unable to be present. Rev., Chas. A.
White. who was pastor at the time of the de.
struciion Of the old house of worship, and
Rev. II. V Emmons, who for some time sup
piled the pulpit, were present and made in.
teresting remarks. Addresses were also
made BY Rev. j. I. Halves of Litchfield. Rev
j. B. HAYES of Winthrop, and others. The
remarks of Rev. Edward Chase, the presen,
pastor, were very appropriate and impressive.
The seats are not to be sold but let at a
moderate yearly rental, but cordial invita-
ton is extended to all to attend public wor-
ship whether they have engaged seats or not
| All are welcome.