A local paper says "On Wednesday afternoon Jan. 12, ground was broken for the new house of worship for the First Cumberland Presbyterian church of this city. The pastor plowed the first furrow, and did it in a way that showed he was not a stranger to that instrument of progress. The building is to be one of the handsomest of the kind in the city. It will contain 16 rooms, or more, and will be well adapted to the work for which it is intended. It is proposed to do for all, especially women, the same work which the Young Men's Christian Association does for you men. This will be a boon for a large number of the women, and the thousands who visit the city annually, as there is absolutely no suitable place provided for them; and it is hailed with delight. The house will be kept open in its various departments every day and evening. There are about 75 resident members of this congregation, 14 of whom have recently joined, and they are not of the wealthy class; yet during the year 1897 they raised and paid out about $4,300. Two thousand dollars of this was for the parsonage, the balance, $2,300, for running expenses. This makes about $50 per member for the current expenses, which does not include the $2,000 for the parsonage. They own their lot, and are practically out of debt. Their plan is to 'pay as they go,' and they are adhering strictly to it. Dr. D. W. Marlow and Mr. J. F. Cummings are the building committee, and will see that the architect's plans are fully carried out." The pastor writing Jan. 18, says: "Our work is harmonious and all seem to be hopeful of success. I really think there is a very bright future for our cause here. Rev. R. W. Lewis is now with us in a revival meeting, which we hope will result in good. His work at Denver is moving along well."

[Source: The Cumberland Presbyterian, February 17, 1898, page 1050 (15)]

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