Trinity Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

A New Tower for the Skyline of Dallas

[a 16-page brochure, 12” vertical by 9” horizontal; not dated, but probably published in 1945]

[p. 1]

“As many as are so minded will please rise.” At these words, some 200 men and women came to their feet in solemn silence.

There was a pause. Then the moderator intoned: “Thank you. Be seated. As many as are opposed, please rise.”

Another pause. Not a single individual got to his feet.

In that moment, the people of Trinity Presbyterian Church made history. For the second time in comparatively few months they had made a momentous decision. They had made it after careful deliberation – and they had made it unanimously.

That decision was to proceed at once to the amassing of a sizeable sum – probably $40,000 to $50,000 – for the building of at least one unit of the new church home, when war conditions again permit building.

That the members of Trinity Presbyterian Church wanted a new home probably never has been in debate; but when it should have that new home, and how it should get that new home, and how much of a home it should be, when it was secured, have been, perhaps, occasions of honest differences of opinion. If those differences were not swept away, they were subordinated. The congregation was resolved on a great act of faith.

Dr. Jasper Manton

Pastor of the Trinity Presbyterian church, and Leader in Religious and Civic Movements

They were not a great throng. There was no great throng at Thermopylae. There was no great throng at Bunker Hill. There was no great throng at the Alamo. But in each instance a few persons acting with sublime faith made history.

Behind the resolves of the Trinity folk was a spiritual re-orientation. It was clear evidence that the members of Trinity Presbyterian Church still can dream dreams and have visions. They can see a noble structure reared to the glory of God, adorning the crest of the rise of Zang Boulevard; a site that they already have had the foresight and courage to acquire. They have dreams of an expanded membership, of an expanded service to the community, of an expanded place in the picture of the spiritual life of Dallas.

[p. 2]

They have acquired collectively the faith of Paul who said, “I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me.”

Suffer Little Children To Come unto Me and Forbid Them Not.

The financial objective may seem large to some – not large enough to others. It is not large enough to accomplish the whole structure for which plans have been projected. It is large enough to challenge the studied generosity of the entire congregation. It is a possible sum, in the considered judgment of those who business it is to study such matters.

Beginners and Primary Class, Trinity Presbyterian Sunday School

Practically, it is a sum which members are able, and seem willing, to give. Realistically, it is sufficient, when taken with other funds in hand, to finance at least one of the units as now designed. Most important, while ware conditions prevent building, they actually encourage giving and saving. Gifts to this cause are deductible for income tax purposes.

[p. 3]

Realization of this project will place the congregation in a strategic position. It will be possible to act with promptness and decision when an advantageous hour strikes. It will be a message to everyone in the community that TPC knows what it wants and needs and is proceeding in an orderly fashion to bring these things about.

As a concrete evidence of their faith in themselves and the over-ruling Providence they seek to serve, their action will inspire faith and co-operation among those who now are merely lookers-on in Venice. By such means friends are won. By such means friends become adherents. Adherents become new members, in an army that carries forward Christian ideals and sets afoot new efforts for God’s Kingdom.

Senior and Intermediate Groups Pause for the Camera.

Now some of the things that are contemplated in themselves are the product of dreams, of visions already entertained by a few of the good folk of Trinity Presbyterian Church.

Those who come Sunday after Sunday to worship in the present crowded structure grow daily more convinced of the strategy of the present location. There, the daily commerce of the world races by. There, on the crest of a hill, it is fitting that a church should arise, a building which, by its very architecture, should proclaim that it is dedicated to God, a church by the side of the road, it is true, a church for humble and [p. 4] great alike, but a building of such character and size as to be adequate for a steadily growing congregation for a long period of time, a church which all Dallas will be glad to see breaking into the skyline with a new and impressive tower.

Advantageous Character of Church Site Shown by Its Relation to Important Buildings and Thoroughfares in Dallas.

