New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-10-01
ANEW BROOKLYN CHURCH.
DIR. MEREDiTH's SWIFT SUCCESS.

DESCRIPTION OF HIS NEW EDIFIcE MAos
NECESSARY BY INCREASING AUDIENCES.
1t Is about year since the Rev. Or. Robert h'dfn
Meredith began his pastOrate q The lompAns
Avenue Congregational Church, in Brooklyn, bui ~
successful has been his ministry and such hiso
audiences are drawn 10 hear him. that already iounda
tions have been lad for cdfce double the Size ~
that at present occupied By his congregations bf
Meredith was called from Boston to succeed nr.
George f. Pcntec0st, who had rescued a practically
bankrupt society from its desperate situation, and had
not only made 1t of fine church property, but
also free from debt and strong In numbers. bf.
Meredith found a wellhlled building, which soon D.
overcIowded. Tho question then arose whether
the members should divide and found new society.
remain united and build an edihcc oi sufficient
capacity to contain all who might desire 10 listen 10
the popular pastor The weight of sentiment favored
the latter and also the IDEA Of not removing fom
the vicinity where the church situated. ar Temp
kns ave., and McDonoughst. This is In tie heart ~
the portion Of the city brought By rapid transit
comparatively the older parts and yet sufficiently
removed toward the suburbs feel the benefit of tho
new building encouraged by the more speedy means
Of travel.
The site for the church fixed on
the opposite to tho occupied by the
present one, the land adjacent TO the latter
all occupied by houses. The work Of erection f. goin.
rapidly forward, and in few months Of the
pleied. The design IS unique among ecclesiastical
structures in this vicinity or the great churches On
Brooklyn, Plymouth Church, which With rs aisle
chairs will seat $500 persons, IS the type ~ oil
fashioned auditorium, with the pulpit 0uc end. q
deep gallery three sides, and with all tie seats
the main floor the lowell DR. 1alnsrc'~
Tabernacle, seating $500 is an anphItheatre, WIN
the pulpit In the centre Of one side. few pcws 'n
front Of the pulpit level. while. outside -
them The rest rise tier tier In the lower circle and
in the gallery above. The Central Congregational
Church. built for Dr. Henry VI. scudder in 1872, viii
seat 1850 persons in the pcws. is without galleries
end tho pulpit Is in the middle OF side. the depth
Of tie church being only about half it, front
The pews rise regularly nom the pulpit. and
ranged semi circuarIy.
Dr. Me~edth's new church Will combine the he's
features ei these other large structures. It's seating
capacity Will be about 100. The architecture VIII
be Of the italian order, with square tower at tho
street The doors and windows viii lars
round arches, and the roof will bc fiat 1t will be-
supported by the Howe bridge truss. and VIII r'f
upon the outer walls, without any columns in ~
interior of the edifce interfere with sight or sound
The ceiling will be forty-sNen feet from The loor
The latter will be level for distance of h.rfyf,e
feet from the pulpit, and viii then rise gently DE-
main entrances. large gallery will I'll end 90
the building and the sides Entrances to Il viii
be enclosed in brick walls at the four corners Of The
chufcn Inc materials OF the structure will a.
brick and stone, and the tower Will DO | a feet i1
height, with clock and bell. The windows are ta
be filled with stained glass, representing Bible
The lighting will be by rehcctors IN the ceiling which
will be wired so that electricity can be used :,
handsome church as possible at small cost vii
be provided The site was purchased for $4,000.
and the plans call for expenditure Of $4,000
more. 1t is hoped 10 complete The structure TO-
100000. OF this 100000 was subscribed before ave
plans were drawn.
When the new building is completed. The socieif
will have two church editices. II Is not yet def
ntely settled how 10 use the present chur,s. ~
can be remodeed as TO make a con,modor,
Sunday school room and also afford space or
lecture, reading and social rooms for tho church mem.
bers. This Is probably what will be done with H. and
In connection with the small Sunday sc hool room al
joining, all tho needed for every variety of church
work VIII be available Some OF the members ar, ann
ious TO have club rooms fitted up for the young men
oil the church, with symnas um. bowling alleys e..
kn important feature OF DR. Mercdths work /,
connected with Sunday interests. and N
church was crowded last winter eaea
Tuesday evening to hear the expoundins Of ie
sundayschool lesson to teachers HIS new church vii
afford room for the enlargement OF this work. which Is
likely TO eona In BROOKLYN the promotions II reached
Boston, where fremont Temple the largest auditorium
In the city, was needed for his auditors BY pcxt spls
II Is expected that the edifce well be rudy for uss
and another tine structure will be added 10 the many
which have been built by church people IN Brooklyn
IN the pest few years.