The Clarksburg telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1874-1926, 1903-10-02
DECORATIONS AT THE FIRST ZAP.
TIsT UHuRuH, THE PROUD RE
SUIT or ARTISTS SKILL.


The interior decoration OF the First
Baptist church was finished Tuesday
evening. The church is thing of beauty
and joy forever, the result of the skill
full hand and touch of George w. 6ieg-
fried, of GAINESVILLE, Ohio, who had been
at work ON 1t several weeks.
Mr. Giegfried prides himself ON his
work and has wide reputation, but he
was especially interested in this job, ow-
ing to the fact that his grandfather, Rev.
Simeon Siegfried, was pastor Of the
church many years ago, the records of
the ehuneh dating his passionate as being
before the Civil war.
The decoration is separate and dis
tinct, there being only one other church
in the state decorated in similar manner.
This distinction is ON account Of the fact
that it is plastic relief work. The old
way was to mould it and then put it up,
but Mr.. siegfried does It all by hand,
making It much superior to the other.
+ The color scheme of the walls and
ceilings of the auditorium is of cream,
terra Gotta and sage green, blended in a
way to lend beautiful, pleasing effect.
The scene is one that is admired by all
who behold 1t, and simply superb in ell
its phases.
The frescoing is embellished with em-
blematic designs, consisting of crosses,
lilies, Bible and crown. Over the chan
gel is an artificial Bible and crown, which
man, in all his genius, could not make
to look more natural. So distinct are
the lines of the open book that even the
blind, figuratively speaking, may read
The ornamentation is strictly classic
and will meet with the favor OF the fn-
est artists in the United States. It Is
peculiar inasmuch that there is none bet
ter in the United States.
The Sunday school room and the lit
tie parlor are in regular fresco work,
and the same color scheme rs that used
in the auditorium, except that the posi-
tive and the negative were observed as a
matter of distinction.
The congregation and Mr.. Siegfried are
to be heartily congratulated over the ele-
gance of the work and the inspiring re-
suit of the resolution of the church and
the labor of Mr.. siegfried. Possibly, the
interior of the church Is as fine as the
ingenuity of mankind could make &c, and
as place Of divine worship It furnishes
magnetic attraction to all who love art
and are poetically inclined.
The edifice has been renovated from
top to bottom. The windows have been
cleaned and all the woodwork brushed.
The exterior woodwork has hene painted
and numerous little improvements have
been made, having in view attractive
ness, cleanliness and fitness for worship
of the Most High.
The new carpet for the auditorium was
especially made by the John and James
Dobson company, of Philadelphia, lead
ing carpet manufacturers, and Is the best
body Brussels of their make. The pat
tern was selected by Mr.. Siegfried to
harmonize with the colors In the room.
The total cost Of these improvements,
including certain part of the church
debt, Is about 81 400. The amount has
been judiciousiy expended and could not |
have been devoted to better purpose.
The edifce.. after having undergone |
these extensive and handsome improve
ments, Is more attractive than ever, and |
It viii be found pleasure to all who |
worship IN that church to congregate
themselves there in the future and know
that they have a place of worship that
both God and man are pleased With