HomeMy WebLinkAbout451"Article copied from the Pickering News, Nov. 25, 1881, p.2
Methodist Church Re-opening.
On Sunday, the 16th ult., just as the caretaker was lighting up preparatory to the evening
service, the centre chandelier in the Methodist church gave way. The oil in the lamps
(six of them) spreading on the seats and floor below they quickly ignited; and although,
in answer to the cry of ""Fire"" help was speedily rendered yet before the progress of
the flames could be arrested, three of the pews and a quantity of the flooring were
destroyed, and the ceiling and walls were badly soiled with smoke. As a consequence,
the congregation have been compelled to worship in the basement for four or five weeks
past, in order that the church might undergo repairs. The contract for the carpentering
work was let to Mr. G. Gilchrist, of this village, and the painting to Wm. Elliott & Co.,
fresco-painters, Toronto, and they have certainly done credit to themselves as well as to
the church by the manner in which they have done their work. The walls and the ceiling
have been painted in four coats, of oil. The ceiling is painted a very rich and delicate tint
of blue, with the panels cut in with white and a deeper blue, and the centre pieces white
and tipped with gold; the walls are of a warm cream color with a shade of blue and white
in the cornice and white mouldings over the windows; in the rear of the church,
immediately over the pulpit platform and choir-gallery, is painted in gold and colors in
characters of the 16th Century, the Scriptural text: —
"" Holiness becometh thine house, O Lord."" Instead of the six-light chandelier,
one of beautiful design, bearing twelve lights has taken its place. The interior of the
building presents a beautiful appearance, and the general expression respecting,
it on Sabbath last that ""It's as pretty as a parlor,"" receives our endorsement as correct.
The reopening sermons were preached on Sunday last, by Rev. J. J. Hare, M. A.,
to large congregations. The sermons were thoughtful and impressive and were listened
to with great interest. Collections were taken up at each service in the interest of the
church funds. On the whole, our Methodist friends are to be congratulated on the success
they have achieved.
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