The Palatka daily news. (Palatka, Fla.) 1884-1888, 1888-01-03


pine with all surfaces highly polished
and vanished. A massive forged iron
! chandelier, having a double circle of
brill mt gas gets, fifty two in number,
depends from the frame work CORES
ponding to the central arch, and from
each pillar, and from corresponding
| positions in the sidewalks Of the tran
septs project forged iron brackets Of
fantastic shape, each containing group
of three gas-burners.
The seating capacity of the church is
over 500 by actual measurement, and the
pews and seats are substantially con-
structed Of Florida pine, stained dark
subsequently modified, as the color Is
anything but attra0 tive in its present as
pect.
The chancel or altar is Of unusual ar
ranqement, including, as it does, the
choir. At the foot or front is a platform
surrounded by a low railing Of white
wood (.'bass" or linden woody and syca-
more, outside of which the platform ex-
tends, forming single step or contin-
nous cushioned hassock; another shor.
flight Of four steps leads to a second
platform let into an alcove, which con-
tains room for several chairs, the organ,
reading desk, ETC.; beyond this again,
and up still another flight of steps, is the
choir proper, inclosed in a plain but SUBJ
stantial railing.
To the right docking from the front
entrance) on this platform, is the SPLEEN
did organ, built expressly for the church,
by the Hamilton Vocation Company,
having twelve stops and two manuals,
with case of antique oak, highly finished.
The reading desk rs of white wood,
fitted to the top Of the railing, which
encloses this portion Of the altar, and
furnished with a rich cover of crimson
velvet, heavily fringed. The choir,
which occupies the highest portion Of
the alcove, is composed Of the following
members:
Ieader-A Oscar Browne.
Organist-8Iiss Alice Blake.
Soprano-Mrs. Mclean. Mrs. Burton,
Mrs. Wheeler, Miss Bruce.
Alto-Miss Edith Blake, Miss Maud
Smith.
Tenor-John Miller. p. ID. jackson.
Basso-Frank Gerard, John Kennard.
To the left of the choir a few steps
lead from the reading desk to the pulpit,
which is a rare and unfamiliar feature
Of Southern church architecture. 1t is
attached to the edge of the alcove which
contains the altar and choir, and is poly
gon in form. of exceedingly graceful
shape, and elaborate ornamentation. 1t
is constructed of sycamore wood,
exquisitely carved, its panels orna-
| mented with carved wreaths,
and a heavy molding at the upper edge,
wide enough to hold books, etc. A
large sounding board of most elaborate
design AMI highly finished is placed over
the pulpit, and apparently too low as it
makes the space intended for the
preacher seem altogether out of pre-. }or-
ton to the other parts Of the interior.
This defect. it is said, will speedily be
remedied. The sounding board is sup
ported from the pulpit floor by twisted
ionic column. The canopy Is finished in
segments, each separated from the others
by raised ribs terminating at the mar
| gin in a miniature cherubim face with
EMBEDDING wings, beautifully carved.
| At the rear of the choir in the gable of
the alcove. is a circular window of
colored glass, similar to the one in the
front wall of the church.
The gallery is of ample dimensions,
| well provided with comfortable seats ar
ranged on an incline -four, and is reached
by square stairway with landings, ex-
tending up through the lower portion of
| the bell tower, or spire; which last is of
graceful shape, and very highly orna-
mented in red brick and terra Gotta, and
will contain chime of bells. To the
rear of the western transept. extending
northward, is a large room intended for
| which can also be entered from the ter
race outside, between the church and the
parsonage.
The entire building is amply furnished
with facilities for heating and ventilation
there being eight hot-air registers and
4
used at the same time il necessary.
There are many minor details of fin
ishing, conveniences, ETC., of which space
and want of time forbid present descrip-
ton.
The services on Sunday were interest
ing and attended by a very large con-
course of people, both in the morning
and evening; the interest which is mani
Tested by the people of st. Augustine in
the editice and its history being exempli-
fled by the very large attendance outside
of the regular congregation.
This magnificent new temple, of which
we have attempted under many adverse
circumstances to give a brief description,
will be dedicated to its final and holy
purpose during the holding of the con-
ference here, during the present month.
HOW TO KILL A BOOM.