“It has been said by some of the ministers and members of the churches that we might combine in an effort and build a large and commodious mission in the tenement district.  But that, to my mind, would not settle the problem at all, as it should be settled.  It is an easy and a lazy thing for church-members to put their hands in their pockets and say to a few other church-members, ’We will help build a mission, if you will run it after it is up; we will attend our church up-town here, while the mission is worked for the poor people down there.’  That is not what will meet the needs of the situation.  What that part of Milton needs is the Church of Christ in its members—­the whole Church, on the largest possible scale.  What I am now going to propose, therefore, is something which I believe Christ would advocate, if not in the exact manner I shall explain, at least in the same spirit.”

Philip paused a moment and looked over the congregation earnestly.  The expectation of the people was roused almost to the point of a sensation as he went on.

“I have consulted competent authorities, and they say that our church building here could be moved from its present foundation without serious damage to the structure.  A part of it would have to be torn down to assist the moving, but it could easily be replaced.  The expense would not be more than we could readily meet.  We are out of debt, and the property is free from incumbrance.  What I propose, therefore, is a very simple thing—­that we move our church edifice down into the heart of the tenement district, where we can buy a suitable lot for a comparatively small sum, and at once begin the work of a Christian Church in the very neighborhood where such work is most needed.

“There are certain objections to this plan.  I think they can be met by the exercise of the Christ spirit of sacrifice and love.  A great many members will not be able to go that distance to attend service, any more than the people there at present can well come up here.  But there are six churches left on B street.  What is to hinder any Christian member of Calvary Church from working and fellowshiping with those churches, if he cannot put in his service in the tenement district?  None of these churches are crowded; they will welcome the advent of more members.  But the main strength of the plan which I propose lies in the fact that if it be done, it will be a live illustration of the eagerness of the Church to reach and save men.  The very sight of our church moving down off from this street to the lower part of town will be an object lesson to the people, and the Church will at once begin to mean something to them.  Once established there, we can work from it as a centre.  The distance ought to be no discouragement to any healthy person.  There is not a young woman in this church who is in the habit of dancing, who does not make twice as many steps during an evening dancing party as would be necessary to take her to