Birmingham state herald., 1896-03-01
OUR TEMPLES OF WORSHIP Their Spires Rise in Every Part
 of the City.
THEY OUTNUMBER SALOONS
Some of the Edlices Are Magnificent Specl- mems of Architecture Sketches
 of the Different Denominations.

Five years ago there were sixty church. es and eighty saloons in Birmingham. Now there are eighty-two churches ana sixty-three saloons. This statement speaks eloquently for the growth in grace of Birmingham. From a rough mining town Birmingham has become a clty or churches. At one time men came nere and left their families at home. NOW families move here to enjoy the advan- tages of the churches and schools. These people have means and they come here to spend money as we'll as to make it.
 The largest church in the city is the First Methodist Episcopal church. south, located on a command ng site at the ln- tersection of Sixth avenue and Nine teenth street. It is a magnificent struc- ture and impresses the visitor with the noble spirit that is abroad in Birming- ham as no other object does. party of St. Louis capitalists on their way to the Atlanta expos. tion reached Birmlng- ham at ' o'clock Sunday night. They were directed to the First Methodist church and as they looked upon the grand auditorium it was plain to see that they were impressed and surprised. One or these gentlemen said the next day that there was no church in St. Louis that ex- celled or even equaled this church. It was evident that he was impressed with
 
 erection of such church ediice. A man may be actuated by mercenary or sell fish motives in building a large hotel or other public building, but when he gives his means and time to the erection of church it must be from purely disinter- ested motives. The noble men who built the First Methodist church, in which every citizen feels such a just pride, will ever live in the memory of all true lov- CTS of Birmingham. They are MT. Hill man, who gave $35,000; MT. Sloss, who gave $1OOO0, and their able coadjutors are Messrs. Moore, Drennen Garner, Walker, Tomlnson, Conner, Hood, Brown, Williamson, McClary, Garrett Cameron, Smyer, Sears, Brewer, Campbell, Francis, Myatt Lunquest, Perry and Rogan. The edifice was erected with remarkable rap idity. It was built in six months time and was completed in 1892. The commit tee at first decided to use Red mountain stone, which is mined in large quantities not two miles from the site of the church, but for some reason Ohio brown stone was substituted. The building complete cost $100, 900. The style of the architect ure is a combination of the Gothic and Romanesque. The grandeur of the struc- ture impresses one with awe and rever- ence, while its beautiful symmetry grat- flies the love for the beautiful. It is cer- tainly perfect. if there is perfection. It is some grand old song crystallized. From
  tions it is without blemish. It was built for the ages and posterity will rise up and call the men blessed who built it.
 The pastor in charge at the time this church was built was Dr. c. B. Riddick man of remarkable eloquence and decis- ion of character. The question arose: Would it not be better to build several small churches rather than one large one?" Dr. Riddick insisted that there should be one grand central church, and ha or,a hi ri,t a11 The wisdom of his decision has been justi- fled. The First Methodist church has proved power for good It attracts those who are not gwen to church-going. The pulpit has been occupied by such distinguished preachers as Bishop Gallo way, Mr. Moody and Rev. MT. Stewart. Without such church MT. Moody could mot have been induced to come from his far northern home.
 The auditorium of the church seats 1900 people, and with seats in the aisles it will hold 2000 persons. It has been filled to overhowing on several occasions. One admirable feature of the church is the Sunday school room in the rear, which is cut off from the auditorium. In the Sunday school room each class has its separate department so that others are not disturbed during racita- tion. The Sunday school is presided over by MT. J. H. Garner and numbers 525 scholars. The total membership of the church is 1200, winch makes it the largest in the southern connection with the ex- ception of McKendree in Nashville. An other admira ble feature of the church is the room in the basement set apart for social gatherings. Here is found a com plete range for cooking and other access sories for church suppers. This social feature has often brought the members together in pleasant converse.
 The large pipe organ was manufactured by Hook & Hastings of Boston, and cost $10,000. It is the largest in the state. Miss Belle Mccoy is the organist.
 Rev. Dr. George c. Kelly of Kentucky is the pastor in charge and is able, schol- arly and eloquent. He succeeded Rev. Dr. Morris, who is now in charge of Me Kendree church, Nashville.
 There are twelve Methodist churches in Birmingham, with total membership of 5000.
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