Connecticut western news., 1904-09-08
of Methodist Church.

RemOdeling of Methodist Church.
 The Methodists of Canaan have been contemplating for some time the work of repairing their church and their plan has crlminated in the decision to begin at once the work of remodeling after the plans of H. s. Moul, architect of Hud- son, N. Y. We understand the work will be done by Messrs. Evans Brothers of Great Harrington, who will, we are sure, do an eminently satisfactory piece of work.
 The work includes the removal of the large central entrance to the church, the new entrance being put at one side of the front, and the place of the old en- trance will be taken up by large window. The anticipated stairway in the vestibule leading to the basement will be turned around and the trap door arrangement done away with, proper stair railing giving protection and finish ed appearance to the stairs which will be at the side of the new corner vesti- bule. The partition between the present vestibule and the auditorium will be re- moved and by an arrangement of fold ing doors a fine chapel room will be made at the end of the building, which can at any time be thrown open, thus adding to the size of the auditorium. An addition will be built on at the west end of the church to accommodate the new pipe organ. A new platform will be added extending the whole width of the church, upon which will be erected the pulpit platform in the centre. This platform will be separated from the organ by partition panelled to match the beautiful organ front and the spaces on either side of the pulpit platform separated from the body of the church by brass railing and curtain-will &C., commodate the senior and junior choirs. The large archway framing the organ, and the two windows in alcoves on each side of the organ, will give to this part of the church very pleasing appearance. The old ceiling, entirely flat and plain, will give place to one sloping at each side, and will be one of the modern and tasteful steel ceilings in nine panels of gothic design with @ large ventilating centre. The new arrangement and material will not only result in thing of beauty, but will completely do away with an accoustical defect which is noticeable at present. The present seat ing arrangements are also to be i'm. proved upon, new pews of approved style with shaped backs and seats, very comfortable and obviating the need ot cushions, will be installed in a semi-cir. cular arrangement with two wide aisles When we add that the church is to be lighted with electric light, it will at once be seen that the church is not only be- ing made beautiful, but that nothing will be left undone to make it up to date in all its appointments.
 While the whole church has beer thoroughly interested in the present scheme, it is but just to say that great stimulus was given by the large hearted generosity of one of the members, Mrs Corbit, whose public spirit in this, as il other matters, is beyond praise. Mrs Corbit presented the church, upon con dition that the work of remodelling bt done. splendid two manual pipe orgar in polished mahogany case of colonia design, more detailed description o1 which will be given our readers later With twenty-two stops, over sever hundred pipes, radiating and concavt pedal board of the type approved by the American Guild of Organists, and every modern mechanical attachment of prac. tical usefulness, it will be one of tht | finest organs in this part of the state This gift is the more welcome as tht l spontaneous gift of one of our own com munity and will have associations tha could never gather about the gift of { Carnegie or other stranger philanthropist | One of the delightful circumstances il connection with the closing out of tn people from their own church is tha the people of the Congregational Church immediately upon hearing of the con templated work, took generous advan tage of the opportunity to do generou act and offered the use of their church etc. to the Methodist people to use a they see fit. The offer of course was ac cepted and the congregations will wor ship together, the ministers alternating in pulpit service; and thus as one churcl rejoice in the prosperity of another an, both seek to be helpful to the communit, at large, they are bound together il
 bonds of friendship which we wisl
 might be the case all over the land. w
 feel like congratulating all concerne,
 upon the happy state of affairs and pra.
 that it may always continue.