The Columbus dispatch. (Columbus, Miss.) 19??-1922, 1921-12-21
BISHOP MURRAH OFFICIAT
ES AT CEREMONY AT
TENDED BY MANY
SUNDAY AFTERNOON
An Intensely Interesting Service
Opened BY The Old And
Inspiring Hymn, "HOw
Firm A Foundation"

With solemn and impressive SER
vices, and in the presence of a large
congregation, the cornerstone of Cen
trail Methodist Episcopal Church,
South, corner College ard Twelfth
streets, was laid last Sunday after
noon by Bishop William B. Murrah, of
Memphis. Bishop Murrah is a won
derful orator, and his address on this
occasion was a masterpiece. He spoke
for approximately thirty minutes and
was heard with profound interest and
respectful attention.
The cornerstone ceremony, which
began at 2:30 o'clock, was opened
with congregational singing. With
Mrs. G. w. Carson as accompanist,
all joined in singing "How Firm a
Foundation" which was followed by
the prayer Of consecration by Bishop
Murrah.
Then the Rev. B. p Jaco, D. D., Of
Winona, read lesson from the Bible.
after which the pastor of Central
Church, the Rev. Thomas f. Gregory,
deposited the several articles that
were to repose beneath the ediice
for an indefinite period, longer, per
haps, than any of us ,shall live. The
articles were
copy Of the Holy Bible that was
used by Mrs. J. S. Boucher daughter |
of Rev. and Mrs. A. p Leech, together |
with photographs of Brother and Sis
ter Leech
A copy of the Southern Methodist
Discipline, a COPY of the Southern
Methodist Hymnal, and copy Of the
minutes of the North Mississippi Con
ference held at Charleston, Novem
ber, 1920.
A list of the charter members Of
the Second Methodist Church, to-
gether with list Of the pastors and
presiding elders of the church.
A copy, each, of the Nashville
Advocate, the New Orleans Christian
Advocate (organs of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, South, copy of
the Columbus Dispatch, and copy
of the Columbus Commercial, both
dated December Is, 1921.
A Centennial program and Cen
tennal medallion.
The names of the superintendent,
building foreman and brick masons in
charge Of the erection of the edifice
When all of these articles had been
deposited in the strong copper box,
the congregation joined in singing,
81 Love Thy Kingdom, Lord" at the {
conclusion of which Bishop Murrah t
delivered his address. Following this, \
the DoXology was sung and Bishop i
Murrah pronounced the Apostolic
Denediction.
The ceremony was very enjoyable c
as well as interesting, and all who c
were present felt that their time was h
profitably spent i
The workmen are busy every day on c
the construction of the church, and
it is easy to see that, when completed,
the house Of worship of the Central /
Methodist congregation will be one Of
the handsomest church buildings in c
the South. 1t will be red pressed I
brick, two stories and basement, with
four immense pillars in front sup 5
porting the roof of large portico
1t is fashioned after the Grecian style
of architecture, and will be a distinct
ornament to the city.
OF course, the credit for the cree r.
ton of this splendid building is due
to the entire membership of Central :
Church, but the Rev. Thomas E. Gre
CORY must be given a liberal share Of
the praise, inasmuch as it was first
dreamed and imagined and planned by
him.
The Cornerstone.
The cornerstone, which is of gray
marble, came from the establishment
of Mr.. T. A. McGahey, Of Columbus
On the face Of the slab toward the
college appear the words, Central
NJ. +. Church, South, December Is.
1921" On the face of the slab to-
ward Twelfth street are the names
Of the building committee, as follows:
Building Committee: G. T. Black
burn, Chairman; T. A. McGahey.
J. 7. Clardy, Secretary:
J. T. Quinnelly, J. s. Boucher. C. ".
T. P. Hammond. J. s. Cook,
+. d. Erwin. A. T. McIlwain, presid-
ing Elder; T. f. Gregory, Pastor in
Charge"
1t is earnestly hoped that the church
viii soon be completed and paid for.
that it may be dedicated by some
great preacher who viii draw many
souls 70 the foot of the Cross. and
hat through the years that lie oat in
he future like some great rolling sea.
6 may ever be a beacon to guide men
and women and children into a haven
# perfect peace and security from
he storms that are continually break
ng the shores Of time.