The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-03-29
NEW HOME OF FIRST CHURCH Magnificent Structure
 For Baptists. ONE OF THE soUTH's FINEST Ii Is Imposing from Every View 2 Point.
 rhe General Plan of Arehiteeture Tends towards ; Profouna
 Space in the Lofty Ia-

With practically all of the exterior
 work completed the magnificent edi-
 flee of the First Baptist Church con-
 gregation stands out monument
 worthy of the splendid church which
 has been shepherded by so many of the
 South's iilustrious divines in years gone by. The growth in strength, both
 in religious life and worldly accom-
 piishments. is the result of the many
 years careful work on the part Jcf
 those who have been pastors of this
 flock, until now 1t Is preparing house
 of worship which is second to none
 in the South.
 Located on a prominent eminence
 on Perry street between Scott and
 Alabama streets the magnificent dome
 of the structure, with It's red tiled cov-
 ering, catches the eye from almost
 any point in the city Its donnes and turrets. punctuating the sky line, re- live the tediousness Of outline usually found in buildings of such proportions.
 It Is truly an imposing pile.
 It will be many months before the building is completed suhfciently to permit of it's occupancy by the con-
 gregation. All of the stone work has been completed and the entire exter- for with the exception of some of the ornamental installations. has been completed. But inside the church still presents cavernous aspect, and Tor the present work is suspended. The auditorium Is completed. inside and Is in use by the congregation.
 The main entrance to the edif1ce will be from Perry street, although there will be entrances from Alabama and Scott streets as well. The general plan of the architects tends towards profound spaces. the immense dome above the main auditorium affords d lofty ceiling area of nearly one hun dred feet. and 1t is in this great room that the magnfncance of the construc- ton will be most iavishiy displayed. From viewing the interior at present no idea can be gained of the magnifi- cent interior has been completed The scaRording has not yet been ttorn away. there is no flooring down, and the bare arch, of heroic proportions be- tween the main auditorium ana the Sunday school rooms, Is without coy. ering.
 The building committee is not yet ready to give to the public q full description of the church, rather re- serving this for a surprise when the day of dedication comes. The general arrangement. however, is about the same as any of the modern churches 2 but on more extensive scale. The 10R8ELeQ the Sunday school room by magnih- cant arch and sliding doorway. oc- cupyins portion of this great space will be the handsome organ and choir loft:
 The baptisrnaI will be to the left of the pulpit. and it is planned to be the most magnificent of it's kind in the country. It will be constructed of mar ble throughout, with carved ornamen- kfSF< A ~ .N 4t. main auditorium will be ample to &C., cornmodate the entire congregation and as many visitors as will usually be found attending. e
 It will be possible to press into service the Sunday school room in cases of emergency. Tn this Sunday school room there is gallery for the classes while the teachers are in charge Following the lessons the classes will be brought down into the main Sunday school room.
 The only portion of the building completed 50 far is the assembly room. This room is now being used for the regular services of the church. This room is hemisphere in shape with sixteen large white ornamental pillars in 1t. The floor is marble til- sd and the entire interior is finished Is pure white. Connected with this room is a lavatory for women. and a kitchen which can be used in prepar- ng for church entertainments and re- captions. There Is also a kitchen up Itairs connected with the Sunday school room.
 Tn the Assembly room are hung the portraits of ail of the former pastors 1f the First Baptist Church with the exception of one or two. They are as 'olIows:
 Lee Compere. 1s2s-ss; s. ID. Worth nston. 1884. tNo portrait yet) lanes H. Devotie; Jesse E. Iartwell, lss443s: William Cary Henry Taibird. 1S4s-51: Isaac Taylor rtch enor, 1S52-60; Basil Manly, 1S60-63 David William Gwin 1s6s-Te; Joseph soardnan Hawthorne. 1S76-79; Angus us Beverly Woodin. 1SS0-s4: Morton Bryan wharton, 1ss4-9o; William liar 'is 1890; George Boardman Edgar, S92-1900; Charles Averette Stakeley, 900.
 Nearly two hundred seats more are Lmorded in the assembly room now han were obtainable in the old church. This room. however, is not to be used or services when the other rooms in he church are completed. It will be devoted to receptions, library, chart oofn, etc.
 Throughout the church is to be ft- ed with all modern eonveniences. such $ lavatories retiring rooms. etc. The eating apparatus is in the cellar be- cath the main auditorium. Steam will e employed throughout the building or heating purposes.
 The structure is entirely of brick teel and Georgia marble.