The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-08-08
FIRST M. E. CHURCH
lCont1nued FROM Page One.


G. L. Hooper, member of the Metho-
dist church, offered the use of the
Orpheum theater, of which he is man
ager, for the church service. The
use of the First Christian church was
offered by S. ]. Hodgins. Hodgins
notified the Methodist official board
that the First Christian church was
offered for the use of the Methodist
congregation at any time, even if it
meant interference with the Christian
church services.
The use of Grace cathedral Sunday
afternoon and evenings was proffered
by J. R. Burrow.
The church service of the First
Methodist congregation will be held
at the city auditorium next Sunday it
is announced by James A. Troutman.
After next Sunday it is not certain
where services will be held.
THE auditorium can not be used
regularly by the Methodist church be-
cause the auditorium is engaged at
various times BETWEEN now and Janu-
airy H. R. D. McGiffert, city commits
sioner of parks and public property,
said today.
An earthquake would not have
Jared the building more thoroly than
did the big bell when it burned from
its moorings in the tower. The bell is
estimated at 1900 pounds, and fell
AAOltA tie Typ 10 d 4dAA0AAlS just ebOhO
the front entrance to the church.
The insurance for the First Metho-
dist church was only about $4,000
last November. according to records
in, the office of c. G. Bfakely & Co.,
insurance firm. It was in November
that the official board decided to in
crease the amount of insurance and
took out additional policies amounting
to $4,000.
The walnut choir loft and furniture,
forty years old, was one of the great
est losses in the church. Carved wal
nut Orders over the ceiling of the
church were burned entirely.
Memorial windows of considerable
monetary value and even greater in
value because of the sentiment they
carried were completely destroyed.
OF the twoslarge stained art glass cir
Gle windows only the charred frame
work remains. Only two memorial
windows, which were in the Sunday
school wing of the church, were saved.
One small boy who attended the
| fire this morning with eager interest
was very sorrowful over the great
property damage. But his spirit was
| cheered by one ray of joyful hope
which he was unable to refrain from
expressing. Gee" he exclaimed. Il
I
a long, time, will II"
The James Brier home, 415 West
sixth street, was first aid station for
those fighting fire. The Brier family
served coffee to firemen, furnished
resting places for firemen overcome
by their efforts, furnished medicine
and bandages and the services of Jas.
NJ. Brier, Jr., who has practiced medi-
cine.
UIa -,
I the church fire was one of the finest
IN the state. 1t was worth at least
100000. Parts of the organ were of
a KIND that can never be replaced.
The recent remodeling of the organ
/ cost $500. Insurance on the pipe or
! gan amounted to only $4,000
DR.. Edmund J. Kulp, pastor of the
church. was notified of the fire thru
a telegram sent by ]. P. Slaughter.
DR.. kulp is in Colorado with c. S. FL
| i1ott and family. No communication
! had been received from him at noon
today. He is thought to be touring
with the Elliotts in their motor car.
! W. T. Prather, member of company,
?. the first company to arrive at the
| scene, said that the smoke, fire and
fumes from the doors and windows
made it almost impossible for the en-
trance of the firemen.
! Bob" White. fireman, was blown
/ against the wall of the house next
/ door by the force of the draft from the
! fire from door of the church, when
| he attempted to open the door and
enter. His leg was bruised. He con-
1 tinued to fight the fire, however.
In spite of the great loss sustained
| by the Methodist congregation the
film play, The Stream of Life to
be given Wednesday night at the au-
ditorium for the benefit of the tuber-
culos-s sanatorium will be given as
planned. The Sunday school made a