The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-09-28
NEW CHURCH EDIFICE
CongregatiOnaIists Plan Mag
nifcent Structure.
TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS
Addition to Plymouth Church
to Be Built.

The era of prosperity and progressive de-
Telopment, now thoroughly on its way in
I'll channels OF Wichitas affairs, is being
felt among the various churches and de-
rloninatonal institutions. Rapid growth
In al its branches IS being witnessed; In
the increased embership. liquidating Of IN
uebtedness, as well as improvements in
their realty interests and church buildings.
Among the vary last TO start improve
ments is Plymouth Congregational church,
the first church of this sect in the city.
These contemplated Improvements are OF
euch a character as will rebound to the
pride and general satisfaction Of the city
at large, irrespective Of denomination or
Religious sectarianism. To the COngrega-
sionaIists themselves it means the culmin-
alton of a drea and a hope and faith Of
long years standing, and Will mean TO
them a great matter. as evidence Of their
growth and strength in this community.
This new enterprise is none other than the
building Of a splendidly equipped modern
church edifce, which shall be an endur-
ing monument to their fidelity, eager en-
thusiasm, and city fealty. The new edlfce
will be built on the church lot owned by
the society on the corner Of Lawrence ave-
hue and Second street. and viii front on
Lawrence.
For years the modest chapel where has
Sorshiped this sect has faced on Second
etreet, and until the past year has been
ample quarters for them Now the society
has grown so rapidly that their present
accommodations are found wholly made
Quate, and at a recent business meeting
Of the body it was almost unanimously
voted to undertake this splendid plan, and,
under the leadership of Rev. Henry Z.
Thayer. pastor and some of the citys
most substantial citizens, is bound to result
as it has been planned At present the
brick church occupies only small portion
OF the church lot, and besides this main
building IS a small frame Building, used a
present for the primary department Of the
Sunday school. and the pastor study. The
old brick building will be retained just as
It now is. The frame building will 7be re-
moved tomake room for some additional
rooms. while the new edifice will take up
the lot fronting Lawrence, and will be at
tached to the west side of the brick and
the two make up one connected interior.
The floor plan Of the contemplated build
ing is as follows: The new structure viii
be 116x5S feet. with the main entrance on
Second street. On the northwest corner
will be square tower. similar to the one
on the present structure the latter re-
manning also. The auditorium will seat
200 in pews. and there via be three main
Hisles leading in a triangular formation
down TO the south side where the pulpit
and the choir will he stationed There will
be a raised floor. sloping from the north
side down toward the pulpit and choir. To
the left Of the pulpit will he a vestibue
leading into the pastors ante-room and
from thence through an arch direct to the
pulpit desk. There will he a similar ante
room leading into the choir chancel. the
latter being provided with toilet rooms and
rommodious rehearsal apartments All this
new addition will be directly connected
with the old rooms by folding doors ana
curtains.
The old building will he adapted for BAN
uuet purposes, kitchens, and the social
features. In addition to all this there will
be added lean-to on the east side for
St'CNAeAF i'iii i'0V9- III W III ldht lit place
Of the frae building and will consist Of
three apartments, one a main reading
room. 17x17 feet; one for a general church
office. 12Xl7 feet, and kindergarten divi-
sion. 17X1S feet All these viii he for insti-
tutional purposes. and up-to-date in all
their arrangements. Minor effects will he
special desks. bookcases, tables for papers.
manuscripts writing and reference work.
The whole new building will he of pressed
brick veneer. and Of the most modern
architectural design. T. F. Kidder Of Dem
yer. 4 specialist in church architecture
and design. is the special artist at work
on the ground floor plan. and shortly. IT IS
expected. he viii forward the working
plans. The whole improvements viii cost
e. the present estimate about S100a0. The
building unfurnished will reach at least 81
600. and with the several special extras
Will fully make up the aforementioned sum
When all completed II will he the next 10
finest and ost attractive church ndifce in
the city. s.. Johns Episcopal church, built
recently. alone excepted.
Or. Cobb secretary general Of The Amer