The Dedication of the Cleveland (Ohio) Church
By H. A. WEAVER
AMONG the most happy meetings ever held in the Cleveland (Ohio) church were those forming the dedicatory services conducted June 12-14. After struggling many years with mortgage and debt, the brethren and sisters cheerfully made the last and successful effort for freedom from every obligation. Amid tears and quiet but earnest “Amens” all joined in dedicating the Hough Avenue church to God and the message. The Cleveland church building is a structure which gives character to the work in what Clevelanders take pride in calling, since the last census, “the sixth city.” A number of Testimonies from the servant of the Lord have been borne concerning this large city, one of which is to the effect that this city is yet to be mightily shaken with the message. Another states substantially that Satan will endeavor to make everything in this city appear dark and defeating, but that the Lord has determined to do a great work and make his workers and his people victorious. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Elder E. K. Slade, president of the Ohio Conference, and the prayer was offered by Elder W. W. Miller, late pastor of the Cincinnati (Ohio) church. Good music by the choir was a feature of all the meetings. In connection with the dedicatory meetings, Elder R. G. Patterson, who has for the past eight years served the church as pastor, preached his farewell sermon. He will, following a short vacation remove from Cleveland to Akron, Ohio, where he will serve as pastor of the church in that city. During his labors in Cleveland, aided by the faithful Bible workers,—Sister Cora Gibson, Sister Carrie Askey, and Brother and Sister G. E. Wales,—he has received into membership, by direct conversion to the truth and by letter, 179 persons. When he began his work in this city eight years ago, there was a mortgage of $4,400 against the church building. This debt has been entirely cleared away. It is the earnest hope and prayer of all that now, having shaken off all debt, which the Lord has seen fit to liken to “leprosy,” the church may rise as never before to the privileges and powers vouchsafed by Heaven, and fulfill speedily the inspired word concerning its future work. H. A. WEAVER.