Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1893-02-03
A Handsome House Of Worship.

l II L4C1hAaOOh4O AAO0oOO Va w VI
The re-opening or re.dedicatIon Of th
Prssby terrain church, of this place, cam
off on Sunday, Rev. r. II. Fleming, D. D
of Lynchburg, formerly an able, popula
aud much loved pastor OF this congrega
ton. preaching the sermon to crowde'
congregation, all of whop seemed to b.
deeply impressed and Interested. TIT
church, which had been closed for some
months, has undergone extensive repairs
remodeling and improving, and Is now 4
very handsome and attractive house o
worship. Tho old ceiling which was o.
plaster and fIescoed has been torn ont and
replaced by one of stoel in tasteful panels
ornamented with gilt and bronzed centre
peices, the whole making a beautiful
piece Of work.
The walls, which were formerly pansled
in dark frescoe, are now perfectly plain
and of very pleasing light shade, re-
lieyed around the top by wide molding
of carved steel work.
The pulpit, with the recess behind 1t,
forms a pleasing picture, the heavy gold.
silver and coppery bronze stripes upon
the darker color of the painting showing
exquisite taste and is beautiful indeed.
Tho cid windows, which, to say the least.
were anything but handsome, now show
what many consider the greatest improve
nent 10 the building. The former square
and rather common place looking affairs
can no longer be recognized. The open
ings have been considerably narrowed,
and the top forms graceful sSmi-circle
known az the Norman arch. The WIN
dows are formed of stained glass of very
rich and beautiful colors arranged in
graceful figures, through which the light
falls with mellow glow in keeping with
the sacred character of the building. The
transoms, or upper part formingithe arch
contain appropriate and beautiful scrip
tural illuminatiOns. Four are memorial
windows, three of them being to the
memory of ruling elders whose livos were
examples for christians to follow, and
whose memories Will linger like sweetest
fragrance through coming generations of
Presbyterisns. Their names are as fol
lows: Jacob OFT, DR.. Geo. w. Aagruder
and Geo. H. OFT. The fourth is to the
memory of one who for years was indeed
a mother in Israel, Mrs, Sarah C. Will
liams. Records of lives like these, under
Diylne guidance, cannot bat prove noble
aud blessed incentives to many who fol-
low after.
We regret that space will not permit
us to speak mora fully of the great i'm
provement in the gallery and yestbule.
The latter also has han 1some steel cell
ing and the entrance from it into the
church is through large double door of
handsome and striking design.
The ladies OF the congregation deserve
great credit for the handsome carpet that
covers the entire door and adds 80 m uch
to the comfort and appearance OF the
,hurcb.
In closing our remarks we must add our
mite of praise to those skillful workmed,
w. L. Dosh and Mshlon Teller, of this |
place, who made all the alterations in the
woodwork and also put Ia the steel cell
ng, very difficult piece OF work.
That well known artist. OF this place,
Mr.. R. f. Leetch, (Our jerry did the
and decorating, and it reflects
great credit upon his skill and taste as an
artist Of acknowledged ability.
The window and door frames aud other
woodwork were from the we'll known
factory Of Mr., Jos. Fravel, of this place.
The collection during the services of
Sunday morning amounted to sll2.si, !
being sufficient to clear of the last yestige
If indebtedness for these changes and re-
pairs.