Possibly this cannot all come at once, and yet it may. Browning has phrased it,

  “Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp,

Or what’s a heaven for?”

Faith has worked what seemed miracles even in this day. It acts contagiously. When a people strives mightily to accomplish something in which it greatly believes, it moves others to join them. There can be no reasonable doubt of the need of an adequate church structure in the community and at the point already chosen. It is all but a mile to the nearest house of worship. Within the area of its influence live from 75,000 to 100,000 men and women. It lies in the direction in which a very desirable type of population is moving. It has its own business center. It enjoys a distinctive community life – yet the Dallas skyline is in full view of the church’s location. 

Group of Adult Men Meet to Study the Sunday School Lesson.

The chosen site is on the artery of highway traffic between Dallas and all points south and west. It is a goodly land which lies before them. In such a situation, for such a site, and for such a time, to do less than the best possible, would be to come short of the obligation which the situation imposes. It may well be that “for such a time as this” the congregation of Trinity Presbyterian Church has come through an ordeal which has welded its people into a homogeneous, aggressive group. In common with civic and other types of organizations, Trinity Presbyterian Church must look forward to its share of taking care of the returned soldier, of making him [p. 5] comfortable in paths of peace, of making him happy in the service of religious ideals. 

Crowded Conditions Require a Sunday School Class to meet in the Kitchen of the Present Edifice.

Not for nothing has the architect thought of the edifice of tomorrow, in terms which make it literally only one step above the ground. When it shall be completed, it will be a thing of beauty, an admiration to stop the eyes of those who pass by, a place to be remembered, where the best that men can think and do is brought together in tribute to the Everlasting Name which men serve. 

Wives and Sweethearts of Overseas Soldiers Constitute Most of This Group.

Vaulted ceilings and a tower which lift men’s thoughts upward to the sky, a spacious setting which the horticultural skill of the pastor, the Rev. Jasper Manton, assuredly will bring to a rare state of beauty, reviving the rose services of another day; commodious rooms for young and old, separate auditoriums for Sunday School and congregational worship, a little chapel designed for private weddings and the more intimate worship which so often spells comfort for [p. 6] those whom life has grieved – all these are in the dream which has been dreamed.

Dr. Manton in his Pulpit During a Rose Service Which It is Hoped to Revive in the New Church Home.

To an exceptional degree Trinity Church is a church of childhood and youth. In much more than the conventional manner it is proposed to provide in the new church for their interests with special stress on recreation. The Pastor and Building Committee are holding the ideal graphically expressed, “Downhill to the church for our young people;” that is to say, let the church be made so attractive to them even in its physical appointments that children and youth will want to be at the church week-days and Sundays.

I Was Glad When They Said Unto Me, Let Us Go into the House of the Lord.

In a more mundane sphere, easy approach to the city, ample parking space, close proximity to a public park which will permit of coordinated services of the community and an enhancement of real estate values which is inherent in the presence of any good church in any community – all these are considerations which will stimulate congregation and friends to move generously to the support of this project when its possibilities are fully appreciated.

Those who make an investment in this enterprise of faith are asked to think of their subscriptions in terms of shares. These will have a nominal value of $130, which is equivalent to $1 a week for a period of 30 months. This is the time during which the pledges will run unless it is otherwise desired by the subscriber.

[p. 7]

A 30-month period has been shown, by experience, to be the most advantageous in an enterprise of this sort. It makes deductions possible in three tax years, simplifies bookkeeping and encourages generous giving.

One of Several Suggested Renderings of the Front of the Sanctuary.

Honoring those who subscribe for one or more shares of the new Trinity Presbyterian Church enterprise, there will be erected in the new structure at a suitable place, a bronze tablet upon which will be engraved the names of each shareholder.

