Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1905-06-24
Edifice Of First Christian \
Society. Finally Finished.
Dedication Ceremonies VIII BE-
Observed Sunday Mtsrnooa.
Brief stskh II M" olgalkadsa and
rs Wslt 10 AngIsh.

The final work of completing and
furnishing the First Christian church'
on Northern avenue, is accomplished.
and the dedication ceremonies Will be
held in the main audience room Of the
finished building at 230 o'clock, Sum
day afternoon. the dedicatory sermon
10 be preached by the Rev. 0. J. Han
cock OF Old Orchards (
The Completion OF this church. edifice
marks an important epoch in the his
tory of the society which has been at
work now for over 80 years, and is the
browning achievement in the persistent
and tireless efforts of John o. Boyes,
who has personally solicited all the
funds for the erection and furnishing OF
the new church.
Back In the 7Os. the residents in that
section of the city known as Sand Hill
had no church in their vicinity which
they cared to attend and Mr.. Boyes
did his best to induce them to go to the
churches down town. The general cry,
however, was that liza church could
be provided on the hill they would
gladly attend. Accordingly. services
were begun, in June of 1873. in vacant
barn, and in September OF the same
year the Christian church was organic
ell. Two years later the first real church
building was, erected on the same site
as the present structure.
In 1884. the audience room became toe
small to comfortably accommodate the
people who gathered there for worship
and the leaders set about furnishing
more commodious quarters. 1t was no;
until 1889, however, that the church nu-
thorized Mr.. BOyes to start on his WORK
of soliciting, which ne has since prose
cuted so faithfully. Two years later
sufficient progress had been made tc
warrant the raising and enlargement Of
the building, and comnodiOus vestries
we're built in the basement. in which
the services of the church and Sunday
school have since been held. Iomor'
row Mr.. Boyes will see the realization
of his hopes in the dedication OF th'
completed edifice.
The church is pleasantly located or
the west side of the avenue, near tbs
top of the hill, and Is an attractive
building In it's new coat OF white PAM
with trimmings In old gold. The steeple
with its bell and clock, add much to tho
appearance OF the structure. Two en-
frances are arranged to the main au
dience room, approached by snor
flight of steps. This main room I'M
mediately impreSses one with It's All
of uuietness, and seems To be planne'
for the giving Of res: and inspiration
The room Is we'll lighted by large win
dows furnished with inside. shutters
and I'm the evening by large electri
bulbs.
The furnishings are IN Cak, or par
ticularly pleasing design. The pulp
furnishings are of the best. with an al
tar rail of brass and appropriate cur
tain, while the communion table. will
its carved inscription. Is a choice piece
of furniture The organ is located De
side the pulpit. and full supply o
hymn books and Bibles is furnished fo
the whole congregation. The room seat;
about 400.
Immediately connected with the pull
rit, and with the vestry as well. Is
cosy room for the pastor. appropriated!
furnished. The vestries in the basement
are also completely furnished and con
tain seine new and original Ideas a
the designer. One OF these Is the parti
ton between the two principal rooms
which consists Of sectional windows. s.
arranged as to make the rooms entire
ly scpa rate, Ut united into one with
large seating capacity. This part OF tn
church is also supplied with its organ
clock and the library OF the Sunday
school, which contains some 40 vol
umes. Beneath the vestries Is a DIR.
and we'll arranged cellar. with an eN
cellent furnace which can be utiiize'
for heating a part or the whole or TN
building.
The completion OF the building Is tn
outcome Of more than Is years OF worl
on the mart OF Mr.. BOyes who, while n
has not given his whole time to TN
work has kept everlastingly at 1t. tn
subscriptions have all been compare
tively small, the largest being $320. AM
tho others ranging from that DOWN u
10 cents. At the outset the iot wa
valued at $500, and now Is eonsidere'
TO be worth $1,000. A total of over $soo
has been expended in building ana III
ting up the church, and an insurano
Of 5000 Is carried.
The best part OF it all Is that tn
building is practically all paid 1or. MI
Boyes is very modest in telling OF III
mart in the work and attributes de
youtly all the honor to the higher pow
or which has. directed him at all times
The regular services Of the enprc'
are held every Sabbath. at 1890 A. M
the Rev. Frank o. Ward occupying IN
pulpit. 1t is earnestly hoped that al
extra large attendance may be had a
the special dedicatory ceremonies hei'
at go p. NJ, Sunday.