£250,C00 CHURCH.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14975, 23 May 1914, Page 16

£250,C00 CHURCH.

BIG AMERICAN CENTRE TN

LONDON.

Tho foundation-stones of the American Church iv London are to be laid at an .early date, and the site is to be in Kingsway. Mrs John Hartness has returned to London from a lecturing tour through the States, where she rased a. considerable sum towards the accomplishment of this ivork, to which she is devoting her life. Tho American church is to bo not only a preaching centre, with an American pastor and monthly services conducted by uotnd British ministers, but a club' and institute, whero old and young Americans can meet and enjoy the advautages of social and inteilectua] intercourse.

"The building," said Mrs Hartness to a "Standard" representative, "must be worthy of both countries, and will cost something like £250,000. American churches are already established in Berlin and Paris, but really there is no centre in our metropolis where Americans can meet as it were on their own ground. While in the States I lectured to New York society people, at the Plaza Hotel, and addressed gatherings at many churches. The idea was taken up enthusiastically. Dr. Panfchurst. the groat American preacher, warmly congratulated mo on my efforts, and Washington it c elf gave a benediction to the project."

A oomm:ttee consisting of influential people on both sides of ihe Atlantic is being formed, and a powerful appeal for sutjport is to be made to American and English commercial firms.