Akron daily Democrat. [volume] (Akron, Ohio) 1892-1902, 1900-09-10
AKRON
Architect Abroad.
Planned a Church at
Roanoke
And Is Given a Great
Deal Of Praise.
The New Edifice Will Cost
$4,000
And Is One of the Finest In the
Land.
From the Roanoke, tva.) Times

| From the Roanoke, tva.) Times
Eighteen years ago, on the 10th day
Of November, 1882, handful of peo,
pie Of the Roman Catholic faith, gath.
cred in what was then the city hall
the old frame building on the corner
Of Campbell ave. and Roanoke ST.,
for the purpose of holding service fol-
the first time. From that handful of
Jealous, earnest workers under the
leadership always of the same pastor,
the present floulishing tree has sprung
and the power obtained for the build
ing of a church edifice that will have
few rivals in this country for beauty
and grace. And more, the building will
be the monument erected to the mar.
velous industry and wonderful pro.
gress Of the people of the Roman
church in this city. Back in 1882 the
obstacles We're apparently insurmount,
able. 1t was then that Father J. w.
Lynch, of Roanoke. At that time eight
In addition to the city hall passen'
ger coach on the Norfolk and West.
ern yard was the only equipment at
hand. In the following year the old
church now torn away to make room
for the new building was erected. The
dedicatory services were held on Oc'
tober 2S, 1883, and were performed by
Bishop Keanc, then of Richmond, but
now of Dubuque, assisted by Father
Mcverry, Of Staunton, and Father
Lynch, of Doanoke. AT that time eight
benches in the new church were suf-
iicient to hold the entire congregation
and, indeed up to the time the Shen,
andoah Valley road came to Roanoke
there was but one individual here
claiming Roman Catholicism as his
faith. But after the new church was
dedicated the congregation began to
grow and as time went by the school
and orphanage were added to the build.
ings on the hill. For the school it is
claimed that 1t is easily the best Cath,
olc institution of it's kind in the do
cese. The sisters are thoroughly
yersed in their duties and adopt the
most advanced methods of education.
With all this st may readily be seen
that more commodious quarters are
needed for the people of st. Andrews
church, for there are now about SIX
teen hundred Catholics who attend that
place OF worship. Thus, as remarked
by member OF the congregation, the
parable Of the little mustard seed again
repents itself and proves what even
an obscure country parish may do
when there is perfect harmony between
tho people and their pastor.
The work Of the preparation for the
erection OF the new st. Andrews
church has long been going on, as 1t
was determined at the very first that
not one stroke would be made until the
money was in hand TO pny for it. 10,
day there is 100000 in cash to pay the
cost of the building Besides this the
altars, organ. gallery, chimes and other
fittings will be purchased, making the
total cost something like $4,000 or
$4,000. To Father Lynch aud his
excellent business qualifications, to
gether with the love and confidence in
which be is held by his people, are due
this accomplishment.
The new church will stand upon the
site of the old one, It's base within a
few inches of 100 feet above the mar
ket square. Its location is magnificent
and when complete II will add mater.
tally to the appearance of the city. The
building will be In the Gothic style
and made of buff brick with stone
trimmings. the stone coming from the