and the pulpit was to be high above the people, as the custom of the day demanded. The plans were accepted and the foundation stone laid July 4th, 1809, by Dr. John Murray, and the work moved on apace.
As the church neared completion two of the Building Committee were discussing the important question of finances. One of the gentlemen remarked: "I think you and I must make up the deficit." "How much is it?" inquired his friend. The first speaker held up the fingers of one hand. The friend agreed to do his part, but when his obligation was put before him in writing and he found himself bound to contribute one-half of $5000 he was panic-stricken. "Thousands, thousands!" he exclaimed; "I thought you meant hundreds!" Whether the good man rose to the occasion or not we do not know, but the church was finished and opened for worship May 17th, 1812. It was a great day in Augusta. Mr. Thompson preached from the text: "How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts." Psalm LXXXIV. 1. About seven hundred people were present, and the "publick prints" tell us that "no congregation was ever more seriously attentive." In the afternoon Rev. Dr. Keith, of Charleston, preached from the text: "Come unto Me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
