THE Field will be interested to know that the completion of the interior of the new Publishing House is proceeding satisfactorily and as rapidly as is consistent with acceptable workmanship and desirable results. It is confidently expected that, with the exception of the globe room, all of the interior work will be finished not later than June 1. As compared with the speed which characterized the erection of the exterior of the building, the finishing of the interior is necessarily slower because of its more delicate and exacting nature. However, it is gratifying to know that, aside from a few minor delays, nothing has occurred to retard the work. Comparatively speaking, less time has been consumed in the construction of the new Publishing House than is ordinarily the case with buildings of the same type.
In this connection, it is only just to say that for these excellent results great credit is due to all who have participated directly or indirectly in carrying forward this important undertaking, including the workmen, the supervising builders, the engineers, the architect, and finally, the members of our own building committee, who have discharged their many and varied duties not only with ability but also with commendable "wisdom, economy, and brotherly love" ( Manual, Art. XXIV, Sect. 5). At no time have those in responsible positions lost sight of the fact that the new home for our periodicals and Mrs. Eddy's works has been made possible through the generous outpouring of love and gratitude on the part of Christian Scientists for the inspired teachings of our revered Leader.
As the building nears its final stage of completion it is possible to determine with reasonable precision its exact cost of construction. It may be remembered that the estimated cost of the building, irrespective of furnishings, et cetera, was $4,000,000. The actual cost will exceed this estimate by about $250,000. This is due in part to the adjustment of foreign currency because of the depreciation of American dollars and also to the purchase of more desirable and durable material than was originally contemplated. It has been estimated that were a building of this character constructed at the present time, the cost of it would be about fifty per cent in advance of the actual cost of our building as it now stands.
