Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1895-11-08
ST. BARNABAS CHAPEL.
Some Features Of The Work Undertaken BY
This New Mission on the East Side.

n
which is being carried on thered an which
is comparatively new to many OF our
readers are not to be overlooked.
In view of the special effort of st.
Barnabas chapel on Bangor street, and
the fact that it is the only house Of wor-
ship on that side of the Kennebec,
Journal reporter obtained a statement
from Rev. W. F. Livingston, who is in
charge of the work, as to what had been
accomplished and the prospects for the
future.
In reply to the question regarding the
history of the chapel, Mr.. Livingston
said
at is now about three years and half
since the mission was started. The cir
cumstances which Immediately led to it
were these: Mr.. James Bridge, who has
been senior warden of St. Mark church
for SO many fears and who is deeply in
terested in the religious needs of the com
munity, recognized the great Importance
of providing some place of worship for
prevented by distance or infirmity from
attending church. Accordingly in the
early part of 1892 he offered to give lot
Of land ON the southwest corner of Ban
gor and Linden streets, provided chapel
was placed upon it for public religious
services, according to the doctrine, dis
cipline and worship of the Protestant
Episcopal church The Rev. Walker
Gwynne was at that time rector of st.
was appointed to raise funds and provide
building. 1t happened that it was
finally decided that same year to close st.
Catharine 5 hail. the Diocesan school for
girls, and it was thought best to purchase
and remove the chapel which had been
built some five years previous, when Rev.
VIM. Martin was head master of the
school. Mr.. Bridge consented to this
arrangement and the chapel was pur-
1892 to its present site
SIS St Barnabas chapel a mission of
St Mark church," asked the reporter.
NO. replied Mr.. Livington, and since
you inquire will say that our relation
ship has been frequently misunderstood, |
but the circumstances will make it clear
Just how we stand in regard to the mat
ter When Mr. Bridge gave the land, he
donated 1t directly to the Maine Episcopal |
stated in the deed that it should belong to
that society and be supported by it until
it became a self-supporting parish. st.
Barnabas' was not organized as par
ochial mission of st. Marks, therefore.
but like the church at Richmond, which
| have in charge also, as we'll as the church
at Hallowell, is under the auspices of the
Missionary Society, of which Bishop Nicely
is president. st. Barnabas' chapel is not
dependent upon st. Mark for its support.
In fact ever since the mission was started,
this has been the understanding, and what
money was subscribed at the beginning
was by individuals and came largely from
East side residents. >
"You feel that you are doing special
work."
Yes, decidedly" was the prompt
answer IF you will look at the map in
the City Directory, you will see that st.
Barnabas chapel is situated in the very
heart of the 9th and 9TH wards and
where there is very much to be done. 1t
- very rare that you can find a city of the
size of Augusta which has SO large a terri
tory which is provided with only one
house of worship. We feel that there is,
therefore, special need for just what we
are trying to do.
"Our first service was held, July II,
1899, but at that time we had debt of
$500 which 1t was necessary to pay before
the chapel could be consecrated by the bis
hop This was accomplished In the early |
part of 1894, and since then We have been
able to make added improvements. We
have just finished the interior of st.
Barnabas' hall, under the chapel. A new
floor has been laid, IA stage built and the
walls tinted. In this attractive room we
hope to have social gatherings this com
ing year for mutual acquaintance and in
terest.
"A new feature will be bell which has
been presented by Mr.. Bridge and will be
put in place over the entrance in the near
future. This will be valuable addition |
in calling attention to our services.
DO you find many who do not go TO
any church?
Yes. was the reply and try to call |
specially on such people. In our services,
we endeavor to emphasize the great funda-
mental facts and principles of the religious
life and which should unite rather than |