Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1921-09-23

of this magnificent piece of furni-
ture and gives 1t a dignity which is
its rightful share. Under the mid
Gle arch stands the pastors pulpit.
The platform having been raised
from a mere step to the height of
four steps, much to the advantage
of bost pastor and congregation.
The arch to the right is closed in
and here is the pastors private
room. which is a gem in itself. 1t
is so CHEEKY with its bright rug and
lovely old fashioned mahogany fur
niture, newly upholstered in inquired
tapestry, a charming, inviting place
for the pastor to receive callers.
At the back of the church there
has been an even greater transfer
nation. Here were formerly located
what were designated as teh church
parlors The tearing out OF parti-
tons and a general encouragement
has made a remarkable change.
Over the parlors, also was situated
the former dining room and kitchen
of the church and these have been
transformed into delightful bal
cony. On the lower floor the space
I
utilized for more pews and this also
lets in the light from the stained
windows in the south end of the
church. making that part of the au-
dience room much more attractive
than before From a hallway in the
center of the building, stairways lead
both up and down stairs. Going up
stairs one enters long hall widened
in the center into sort of reception
room and which may be used for a
class room or for a conference room
for committees. This is furnished
with handsome rug, a round table
and sufficient chairs for conven-
fence.
The balcony is supported by
square ftuted columns and the open
ing above is long, low, graceful
arch. There will be three rows of
pews in the balcony and the entire
extra seating capacity made by the
remodeling will be $50 seats or 80
peWs.
The walls and ceiling are beauti-
fully tinted giving the room a light
and airy appearance The walls are
of soft, warm grey, in panels,
which are outlined with a border of
dull gEeen. rose and touches Of gold
! The floors are all new, of hardwood
finished in natural color and the
rugs, which give the finishing touch
of richness and restfulness are a
| beautiful moss green. In fact they
resemble nothing so much as
messy carpet. Al lof the floor space,
! ON which there will be travel, is fur
nished with these rUgs. The whole
church interior is one which cannot
fail TO delight the eye of even the
most critical. Outside, too, the lawn
at the Silver street side has been
graded and seeded and promises O.
great Improvement for another year.
The history of Universalism in
WaterVillc reaches back almost to
the beginning of the development of
the town. The first preacher WaS\
Rev. Thomas Barnes, who was or
duined in 1902, but a church was not
/ formally organized until 1926 The
first settled minister was Rev. SyI-
Nanus Cobb. who began his work in
lS2l. The church edifce was dedi-
Gated in 1888. Jediah Merrill giving
the town clock, which IS still in use.
Some of the most noted names i'm
the early history of UniNersalism are
associated with the Waterviile
church. Among them are the Revs.
Calvin Gardner, w. r. Loveioy,
Henry G. Leonard, W. A. Drew. w.
\. =. Dillingham; and Joseph Skin
ner. After the pastorate of Mr..
Skinner the pulpit was supplied for
a good many years by the ministers
OF Oakland and Fairfield For the
past i've years, the parish has re-
sumed the custom of having a resi-
dent pastor, Rev Il. NJ Kellcrman
/ preceding MIR. knickerbocker. I'm
der the latter pastor the church has
made great progress i'm mem bership
and other lines. Several affiliating
societies have been organized and
are functioning with regularity. The
new Mabel Reyes Avel-ilI parlors, the
gift of DR.. G. G. Averill in memory
of his Wife, has been. added TO the
church property during Mr.. Knick-
erbocker's passionate. !