GIFT TO PARIS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17608, 26 October 1931, Page 9

GIFT TO PARIS

AMERICANS’ £200,000 CHURCH PARIS, Sept. 8. A picturesauo ceremony of mediaeval origin marked the opening of tho new American church in Paris. The architect handed over the keys to the pastor and officers of the 'congregation, ‘ thus recalling the tradition that certain Gothic cathedrals in Europe, were thrown open for divine service in this ivav. Tho building, with its white stono and gilded towers, forms a landmark on, the Quai d’Orsay. It is in 15th century j style. Built, at a. cost of £200,000, it is tho third 'American church constructed here. One of its original features is that of a dance hall, a theatre, a library and a smoking-room form part of it, thus providing a social as well as a spiritual centre for Americans. In tho stained glass windows appear (figures representing Washington and Lafayette') as well as Pie. Genqvievo, the patron saint,, of Paris. From ' tlie old church in tho Rue do Ber.fi has been brought the pew in which President Wilson used to sit when ho attended services there.