Regardless of size, all gifts will be recorded in a Book of Remembrance, suitably bound and made a part of the archives of the church. Trinity Presbyterian Church is mindful that in the sight of the Master, the widow’s mite was more esteemed than the larger gifts of those who gave out of an abundance. But her giving was sacrificial, and theirs was not. Of the rich man’s son it was required that he sell all he had and give to the poor – nothing less would have been sacrificial for him.

Sacrificial giving will be the measure of success in this enterprise. It cannot otherwise be accomplished. Where a man’s treasure is, there is his heart also, and unless a man’s heart is in his church his membership signifies little. Church history generally will substantiate the fact that those who have contributed most generously, in proportion to their wealth, have most enjoyed the Christian life – a church of such people is the most effective and progressive church.

An Architect's Idea of What the Front of the New Structure Might Look Like.

Such a church has been, such a church will be Trinity Presbyterian Church at 901 North Zang Boulevard.

The contemplated structure at that address is being so designed that such portions of it can be constructed as they can be financed, The congregation through its elected officers will decide which shall come first. They have also decided that no hampering debt ever shall be incurred to make the building possible.

What the Much-desired Little Chapel Might look Like.

An Idealization of a Possible Pastor's Study.

Such of these suggested features as are most generally approved, in that form which seems wisest and best, will be incorporated in the structure when it comes to be built. It is estimated that, with the completion of the present money-raising effort, there will be on hand enough money to insure the successful completion of at least one unit. If the local community catches the full spirit of enthusiasm which is in the members of the congregation, it may well be that sums not now hoped for may be realized and the completed structure be a thing of a closer tomorrow than it would be wise to promise. Such as the possibilities of a great faith when it is firmly and persistently held. But there is implicit in this project something bigger and even finer than the ideal of a fine church home or an adequate place for worship, or an inspiring edifice dedicated to God. Trinity Presbyterian Church needs for its own good, as all other congregations do, a project in which it can throw its full strength and energy, a program which shall be a contribution to the community, an effort of growth which will be a testimony of its vitality and virility. 

What an Organ Loft Might Look Like, Whether in the Front or the Rear of the Auditorium.

To [p. 11] grow and go is the law of life, both in a church and in an industrial institution. There is no such thing as the status quo. Move forward and live; stand still and die – this is the law of the universe and has been so far aeons. The animation and determination that have characterized the congregation of Trinity Presbyterian Church in the recent years of its activity mark it as one of those groups destined to go forward and, in that going forward, to make a large and ever-increasing impress on the social and religious life of Dallas and the larger community of which it is a part.

Such a Room As All Parents Would Like to See in the Church for the Benefit of the Little Tots.

 It has a contribution toward the entire Presbyterian Church and it will have an impact upon religious influences that are not circumscribed by the denomination. So conceived and so executed, the project cannot fail.

MEMORIALS

An age-old trait of human nature is a desire to have or erect memorials, either to ourselves or to loved ones who may have gone before. The Scriptures give testimony to the age and validity of this desire, no less than 27 references being found, possibly the most being that of Jesus, after a woman had anointed him with precious ointment from an alabaster box, when he said, “Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.”

After almost 2,000 years this woman’s memory is fresh in the minds of millions of Christians everywhere.

With such authority it is not remarkable that colleges and churches everywhere in [p. 12] the Christian world should be studded with evidences of forethought for others that also preserve the name and purpose of the donor.

SOME MEMORIAL SUGGESTIONS

The Pipe Organ ($10,000)

The Little Chapel ($10,000)

The Young People's Recreation Hall (($7,500)

The Chancel Window ($5,000)

The Church Kitchen (($3,000)

The Church Vestibule (($2,500)

The Pastor's Study (($2,000)

The Primary Department (3 rooms and auditorium) ($2,000)

The Session Room and Church Library (($1,500)

The Women's Bible Class Room ($1,500)

The Men's Bible Class Room ($1,500)

The Auditorium Windows (10) each ($1,000)

The Preston class Room ($1,000)

The Beginners' Room ($1,000)

The Cradle Roll ($1,000)

