The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1895-04-20

CHI, w OOdstOck, -.
order: ~ organ voluntary; ~ introduce
tory sentence; ~ Doxology; AZ Script
ure Lesson, Rev. DR.. Cone of Buchtel
College; 10y Hymn, II love thy church,
o Cod; (6) Invocation, Rev. DIR. Tucker;
~ Anthem, Daughter Of Zion; (S) Ser
mon. DIR. CantwelI, from the words Zone
God and Father of all, who is above all,
and through all, and in you alp; (9) An
them, How Lovely is Zion; (10) State
ment OF Building Committee, W. D.
Sibley, chairman.
At this point, the work of canvassing
the congregation for the payment of the
indebtedness resting on the building
was taken up. The cost of the building
was about $4,000 and the amount of the
deficiency was $500. 1t seemed an i'm
mense sum to undertake to raise from a
people who had already given largely.
But the work was entered upon with
spirit by the Editor of The UNIVERSAL
IsT, who found ready and equally spirit
ed helpers. Nearly three hours was &C.
cupied in this part of the service. At
the close every dollar of the indebted
ness was pledged, and the church was
pronounced free of debt and ready for
dedication. 1t would take columns of
The UNIvERsALIsT to describe the in
cidents of the appeal. The subscrip-
tions we're made up in amounts varying
from $500 to 800. There were ten 500
pledges; these insured the success of the
canvass. The rest of the subscriptions
were secured in sums ranging from $500
to $500. When the long service of four
and half hours closed there was great
rejoicing. More than two-thirds of the
congregation remained until the end
was successfully reached.
AT nearly 3 o'clock, recess was taken
until 6 in the evening. when public
praise service was held lasting one hour.
Then followed the service of dedication
according to the formula given in the
Gospel Liturgy, and at 7:3O the closing
sermon was preached by Rev. Henrietta
G. Moore of Springfield.
Easter 1895 will be day long remem-
bered in Woodstock. 1t witnessed a
grand work splendidly consummated and
was testimony to what a united people
can do when their hearts are enlisted in
a good work. The Universalist Church
in Ohio may we'll be proud of the Uni
versalists of Woodstock.
Description of the Building.
The main building is Gothic in style, with
tower near the southeast corner, in which
hangs the same sweet toned bell that has rung
out invitations to "come and worship for SO
many years in the belfry of the old church. The
main building is 52x54 feet on the ground, and
the walls are of stone and brick the main win
dows are in the south and west sides. and are
Gothic; that on the south side was put In by
Harry Davis Post of the G. A. r.. and that on
the east was furnished by Woodstock Lodge
l. o. o. F. Both have designs significant of the
orders furnishing the windows. The southeast
corner is circular and is lighted by several long
and narrow windows. one of which bears the
name OF Rev. j. II. Carpenter. who closed his
work when the corner stone was laid in 1894
These windows were paid for by the choir. The
Sunday school room is 32x36 feet and is so ar
ranged that when the folding doors are opened
the minister. from the pulpit. which is placed in
the southeast corner of the main room can CON-
mand view of the entire inside of the building.
The ceiling of the main room is finished to the
rafters, and the appearance altogether is very
attractive. At night the church will be lighted
by chandeliers presented by Mr.. G. W. Smith, Of
Chicago. and Mrs. Emma Lacy, of Iowa, daugh-
ter of the late John Mcdonald The main en-
trance is on the southside to the left of the pull
pit. A hallway entrance east side admits to the
Sunday-school room, and similar entrance on
the south side, near the west. admits to either
the main room or the Sunday-schOol room. At
the right of the principal entrance is the choir
loft. which is separated from the pulpit platform
by a neat railing. To the right of the choir is a
recess for the organ. The transom window over
the main entrance is in memory of Mr. and
Mrs. Benz. ID. Sibley; that over the inner door
OF entrance from hall way TO the choir, is In
memory of Erastus Martin. The floor of the
main room declines from the folding doors be-
tween that and the Sunday-school room. The
pews are arranged In circular form, and Will
seat comfortably about two hundred persons.
The capacity of the Sunday school room is about
the same.
Four of the six windows in the Sunday-school
room are memorial. viz: j. and f. Burnham.
John Mcdonald. PhilOmal Mcdonald and VIM.
X. Webb. The other two windows were placed
by the Y. P. q. Union; and the "Buds OF Prom
ise."