The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1889-06-19
State Street Parish.

To the Editor of the Press:
Great opportunities are sometimes thrust
upon religious societies as truly as upon in
dividuals."
This thought was suggested by perusing a
brief Item in the press" few days ago re-
specting the State street parish.
The front of their church edifce has for a
long time presented dilapidated appear
ance, which must have been an enigma to
those familiar with the society worshipping
there. A society second to none in the State
| for its ample provision for every department
of its churce service and for its liberal bene-
factions to religious, benevolent and educa-
tional enterprises.
1t appears at recent meeting call ed to
mediate upon this dangerous front (for 1t
has been denounced as dangerously and de-
wise some method of repair, or reconstruc-
tion, proposition was submitted looking
to the purchase of the southerly adjoining
lots, extending 80 feet on State street, now
In the market, and erecting a new church
building. removing the present structure. A
bold project indeed, involving at outlay of
$4,000, but it not case where our opening
motto Is verified. There are potent reasons
for so radical movement.
To remove the front of the present build
anu replace ~ Will an attractive one OF
brick with stone trimmings Ia suggestion
which has been mada) and make the i'm
prOvements to the interior necesstated by
this new front, would cost approx
mately third of the amount proposed for a
new edifce, with the added purchase of land,
When completed it would still remain the
old structure repaired, without single
added pew for an enlarged congregation,
and there would sill exist, as now, a con-
slant menace to the light. which has been
one OF the attractive features in the present
building, and is vital to every public edifice.
The lots referred to are in the market and
the erection upon them, at the dividing line,
OF any building as high as many dwellings
upon State street would practically darken
the south side Of the church, and light from
the rear is already excluded, and here Is a
potent argumant for the proposed change.
Again, it, would seem that any considera-
BILE outlay by society like this should rec
ogniZe the Importance of an enlarged seating
capacity, at least 70 per cent, as any consid-
cradle expenditure would naturally be in an
ticiDatiOn of thiIty years or more.
1t Is surprise to learn by report of the
committee appointed at the first meeting to
ascertain the views of the peW-hOlders that
though the purchase of the lots with the
erection of new building, met with very
general approval. yet it would be impossible
at present to carry cut the enterprise. The
discussion OF the question had, however,
impressed some Of the leading men of the
society so strongly with the Importance of
securing the lots, II nothing more could be
accomplished at present, that a new COM
Inittee was Instructed To make thorough
canvass of the society with this end in view.
1t is hoped that success may crown this eff
Tort, and that at an early day in the future
the truth of our opening motto may be again
Illustrated by development as to the meth
Cd OF securing funds for new edifice, TO
make available this admirable site. X.