The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1906-03-27
A BUSINESS BLOCK
and CHURCH IN one
UNIQUE USE SUGGESTED FOR
PLYMOUTH CHURCH CORNER.
idea Provides for Eight-Story Building
with Ample Room for an Institutional
Church and Religious Headquarters
Together with Store and Office Space
to Pay Expenses.

Here s an idea as to the possibilities
Of Plymouth Congregational church,
which will make talk not only among
it's members, but among all who are in
terested Ill the business development OF
Nicollet avenue. While the suggestion
is presented by its author as a possible
dream, its source is such that it is en-
titled to more serious consideration.
Was It "All Dream?
AS 1 turned the corner into Nicollet
avenue says the seer, "my attention
became instantly fixed upon a new and
startling vision; on. the corner of
Eighth street, where the old Plymouth
church had stood for thirty years, there
doomed into the sky at eight stories in
height, building Of rare architectural
design, suggesting the facade of Gre
clan temple, yet modern in material and
graceful in outline, simple, dignifed and
quite in harmony with the new Audito-
rum in point of pleasing effect.
son. either side of. its broad, deep
entrance whose concentric arches re-
minded me Of the cathedral Of Cologne,
was commodious salesroom, books and
stationery on one side, and leading
jewelry firm was displaying it's dainty
wares on the other.
IntClIuS CAC welcoming
doors, we were confronted by easy
broad stairs, and roomy elevators, rap
id and silent, conveying people in num-
bers to. the offices above, where I read
the names OF many of the leading law
firms Of the city, and here and there
that Of well known physician.
r.. Church Was a Tenant.
"Closer examination revealed the
fact that three entire stories Of this
superb structure were occupied by the
plymouth church and congregation for
worship, and for the. varied functions
town institutional church-committee
rooms, reading rooms, charitable depart.
| ments, typewriting, etc.-while ali the
Congregational societies, ministers
meetings and missionary organizations
were well housed -, and admirably
manned. 1t was in fact Congregation
al headquarters for the denomination
as well as for Plymouth church, and the
home Of all our benefcent undertak.
lng eti IL, - .. ~
ley and other gymnastic appointments
including baths and apparatus, with com
petent instructors. -
- was deeply impressed with thu
up to-date aspect, Of the whole scheme
and no less by the sound common sense
and adequate provision for effectiv,
service which appeared on every hand
| On Business Basis.
"TheS inquiry how this was built an,
maintained was metby the statemen
that a corporation had been. formed b,
aaa gut taty ct t+o tie Shu4Sh and society
I plymouth Temple, s1@l6a &c onsi derabl
amount, and the balance was: raised OF
mortgage upon the plant, which fu1
nished ample security. l~ i'0.:s:t/ ..
| IL learned also that all the store
and offices were rented before the build
ing was completed, and that the inco1nI
f from rentals was paying a handsom
return upon the investment, including
sinking fund which in time will elilni
nate the mortgage. Meanwhile all tn
. life, of the church and denomination
has been unified and made vital. tn
problems of finance and of removal fol
ever settled, and the dear old site re
1 Of Congregational Christian work fo
the city's betterment at point Wher
most needed; while the cathedral cha1
acter Of old Plymouth has been emphe
sized anew, and people from all SCI
: tions of the city combine to maintai
it's highest efficiency with vigor an
1 enthusiasm. r..
"The demands of business for thi
valuable corner have been satisfied b
this compromise, while superb opport,
mites for lectures and other social an
}, musical functions have been made avail
) able to the people at large, at mos
! convenient and accessible point.
"tThat night, in the family circle, "
had a =jubilation over this new depa
ture in church architecture, and tn
: fresh evidence Of the vitality Of tt
institution in thus adapting itself to tt
! changing conditions Of our modern cit
/. life. =
"But, alas! next morning, eager
, turning four steps toward the beaut
full corner, 10! the old Plymouth stru
ture was still there, and a notice poste
. on the door calling a meeting to col
I slider removal. ~
! cit was Eall dream but who know
! but someone may have an inspiratic
9 along the line of this dream, ar
9 Plymouth Temple may yet become g
D accomplished fact in the progress
Christian ideals in our growing city!
KILLED BY TRAIN