In December 1865, under the leadership of Rev. A. F. Morey, Pastor, it was determined at a church meeting to make an effort to enlarge or rebuild the current wooden structure. A subscription of about $7000.00 was obtained and a plan was adopted for a new church edifice, to be 90ft by 41ft, with tower and spire, an audience room and a basement for Sunday School and Class Rooms. In April 1866 the job of building was let to Andrew J. Barton and Ebenezer W. Buck. These two men were to furnish the materials and finish the church for $8300.00. The old wooden structure was sold for $775.00 to Jos. Carter and the closing services were held Sunday the last of April 1866. The first entrance to the church faced the park and in the vestibule were two stairways, one on each side leading up into the auditorium. There was also a door which opened up into the basement of the church, in which there was a large room and several small class rooms. The pulpit was in the west end of Church with the choir in the east gallery and later at the right of the pulpit. There were also two back stairways leading up into the auditorium. In 1902 and 1903 the Church was remodeled with the Washington Street entrance added and the beautiful Memorial Windows put in. An addition was made on the south side of the building to make room for a much needed pipe organ and the pulpit was changed from the west end to the south side. In 1921 under the leadership of Rev. David Evans, the hardwood floor was laid in the sanctuary and seats were installed.

This material was taken from A HISTORY OF CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 1814-1964

By: Lauretta Miller Barnes

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