convenience and beauty and the architect is to be congratulated on his marked success. The building will seat comfortably 500 people. The building is heated by a furnace and lighted by one of the modern lighting plants. Clifford Shopbell, of Evansville, is the architect of the building and the contractors were Davis & Bean of Princeton. The Methodist church at this place is one of the oldest church organizations in the state, dating back to 1816, when Jonathan Jaquess came to this vicinity and organized a church. At first meetings were held in the residences of the community and an annual camp meeting was a feature, which were held on the present cemetery site. No building was erected until 1836 when a church was erected near the cemetery lot and dedicated by Bishop Simpson. This building was used until 1859 when the present site was donated by the late Thomas C. Jaquess and the building which has just given way to the beautiful new structure was erected and dedicated by Rev. Battell, then Presiding Elder. This building served as a place of worship until this year when the members felt the need of a new and more modern building. It can be said that the idea met with favor from all and the matter was pushed to a successful conclusion without a hitch. The work has been carried forward without a hitch. The work has been carried forward without a wrangle of any kind and the money freely subscribed to meet the obligation, for which all are to be heartily congratulated. It will be handed down to the succeeding generation as a monument to their devotion and benevolence.
December 16, 1904 (cont.) At 7:30 Dr. Gilbert again preached, delivering one of the best, indeed if not the best, address ever listened to by a Poseyville audience. This was a magnificent oration and he even exceeded his morning effort. At its close the remained of the money to free the church of indebtedness was pledged and at 10 o’clock the beautiful edifice was consecrated to the service of God, Dr. Gilbert officiating, being assisted by Dr. J.W. Turner and Rev. P.C. Lisman, the local pastor. The dedicatory services were a beautiful final of the week’s services, beginning on Tuesday evening with the organ recital by Prof. Rogers, followed by preaching services by Dr. H.C. Clippinger on Wednesday, Rev. JH. Carnee on Thursday, Dr. W.H. Grim on Friday and Rev. S.S. Penrod on Saturday, all former pastors of the local church. Each was given a cordial reception and was greeted by a large congregation. The new church building is one of the prettiest buildings of its kind in southern Indiana and is not only credit to the church but to the town and community as well. It occupies the site of the old building and is constructed of brick and stone, with a tile roof. The total cost of the building, exclusive of site, is $10,000. In type it is a modification of the Gothic with the large pointed windows and doors and a high tower. It contains a large auditorium for the regular church services, a chapel room for Sunday School work, a number of class rooms, dining room and kitchen and a pastor’s study room. Each department was designed with an eye to
St. Paul’s UMC History
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