The Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1895-1897, 1896-05-20

seat about $50 more people than with
the ordinary pews.
The choir Is situated on q platform to
the left Of the pulpit. and there ia a
Large organ recess in which pine organ
is soon to be built. The pulpis furni-
ture Is something new. Instead of the
oio-fashioned high chair backs, the
chairs are of the heaviest upholsterinr.
matching the carpet and other Hxtures'
each OF the three pieces different from
the other In style, size and color. The
pulpit itself is of antique oak, with a
Bible stand, two flower stands. And
handsome communion table to match.
The pulpit furniture was the gift of Mr..
and Mrs. E. 81. Stewart. A set OF silver
collection plates artistically engraved
have been donated by the Eutaw Place
Baptist Church, of Baltimore.
The baptistry, which is Immediately
to the right of the pulpit, ia Q UNIQUE
feature. The stone coping around the
top Ia OF pure white marble. On one
END Is an open Bible, and on the other
cross and crown, while ACROSS the
front appear these words, Zone Lord,
One Faith. One Baptism" This was
done by j. T. Brown, the marble man,
OF this city, and is o creditable piece of
work.
Leading to the baptistry are the two
fooing rooms, which are fitted up spe-
cially for the purpose for which they are
intended. The church is equipped with
complete sanitary arrangements, both
up and down stairs. 1t is hested by the
lated improved steam heating appa-
ratus.
There are fifteen windows to light the
main auditorium, one of which Is of
stained glass, the work of George w.
Cunningham and Ed. Biglow, who de-
serve special mention for their Artistic
work.
AT night the church will be lighted by
hfteen chandeliers, which will drop
from the carved beams supporting the
ceilings. These chandeliers are of
figured glass and antique brass and are
arranged for gas and electricity.
The hnishings Of the auditorium are
OF natural wood handsomely carved and
are from the works of the Central Manu-
Iaoturing Company, a home industry.
tended by II. II. Higgins, architect, of
this city.
The basement, which for over q wear
has been place of worship for the con.
gregation, has been divided into class
rooms for the Sunday.school and can
Still be thrown into one auditorium
when desired for lectures or chur Oh
| meetings.
In concluding this sketch of the en-
terpriae in which all Roanoke should
rejoice, 1t is fitting to state that too
much credit cannot be given to Roa-
noke's liberal hearted citizen, e. ii.
Stewart, whose enthusiasm and henevo,
lence In the early history Of the church
contributed greatly toward the culmi-
nation Of their plans.
Mention ought also TO be made of w.
E. Deaton, who was largely instru-
mental in revivinR the hope, when
everybody else's hope had almost
flown. 1t would not do to leave out the
names OF the present buildi ing commit
tee, with j. A. Pitcher, chairman,
whose practical knowledge OF mechanics
and thorough business qualifications,
together with his conservation to his
Masters work and love for his church
has done more than any other one man.
The other members of the committee
who have assisted in this work, are B.
a. Jones, Chas. Lunsford and G.. @.
Jones.
Last. but not least by any means, ia
the work of :he ladies. for without them
the church could not have been built.
The sacrifices they have made will live
In eternity.