The Takoma Park Church by I. A. Ford

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Dec 25, 1913

The Takoma Park Church

By I. A. Ford

WHEN the headquarters of our denominational work was transferred from Battle Creek to Takoma Park, the first thing that forced itself upon the attention of our brethren was the necessity of erecting institutional buildings. This was necessary in order that the work might be carried forward as economically as possible. Hence buildings were erected for the General Conference offices, the Review and Herald Publishing Association, the Washington Training College, and the Washington Sanitarium. These institutions have exerted a world-wide influence upon our work.

As the work of erecting and equipping these institutions pressed so heavily upon our brethren, it did not seem possible for them at that time to undertake the erection of a church building, so the meetings were held in the village hall, which was rented for that purpose. It soon became necessary to provide for the education of the children of church-school age, and a church-school building was erected, the second story of which was arranged for the holding of the church services. As the membership increased, it was not long before the little room in the schoolhouse was taxed to its utmost, and later it was completely outgrown, so that it was impossible for all the members to attend services at one time, besides leaving no room for others in the place who might wish to meet with us.

The question of building a new church was agitated more or less during all this time, but it was not until 1911 that the matter took definite shape. The church then concluded to “rise up and build.” A building committee was appointed, and plans for the raising of funds began in earnest. At the outset it was decided that the church should be dedicated free from debt, and that work should not be begun until sufficient funds were in sight in cash and pledges to pay for the building when completed. As the church is so largely made up of transient members, — persons who are brought here to connect with our institutions for a time and then pass on to other fields, — the General Conference Committee and the Review and Herald Board felt that it would be consistent and right that the church be assisted in the matter of meeting the expense of building, and substantial assistance was given.

The plan of raising the funds was that each member of the church and each employee of our institutions here, receiving the benefits of the church privileges, should “set apart half his wages, or other income, for the thirteenth week of each quarter, until the necessary amount was raised.” We are glad to say that the plan was entered into heartily. This definite arrangement gave a substantial basis for the building committee to work upon. The pledges were collected for about a year and a half before work on the building was actually begun. We believe this plan is worthy of recommendation to other places where buildings are needed.

One of the most interesting things that occurred in connection with the building was the conversion of one of the contractors. The Christian deportment of the members of the church gave him a desire to know what made us a peculiar people, the result being his acceptance of the truth. A cut of the building is shown herewith.

The dedicatory service was held Sunday, October 26, Elder A. G. Daniels preaching the sermon and Elder J. H. Evans offering the dedicatory prayer. Invitations were given to the people of the place, and the house was well filled with an attentive audience. We feel very thankful to God, who has enabled us to build this house to the honor and glory of his name. I. A. FORD.