Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-11-06
BAPTIST CONGREGATION WILL Be
IN Renovated CHURCH SUNDAY

Sunday morning, for the first time
in a number of months the congre-
CATION of the First Baptist church is
to use its place of worship for SER
vices.
At an expenditure of some $4,000
this has been renovated and beautl-
fed so that now it is not only better
adapted to fill the needs of grow
ing congregation but it is a churcn
of which it's members may well be
proud and one that is eXcelled IN
beauty by none other in the state.
The church was built just 100 years
ago and during it's 50th year, IN
1875, it was extensively altered, the
work done at that time being allow
ed to stand until it's Tooth ami
versary.
Both the exterior and the interior
of the building have received at
tention. Radical changes in the plan
of the building have been made and
much room has been added.
1t is in the auditorium of the
church that the extent and nature OF
the improvements can best be seen.
The end farthest from Elm street
where the pulpit is situated has been
done in naturally finished gum wood,
both beautiful and luxurious in ap-
pearance. The gum wood extends
across practically the entire wall
and above it is the grill work which
will conceal the 1900 pipes of the new
organ which will be installed In
February. j..
The old altar was made up of
three arches but tlfeSe have been
replaced by one large arch extend
ing over the grill work. At either
side of the altar is a door leading to
the vestry one Of which will be used
by the choir.
The altar is made up Of three plat
forms and on the lowest or 'hese
will be the communion table. on
the second the pulpit and the upper
will be for the choir. The choir
platform Is provided with brass
rail from which is hung curtain OF
brown velvet in harmony with the
gumwood. The platforms are also
carpeted in brown.
The auditorium is much lighter
than it was before the alterations
were made. The vari-colored
window pares of the past are no
more and they have been replaced
with diamond shaped panes of
cathedral glass which is glazed and
has a slight amber tint so that the
sunlight fills the room with its full
power but there is no bothering glare.
An indirect lighting system has
been installed in the auditorium
and the number of lights has been
considerably increased. There is
now in the entire church just twice
the electric light power that there
was before the improvements were
made. The walls and ceiling have
been painted a cream color as has
the woodwork.
At the Park street entrance tight
glass vestibule has been put in
which will make the church some
what warmer. The doors leading
from the entry hall to the auditorium
have large panels of glass which will
make late arrivals feel more well
come.
Down the different aisles there are
rubber runners. The old pews are
still in the best of condition and
they are to remain as they are. New
cushions. however, done in brown to
harmonic with the rest Of the color
scheme are to be provided. The
pews are of ash and their natural
finish is most attractive.
The Baptistry
Another pleasing feature Of the
church is the Baptistry which is the
gift of the Howard Morse family.
This is directly behind the choir
platform and when not in use is con-
cealed behind sliding doors. At bap-
tisms the doors will be thrown apart
the auditorium will be darkened and
the Baptistry alone will be illuminat-
ed by lights concealed from the con-
gregation.
The baptistry itself Is of concrete
lined with tile. A newly constructed
stairway leads from 1t to the mems
and women's lavatories which will
be very convenient for the candi-
dates.
The Organ
The new organ which will cost
about $4,000 will be a memorial to
Deacon Horace Purinton. It's arriv-
al here has been somewhat delayed
and its installation will not take
place until next February. Power
for the organ Is to be electrical and
an alright chamber has been con-
structed for the motor in the base
szss;. a
~ - ss1s1sE5E<yy.l29<Z7S4E l