The copper era and Morenci leader., 1918-06-14
GROUND BROKEN
 FOR NEW CHURCH
PREssYTERIANs COMMENCE THE ERECTION OF HANDSOME NEW EDiFiCE-MODERN DESIGN AND OF STONE CONSTRUCTION.

At last the long cherished dreams Of the Presbyterians to have a church building of modern design is about to be realized. In fact the prelimin- ary work is now under way, and be- fore the first of next year shall have come this congregation will be wor- shipping in an edifice that will be a credit to the district. In speaking to MT. w. Neil regarding the new edifice, he said:
 Prior to the United States enter ing the war the Presbyterians con- gregation of Clifton had resolved to build a new church building, for which purpose they had raised 5000. When they were ready to common building, April, 1917, there was such raise in commodity prices, that on original plans it was impossible to get bids which were at all near the de- sired figures, so the matter was for the time being, left in abeyance, but not abandoned.
 "The trustees amended their plans and having been successful in secur- | ing desirable bid, have signed a contract with MT. J. L. Westerman, of Ell Paso, who has already started work on the church building.
 Tt may be stated right here that
 the members have received full per- mission from the State Council of De fense to proceed with the building, as
 the church is considered a national,
 state and local necessity, the support
 of which is consequently not only a
 privilege, but a patriotic duty. Tn this hour of trial we must sup
 port the church. This terrible war will not be finished until we as a peo
 pie, among other things, are drawn
 closer to our God.
 'Mr. Westerman commenced break ing ground for the foundation last
 Monday, and will push the building
 to completion within five months. The contractor has orders placed for all
 material, some of which is now iI
 transit, and the work of quarrying the :. stone will begin at once.
 Dimensions of the Building. The dimensions of the new Pres byterian church, which is to be locat
 ed on the East Side, on Main Street back of the E. M. Williams residence will be constructed of granite witl stucco finish, and will be 52x70 feet and when complete will be one of tn, handsomest church buildings in thi l section of Arizona. It will have tn,
 main floor and basement. In the base
 ment will be located two class rooms s a large dining room, kitchen and fuI 3 n1ture room, pantry, storage and or 3 gan machinery apartments.
 }. "The auditorium, which will be ol + the main floor will have a floor spac g of 33x33 feet, with space left for pip 7 organ loft. Originally it was planne
 to purchase a modern pipe organ fo
 the building, but on account of tn f war this feature will not be added LII |. til later Besides the auditorium ther :. | will be located on the main floor fou ,I large class rooms, one choir room an {, a large primary room. The whol . building will be heated by hot air. d The Copper Era was shown tn . plans of the building, and it is nc !, saying too much to state that thi q will be one of the handsomest churc e e buildings in this part of Arizona Everything has been designed
 make it absolutely modern in il
 appointments, the plans reveal ii
 many conveniences, as we'll as it's a r. tractiveness. When complete th el cost will be approximately $12.000. }. 'The Presbyterian denomination e the oldest in Clifton, and the onl 0 self-supporting church." stated MI )C Ne1ll. ana Wnlle all nave been IaXe Is heavily to build such an edifice, it o believed the congregation will d supported in raising the balance C. the money necessary to give the mer d bers house of worship which will
 credit to the town, as well as to u . membership.
 The building committee consists | John M Mason, l.. L. Fitz, and W. . Riley. who are assisted by P. A. Nj | lock and George A. Wagstaff.