From the Columbian, November 1, 1895
In accordance with a notice previously given, a large number of people assembled at the corner of Third and Market Streets last Saturday afternoon [October 26, 1895] at four o'clock, for the purpose of breaking ground for the new Methodist Church which is to be erected at that location. Not only were the members of the church out in full force, but the crowd was augmented by representatives from the different denominations, as well as their pastors, thus showing a fraternal spirit, and the interest they had in the enterprise. The exercises were commenced by singing "Praise God from whom all blessings flow," after which, Rev. Conner [Methodist minister] led in prayer in which he invoked the Divine blessing not only upon the work in which they were engaged, but upon all the congregations of the town. In the few remarks which he made, he said among other things, "We are met here today to break ground for a new church, and whilst it is to be called the Methodist Episcopal Church, we are glad to, and do recognize all denominations. The fact of these different ministers being present on this occasion is an evidence of the good feeling that exists among the different denominations." He then introduced Rev. G. E. Weeks, pastor of the Baptist Church. He said, "The fact of so many people being present proved that other people in the town, beside the members of this particular church, are interested in this enterprise. We are glad when a substantial building is erected in our town, and much more so, in this building, as we recognize the fact that it is to be the house of God, and is being built for the advancement of His Kingdom. I am glad to be present and wish you abundant success from the start to the finish. When I think of the souls who will find Christ in this new edifice, and the yet unborn generations who will be here taught to love God, I can do nothing else than wish you success in your undertaking, and pray that God will abundantly bless you. I am glad to be here with you on this occasion, and will be pleased to be with you at its dedication, and I bring you the congratulations and greetings of my congregation."

Rev. C. H. Brandt of the Reform Church, said, in substance, "I can form some idea of the determination it took to start this enterprise. There is always in movements of this kind, a great deal of doubts and misgivings. Some questioning the feasibility and possibility of doing the work. You certainly deserve the congratulations of the entire community. Your church in the past has been doing a noble work in this place, as it has done in other towns. This building will be an honor to the town, and one of which we can all feel proud, and the community is to be congratulated upon its erection. It will increase the value of other property and will become a center attracting people toward doing good. This is to be a house of God, and its erection will be an incentive for harder work on the part of the other churches. The fact that it will undoubtedly be the finest in the town, should not make others envious, but they should rejoice in it. I bring to you the congratulations of my congregation, and hope that it may be a place where God will be proclaimed and many led to Christ."

Rev. Johnson, of A.M.E. [African Methodist Episcopal] Church, said, "I too, am glad to be here, and am glad I am a Methodist. The erection of every church makes a town better. I am glad I am a Methodist for two reasons. First, because, it was the first church to extend a helping hand to the colored race, and second, on account of the great work it is doing among that class of people. I wish you God's speed in the noble work in which you are engaged." After singing, "All Hail the Power of Jesus Name," Rev. George W. Currin, of the United Evangelical Church, upon being introduced said, "You have gotten too big for your church, but I hope the church you proposed erecting will never be too large for the congregation. Representing the United Evangelical church of this place I bring you greetings from my congregation and hope that your labors may be crowded with success."

Rev. P. A. Heilman of the Lutheran Church, among other things said, "There is an old adage which says 'well begun, half done'; consequently you are half way through with your labors. We are here to wish you well. We have pride in you, inasmuch as you belong to the town. A town is always measured by its public buildings and is the first thing that attracts the attention of strangers. I am glad for the sake of Christianity, that this building is being erected, and hope you will rear such a structure as will make you all rejoice. You have commenced this afternoon at the bottom, which is the right place to begin. Hope that while you are breaking ground, you will also break out in larger influence for good. Your pastor is characterized for the spiritual influence he sheds over you, and I hope that it may extend to the members of all the congregations in the town. I rejoice to see the broad spirit of Christianity displayed in this place, and hope it may broaden and deepen and bind us all together in one common brotherhood. You have my sincere wishes that special success may crown your efforts." A collection netting a snug sum was then taken, after which the horses were hitched to a plow and the first ground was broken. C. C. Peacock Esq. who lays claims to being something of a farmer desired to have the reputation of having been the first to break the ground for the new edifice, but it was soon apparent, that whilst he was a good businessman, and thoroughly understood the business in which he was engaged, he knew nothing about ploughing. Rev. Conner then took hold of the handles and convinced the assembly that this was not the first time he had held a plough. George W. Corell, who is a farmer, then took hold and showed them how it should be done. A wagon being on the ground it was soon filled with nearly each one present throwing into it a shovelful. The work of excavation was continued Monday by William Ferguson who has the contract, and the foundation walls will be immediately erected.

Success to the enterprise.

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