New-York tribune., 1905-08-10
WILL REBUILD CHURCH.
Generous Subscriptions offered
Pastor of st. Thomas's.

If the slightest doubt existed that st.
Ihomass Church would not be rebuilt the
present site it dissipated yesterday when
the pastor. the Rev. DR. Ernest NJ Stires re-
ceived inuumerable subscriptions one Of which
amounted to $4,000. The loss Of the church
corporation in the recent fire was less than
100000, giving the altar decorations by La
Fargo and st. Gaudens the utmost valuations.
The loss is covered by insurance amount
ing to 100000. which is held in two British in
surance corporations
The question before the vestry of St
Thomas's has not been merely question Of a
new church but one of site and edihce. Their
decision yesterday was that the church should
continue at 53d-st. and Fifth-ave.. whether
not the old structure is rebuilt.
There seems to be a strong sentiment In the
congregation that St. Thomas's is worthy OF a
more notable building than the Gothic structure
that was destroyed While architects have had
nothing to say against the tower which
vived the fire. they have severely criticised the
remainder of the structure,
IF st. Thomas's must have Gothic tower. let
it have Gothic church all the way through"
said prominent architect yesterday. and not
a combination OF the architecture of several
generations. for which the old church was
noted"
The vestry of the church held a meeting yes
terday in the offices Of the parish which were
preserved from the fire. They decided that the
church must be rebuilt at once whether on the
old plan or not. Beyond this they reached
decision.
The church must be rebuilt on the present
site" said DR.. Stires yesterday. MANY offers
nave been received from churches in Manhat-
tan giving US the use of their edihces We
must build temporary structure TO care for
the congregation. and possible work
out new st. Thomas's which will be credit
TO the parish"
Dr.. Stires said that the letters which he had
received had touched him deeply. There was
one from wealthy member OF the congreRa-
ton which promised $4,000 toward the new
church He was more impressed. however. by
an offer of 500. which came from a poor clerk
who was a parishioner.
This mans letter touched me particularly"
he said to a Tribune reporter. He can hardly
afford this small contribution, yet he makes IL
Of his own free will. His salary is small va,
he shows the right sort of spirit
Yesterday afternoon contract was let bv the
Vestry OF St Thomas'S for the construction OF
temporary structure in which public worship
might be held The contract was secured hy
A. j. Robinson & Co. at a cost of $4,000 The
structure will be simple in design and finish
and work on IL will begin as soon as the
insurance adJusters have finished their work.
Until the temporary church is completed the
parish will use the church offices and choir
rooms in the rear of the church. which escaped
the fire.
the tower Of the old church is safe and plans for
new structure will include II.
1t was said yesterday that S500.000 was avail
able for the erection of a new church for ST
Thomas's. The work of removing the debris
will begin at once and the temporary place Of
worship should be ready by November l.