The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1907-02-08
FOR NEW CHURCH.
Methodist EpiscOpaIs Take
Steps to Build.
WILL BE MODERN STRUCTURE
Plans Now Being Prepared and Work
of Building Will Begin Early
This Spring.
From Tuesdays Daily.

From Tuesdays Daily.
Last evening a meeting was held in
the parlors of the Methodist church
when some very important business
was transacted, which is the beginning
of new era in the church's history
and which means much for the civic
beauty of the city.
1t is well known fact that the
Methodist people have long desired to
have new ediiice in which to wor-
ship, but it remained for the present
pastor, Rev. Peter Clare, to really per-
form the work which now assures these
most satisfactory results. He has dur
ing the month of January alone and
single handed raised the magnificent
sum of Sl0,G55 to be added to the
building fund of $1,000 which is now
drawing interest in the bank. He has
confined his solicitations strictly to his
own church people and will not stop
until he has $4,000 on his personal
list.
y \ building committee was elected
consisting of r. C. Peart, DIR. J. w.
Andrews, Geo w Sugden c. Gable,
John ~ White and Mrs b. c.. Par.
malice, president of the Ladies' Aid so.
ciety. Geo. w. Sugden was chosen
treasurer of the building fund.
Architect Simple has been engaged as
designing and supervising architect and
will Immediately proceed to draw the
plans. 1t viii be a strictly modern edi-
flee, built of brick. There will be the
usual auditorium with adjoining parlors,
Sunday school room, etc, on the first
floor. The basement will contain the
heating plant, Kitchen, dining room,
toilet rooms and all of the little ac.
cessories that go to make honey COM
Portable church.
The work of razing the old church
which has housed these faithful wor-
shippers of God for SO many years, will
be begun very soon and the early
spring will find the new structure be,
gun. 1t is hoped to save considerable
salvage which can be used again The
contract will require the completion of
the new church so that it can be dedi.
Gated before cold weather comes again.
The present church was built i'll 1866
when Rev. David Tice became pastor.
The basement was used for all services
for two years before the superstructure
was completed. Rev. e. r. Lathrop
followed Rev. Tice for two years. He
is remembered as a preacher of un-
usual ability, information and logical
power. Rev. 5. G.. Gale became pastor
in 1869. lie negotiated loan from
the Church Extension society, and COM
pleted the superstructure of the pres
ent edifce. The Central NJ. E. church
of Nnona, presented the new church
with the pulpit, Bible and chandeliers,
which have been i'll use ever since. For
many years the church was heavily in
debt and not until 1879 when Rev.
Chas. W. Savage was its energetic pas
tor was this debt raised.
Great credit is due Rev. Clare for
the vigorous manner in which he has
begun the elimination of task which
has been taken up and laid down so
many times. His report of the hand
some sum raised came as great sur
prise TO his Pensioners. 1t is expect
ed to copline the fund to $4,000 and
to place the church out of debt when
the structure is dedicated.