Building Report

Dot Boersma sent old building related records to the Building Committee. I've snitched them and will post a daily exerpt. Here is the first:

4/19/1859. The committee appointed to contract for and superintend the erection of the organ of the West Spruce St Church respectfully report to the Board of Trustees, that their labors are now completed. An organ of the first class has been finished and placed in the church by Jardine & Son of N.York and is universally admitted by disinterested and competent judges to be at least equal to any instrument heretofore erected in this city, and as your committee believes gives entire satisfaction to the congregation. They take great pleasure in bearing testimony to the uniform liberality and faithfulness to his engagement of Mr George Jardine who personally superintended the erection of the organ, whose only desire appeared to be to please and satisfy your committee without reference to his pecuniary loss or gain. The contract price for the organ was $3800 which was paid to the contractors on its completion and their receipt in full accompanies this report. This amount has been made up by voluntary subscription, a list of which in detail is also annexed to this report. The building of so large an instrument necessarily required considerable alterations in the gallery and advantage was taken of that fact to construct a choir gallery, which in requisite space and completeness is everything that can be desired, and affords pleasant accommodation for a large number of singers. The carpeting and upholstery of the choir has been presented by G. L. Benson; the chairs and organ seat, all of superior quality by J. C. Gould. The church is thus put to no expense except the carpenters and gasfitters bills, the incurring of which was an absolute necessity.