The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-06-20
CORNER STONE IF
 B|G CHURCH LAID
Impressive Ceremonies at 1 lth
 Avenue Methodist Church
DR. RlDDICK THE ORATOR
The New Edlfice Viii be Completed November 1-lt Is Being Built of Alabama Marble-His-
 tory of Congregation.

The corner stone of the new Eleventh Avenue Methodist church. corner of
 Eleventh avenue ana Twelfth street. south. was laid yesterday afternoon with l fitting and impressive ceremonies. Fully 500 people witnessed the exercises which were in terrupted by shower, forcing the crowd to adjourn to the Sunday school room where the exercises were completed. The Rev. c. B. Riddick de- livered the address, which was pro- nounced able and eloquent.
 The choir, under the direction of Mrs. A. E. Lewis. rendered some excellent music. After the opening hymn the Rev. Dr. J. D. simpson. presiding elder of the Birmingham district, lead In fervent prayer.
 The Rev. Dr. J. H. Mccoy then read the lesson as provided by the Methodist discipline on such occasions.
 Stone In Position.
 1 After Dr. Riddick had pronounced the benediction as required by the Methodist discipline, the stone was placed in posi- ton. The stone was donated by l.. N. Archer of the Birmingham Marble works It was inscribed as follows: "The Eley- enth Street Methodist Episcopal church, south; 1soi; the Rev. W. E. Morris. pas tor; the Rev. J. D. Simpson, presiding elder."
 The stone was laid on the southeast corner of the structure and was put in position by A E. Lewis, the contractor. The following articles were placed in the box, which was donated by R. L. Lewis: The lesson, the list of charter members, the present members the officers mem- bers and teachers of the Sunday school since organization; officers. members, constitution and bylaws and financial standing of the Ladies Aid society: mem bers of Junior Epworth league, a copy of the Christian Advocate and a copy of ] the Alabama Advocate.
 1 The Address.
 At this juncture the people repaired to the Sunday school room and listened to the address of Dr. Riddick. The doctor began by recounting tho growth of the Methodist church in Birmingham. He 1 dwelled upon the early struggles of the First Methodist church which he termed | as the mother of the other Methodist churches in the city As representative | of the mother church, he was glad to be present on this occasion. This he said, 'ls an eligible location for church and I predict that some day 1t will be one of the leading churches in the state. It is a good thing to plant a church. he stated, for the church is the center from which all things radiate that purify society" 1 Dr. Riddiclx's address made A fine im- presson on his hearers. His tribute to l the women who had done so much 10 build the edlfice, was very eloquent.
 The Eleventh Avenue church was or l ganized on December 8, 1902 with one hundred charter members. For one year services were held in the parsonage. The Rev. W. E. Morris, pastor. was appointed l by Bishop Joe s. Key In 1902. He was re- appointed by Bishop A. Coke Smith. a year later. The Sunday school room was l completed on December f. 1903 and the l congregation has been worshipping in 1 that room ever since The Sunday school was organized on January 4, 1903, with 105 members.
 Being Built of Marble. Work on the main auditorium was be- gun on July last and will be completed by November l. It is being built of Ala bama marble taken from the Russellyille 4Iarries. It's seating capacity including Sunday school room and gallery will be 1000. The auditorium will seat 400. When completed the new edifice will cost $sO,- 600. It is located in one of the prettiest sections of the city and will be one of the handsomest and most imposing houses | of worship in Birmingham.
 The officers of the church are as fol- lows: Board of Stewards-J. B. Francis, chairman; Walter K McAdory, secreta- ry John D. Scruggs, treasurer: J. l.. Yancey, Dr. E. M. Robinson. G. M Bow CTS. W. J. Yielding, J. L. Robertson, Fred J. Shepard, Charles J. Perry, II. B. Dr. auhart, trustees; Dr. c. II. Jerngan, Dr. l.. A. Crumley, R. c. Hewitt Dr. J. T. l Harwell, Samuel J. Perry, J. B. Simpson, w. T. Cox, W. c. Garrett, Wynn Mason, Sunday school-G. M. Bowers, superin- tendent W. T. Cox, assistant snperin- tendent; Walter K. McAdory, secretary; I. B. Francis, treasurer; Mrs. J. D. Scruggs, organist. Ladies Aid Society," I Mrs. Daisy c. McAdory, president; Mrs W. V. Kelly, first vice president Mrs. w. F. Morris, second vice president; Mrs. J.. D. scruggs, treasurer; Mrs. George Ja- nette secretary.
 
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