The morning news., 1898-10-17
TO IMPROVE THEIR CHURCH.
First PreSbyteriRns to Alter and
Completely RenOvate the Building.

| Completely RenOvate the Building
The building of the First Presbyterian
| Church is to be completely renovated, i'm
| proved and somewhat altered during the
next two months at a cost which will
probably be near 5000. Messrs. Rabey
who built the Lawton Memorial, Will
! doubtless have the work in charge. They
| are understood to guarantee that if award
ed the contract they viii have the build
ing ready for occupancy again by the
first Of next year.
A meeting of the congregation Of the
church was held after the services yes
terday morning 10 discuss some business
phases Of the matter, but no definite ac-
tion was taken. an adjourned meeting be-
ing decided on for Wednesday, when nee
essary authority will he given those n
charge 10 complete the business arrange
ments and proceed with the work. The
necessary funds, it is understood, will be
provided for promptly.
II has been q number of years since the
First Church has made any improvements
of note to its sanctuary. Outside of the
natural wear and tear, the building has
been damaged by the storms, bad leaks
having ruined the appearance of the CELL
ing There has been a strong feeling for
some time that an effort should be made
to put the building in better condition and
after the damage done by the last two
storms this sentiment crystallzed into def
mite action. While it was only absolutely
necessary TO make some minor repairs the
congregation felt that the time had arrived
when the long-needed overhauling should
be given the building, and it was deter
mined to proceed with that idea in view
As a result when the church is opened
for worship in January it Will seem like
new structure within and without 50
extensive will have been the work upon IT.
Probably from the too great weight of
the roof the side walls of the church
building have been bulged for a long time
This is TO be remedied. The roof is to be
lacked up and the side walls brought to
a proper line by iron braces, which will run
UP into the roof as well as from wall to
wall This defect in the building, it is be-
lieved, can he easily remedied in this Way
The roof will be made of galvanized iron
it is understood. On the inside, the cell
ing will be altered, a fiat ceiling being put
IN at a lower level than the present one
leaving about half of the present arch
This Will conceal the iron rods braciug the
side walls, will improve the acoustics Cf
the building, and il is thought will agree
ably alter the general interior appear
ance. This new lower ceiling will be of
steel, which will be handsomely frescoed
the side walls being decorated in harmony
The present lighting arrangements win
be changed entirely. Handsome electric
light and gas combination chandeliers viii
be put in which win he lower and OF
greater Illuminating power than those now
serving The church. All the woodwork will
be gone over, the pews will be taken out
and put back practically new. New cush-
ions are to be put in them The entire
floor Will probably be covered with a taste
full linOleum. The organ will be overhauled
and will be in fine tone when needed. It's
position win be unchanged
The exterior of the church will be as
completely renovated as the interior. At
ter any rough places are plastered it will
be given four coats of paint all over. the
exact tint not having yet been selected.
All the woodwork, of course, will be sim
ilarly treated. The result will be that
when the congregation enters its church
building again IL viii seem like taking
possession of a new structure, so radically
different win IT look.
1t is probable that the work will begin
within the next len days or two weeks
Arrangements have not yet been decided
upon rs to where the congregation will
Worship while the work Is in progress
When IL is finished the building will be one
of the prettiest in the city.