New-York tribune., 1908-08-30
THE FUNERAL CHURCH"
Il Necessity in a Metropolis Gradual
7y Becoming "H0meless CITY.

That in this commercial age, and In this sup.
posedly selfish city OF New York. 4 man ~o1e
found luxurious church and ohaPei ZOE -.
funeral services may create surprise Yet this nAs
been done by Major Frank z Campoeu Quss.e'
master OF the National Volunteer Emergency oo'-
vice. president OF the American Schooi OF Ss.i'A''
ing and United States government unoertAhor'
They are parts OF interior of the tall aeeproo
building at Nos. 2A and "a, West sd street out
sids this is announced TO the building OF fIanA
F. Campbell undertaken. But on entering on0
imagines there must be some error In the eisH.
There is a large bright and artistic receptlon nnl
in white and gold. The furniture is OF mahogany
The comfortable settsas arc covered Win feo "A'
and on the walls paintings ef value ana nei0
and there are statues from the STANFORD "ii,.
collection. The effect OF the ROOM WIN lts n~I.
concealed telephone booths, ls tnaL oi si7 WV -
q family hotel.
Crossing this hall lis polished wood hoor Gov
cred with costly rugs. enter the chapel oeco
rated in white and ireen- 1t Is an actual ch~~e'
with a. pulpit and regulation pews. BIBLICAL sloI zoe
are illustrated In the stained glass Window ~ni'
electric fans and other modern comforts arc V'o
vided-
Ascending by the elevator to the SECOND aoof' you
find yourself in the funeral church proper ABOUT
10 by 100 feet, free for services to 1r1ends deie
again are pews. pulpit pedestale ana CaI'eo
reredos The floor covering Is Wilton. there are
heavy hangngs and aT the woods were carved
under direction OF Harry P Knowles. who Is the
architect OF the Masonic Temple In the rear
fine organ and choir loft
Back Of the pulpit is suite OF private soonis'
where a family may watch with their dead or re-
main In secluson during service or occupy tse'
of charge hotel accommodation penolns
burial, While is abundant daylight and ven
tfation. this suite and the whole church arc 1ree
from the noise OF the street
But why such church, Mr. Campbell says 1t
IS because New York is becoming a homeless ciy
one-third its population living In hotels. apart
ments and boarding houses. Thousands como mere
| yha ala 1hi
population at all times is enormous. Imagine the
boon of such a placs to the homeless" Now 1orH
family or travelling family suddenly bereaveo-
-sectarian funeral church in the heart OF the
city, and it's doors never closed, night or oa!
There is a complete night staff: and women at
tendants to receive and for women ana chill
dren who wish TO retire TO the private soohs'
where they may rest or sleep.
In this strange church the funeral services OF
many well known persons have been held, fnclud-
,rg Ferdinand Yzuasa George Francis Train,
.Blnd Tom and Bill Anthony. the hero OF the
Maine II its existence and its 1ucc"ss 10
Frank e Campbell. Of the most eDterplsihS
of New Workers.. While he has lived In tho metrop-
oils for sixteen years. he is native OF tho Weet-
having been born Quincy Ill, thirty-six years
ago. He lives with his wife in the London Ierrace'
In West I'D street, and the luxury CT MS nome.
allied with rare art treasures he has reproduced IN
his professional surroundings The loss OF MS cnio
NAV have added to the sympathy with which he
carried out one OK the most delicate and saer0o
services devolving upon men
Mr. Campbell is a trustee OF the Twenty-fourth
street Methodist Episcopal Church. thtrty-seoond
degree Mason and Elk He has travelled exeen-
sively here and abroad. has tsusht and written on
ernbalning and has aroused much comment oy MS
views and statements regarding proper burial
He was also the first TO employ and advocate
fspaIe embaIrners for women and children.
.-T,be funeral church will be dedicated IN the
latter part OF September by the various religious
denominations