Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1895-02-25
ST. MATTHIAS CHURCH,
The New Place Of Worship Just Com
pIeted by Richmond Episcopals,
Consecrated. Saturday, With Appropriate cere-
monies Bishop Medley Present.

Richmond, Feb. 24.-(Special).-
day morning. st. Matthias new Episcopal
church was formally consecrated by ap-
propriate and highly interesting services.
Several prominent clergymen from abroad
were present, among whom were the Ri.
Rev. H. A. Medley, d. D., bishop Of
Maine; Rev. R. W. Plant of Christ church,
Gardiner; Rev. A. W. Snyder of st.
Marks, Augusta; Rev. JSW. Sparks Of
St. Marks, Waterville Visitors were
present from Waterville, Augusta, Halo
we'll and Gardiner. Music was supplied
by double quartet
Holy communion was celebrated by
Bishop Medley, Rev. w. F. Livingston,
who is in charge of the church here, as
sisting 1t is a matter for congratulation
that the new church is all paid for, every
dollar due on it having been paid before
the exercises took place. A very able
sermon was preached by Rev. r. W. Plant
of Christ's church, Gardiner.
The society was organized about 10
years ago, and up to last Sunday held
meetings in Grand Army hall on Front
street Work on the new church edifice
WAS begun lali; anu UIIouSh pAS al
defatigable efforts of its friends the struc-
ture was completed few weeks ago. The
new place of worship stands on slight
elevation about half way down Spruce
street from the Maine Central station. 1t
has seating capacity of about 200. Al
though the society is not large it has not
been outdonc in charitable work by any
of the older and larger church organiZa-
lions. The rector, w. f. Livingston, is
young man of scholarly attachments
and is very popular with his people, The
church was designed by Rev. Fl. G.
Wood an Episcopal clergyman Of Win
throp. Mass, who has designed several
handsome churches in Massachusetts,
towns and cities. The church is 4S feet
long and % feet wide, with porch en-
trance and projection on the east side, in
Guiding sacristy and choir. The exterior
of the church has long, sloping roof
with gables crowned with gold crosses.
The outside walls are shingled, and like
many of the buildings recently built, are
Imprinted, giving nature a chance to do
the coloring.
The trimmings are painted an olive
green The interior is noticeable for its
delicate and pleasing coloring The walls
are light olive, while the rafters above
and the pcws are an oak green. The
colored windows in brown and green
cathedral glass makes the blending OF
color complete
The chancel furniture is of oak, and in
cludes bishops chair, clergy stall, Gre
dence table, altar table, hymn boards, and
prayer desk, the last being the gift of Mr..
Fred Lawrenc of Augusta, in memory of
his sister Miss Carrie K. Lawrence, a
communicate of the church, VINO died,
last September.
A very beautiful altar cross is
the gift of Mrs. Charles Barnes,
in memory of her father and mother,
Captain and Mrs. Vim. l.. Champney.
The altar was presented by Christ church,
Gardiner, and was once used by Bishop
Burgess first bishop of Maine. The
money for the pews was given by Gardiner
friends.
The church was built by A. s. Small,
the decorating was done by M. A. Lilly,
both of Richmond, and reflects credit on
the skill of our towns workmen.