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Dedication of the Kobe (Japan) Church

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 4, 1912

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 89, No. 1.

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Dedication of the Kobe (Japan) Church

By F. H. DE VINNEY

F. H. DE VINNEY
A few years ago the members of the Kobe church leased ground and built a church. Being but few in number, and with limited means, the building was modest in architecture and small in size. It served its purpose for the time; but last fall it was evident that either it would have to be enlarged or a new one built, to accommodate the regular members and those interested who attended the services from time to time. After much counsel and thoughtful planning, it was decided to secure land, and build in a more prominent and convenient location. Land was secured by lease, and the work begun. The old building was sold, and the proceeds invested in material and labor for the construction of the new, with the result of a convenient, attractive place to worship, easy of access.
THE NEW KOBE (JAPAN) CHURCH BUILDING
THE NEW KOBE (JAPAN) CHURCH BUILDING
About the time the new building was determined upon, a Japanese gentleman who is an architect by profession and who had been interested, accepted the truth and became a member of the church. He drew the plans and gave his services in superintending its construction free to the church. On Friday evening, July 28, the dedicatory services were held. The evening was selected for the convenience of some of the business men of the city who had been interested and friendly to the enterprise, and who were expected to attend. The building was entirely finished, nicely lighted by electricity, and modestly and becomingly decorated in the interior. Potted palms and plants were massed in front of the desk, giving it a very attractive appearance. Nearly every seat was taken, many present being not of our faith, and nearly all heathen, who gave good attention to the services. Brother K. Noma, the elder of the church, presided over the services. Elders T. H. Okohira and W. D. Burden and Brother H. F. Benson and the writer were present and gave addresses. The music under the direction of Brother John N. Herboltzheimer was nicely arranged, and well rendered. The subject-matter of the addresses was such as to be of value to the members of the church, and of special value to those present not acquainted with the essence of Christianity—“Christ’s indwelling by his Spirit in the soul temple of his people.”
It is a custom of the country on all such occasions to serve a luncheon, or to present something of the kind to all invited guests. This was omitted; but early Sunday morning, a messenger delivered to the homes of all those not of our faith who attended, a neat little box of cake and Japanese dainties, with an explanation why it was not given at the time of the services, thus making even the heathen custom a means of teaching the sacredness of the Sabbath and the presence and blessing of the Lord in that which is given and dedicated to his service.
A debt of about three hundred dollars still rests upon the church. This would be considered small in the States; but here to pay this means much self-denial and sacrifice on the part of the members; but they are hopeful and confident of soon being able to discharge the debt.
After the dedication, Elder Okohira remained three weeks, giving daily Bible readings with preaching service in the evening. On returning from the Korean camp-meeting, the writer spent several days with the church, holding services in the evening.
With a great truth, a convenient and an attractive place for worship, and a good missionary spirit, surely there are bright days before this little flock in this great heathen land, and we trust with the blessing of the Lord attending their efforts many such as will be saved may be joined to them in the service of the Master.