The Choir Room ($750)

The Boy Scouts' Den ($750)

The Girl Scouts' Club ($750)

The Vestibule Windows (2) each ($500)

The Young People's Class Rooms (each) ($500)

The Young Married Couples' Class Rooms (2) each ($500)

The Primary, Junior and Senior Department Rooms (each) ($400)

The Pulpit ($300)

The Communion Table ($300)

The Lectern ($300)

The Baptismal Font ($300)

The Church Secretary's Office ($300)

The Pews (each) ($260)

The Entrance Doors (4) each ($250)

The Bronze Tablet ($130)

Quite obviously the new church home of the Trinity Presbyterian Church will present many such opportunities. Those listed here are merely suggestions, culled from the experience of other churches. So, too, are the sums set after them. In general the amount is an approximation of the cost that part of the structure or fixture which the donor may wish to underwrite.

Memorials may be arranged, either by individuals, or by groups such as classes, or societies within the church. Memorials indeed are frequently arranged by persons who are not members of the church within which they are set up.

[the list of “Some Memorial Suggestions” follows on p. 13]

In Such a Room the More Mature Men or Women Would Gather in comfort for the Sunday Morning Bible Study.

It is possible that you have been thinking along this line in connection with someone now living or perhaps a loved one who has [p. 14] joined the Church Triumphant. If the work at Trinity Presbyterian Church seems to you worthy of a memorial in the name of your loved one we should be glad to have you select some part of the future Church building.

Such a memorial would not only honor a life, but also render a service to other lives unto the third and fourth generations.

For Teen-Age Youth Where Visual Education and Music Help along the Lesson from the Scriptures.

Who Wouldn't Like to See Such a Kitchen in the New Church?

The Board of Trustees 

W. M. Hendrex, Chairman

W. C. Adair

W. J. Bryan

B. I. Cook

A. B. Elder

J. W. Graham

G. T. Hats

J. E. Jean

C. C. Pugh

W. C. Martin

R. P. Paden

W. D. Roseborough

P. N. Williamson

The Session

The Rev. Jasper Manton, Moderator

W. C. Adair

H.H. Bashford

E. B. Beckham

H. C. Chalk

R. Giles

W. M. Hendrex

R. H. Jackson

J. E. Jean

E. R. King

J. S. Maloney

R. P. Paden

W. D. Roseborough

L. W. Rowntree

R. L. Shelton

R. M. Shiflett

S. S. Snow

D. R. Thomas

P. N. Williamson

P. J. Youngblood

The Building Fund Campaign Committee 

Ralph P. Paden, General Chairman

W. J. Bryan, Memorial Gifts Chairman

Associate Chairmen

W. C. Adair

H. C. Chalk

George T. Hays

Mrs. Raymond Slack

Team Captains

E. B. Beckham

Mrs. Layton Childress

Mrs. J. H. Chiles

Miss Carey Estes

Richard Giles

J. W. Graham

Miss Roberta King

Miss Euphemia Kinnamon

T. B. Logan

W. B. Lowe, Jr.

J. S. maloney

Mrs. Velma Orr

Mrs. Joseph A. Pearce

Ed. C. Schieffer

Mrs. Geo. C. Shannon

W. E. Sherman

R. M. Shiflett

W. C. Sikes

Miss Mary Stovall

P. N. Williamson

The Church Building Committee

From Congregation

Miss Roberta King

R. L. Knapp

From Woman's Auxiliary

Mrs. M. F. Berry

Mrs. Raymond Slack

From Session

John E. Jean

W. D. Roseborough

From Sunday School

Miss Dorothy Dee Bell

Miss Mary Stovall

From Board of Trustees

W. C. Adair

B. I. Cook

From Finance Committee

George T. Hays

Richard Giles

Ex-officio

Chairman Board of Trustees   W. M. Hendrex

Pastor   Dr. Jasper manton

Chairman Finance Committee   R. P. Paden