Dedication of the Pittsburgh (Pa.) Church by B. G. Wilkinson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 4, 1913

Dedication of the Pittsburgh (Pa.) Church

By B. G. Wilkinson

FOLLOWING the labors of Elder W. A. Westworth for the past eighteen months in the city of Pittsburgh, we were glad to take part in the dedication services of the church building. There were many present on this occasion, besides Elder Westworth and the local ministering brethren in the city, Elders W. A. Spicer, R. A. Underwood, E. J. Van Horn, and the writer. We say dedication, perhaps more properly it could be called rededication. However, as the original mortgage of fifteen hundred dollars upon the old property was lifted on this occasion, and the remodeled building was dedicated free from debt, we might call it, in the truest sense, a dedication.

The services of Sabbath, November 15, were a great blessing to the brethren who had assembled from all parts of Pittsburgh and its vicinity. Elder Van Horn occupied the pulpit Friday evening. The writer had charge of the consecration services Sabbath morning, while Elder Underwood preached Sabbath afternoon. There was a hearty response on the part of the congregation, and many testified to a renewed experience and a decided spiritual uplift because of the blessings of God received on this occasion.

The dedication sermon was preached Sunday afternoon, by Elder Spicer. He presented very forcefully the progress of the work, and the great blessing that can come through the church building. Following his words, Elder Westworth presented the financial claims of the new building, which showed that though the increased value was $3,800, the church was nevertheless dedicated free from debt, as far as that part was concerned. He then made an appeal to the brethren to lift the old mortgage of $1,500. There was a hearty response upon the part of the congregation, one brother alone contributing about $800. This same brother also lifted very heavily in making up

the amount necessary to remodel the building.

The seating capacity of the church has been increased from about one hundred to nearly two hundred and fifty. Last Sunday night, when Elder Spicer spoke on world-wide missions, the building was fairly crowded. There was an excellent class of people in the audience. The work of Elder Westworth during these eighteen months has resulted in the addition of fifty to the membership of the church. Thirty-five of the new members have been baptized, and six others were to be baptized the week following the dedication.

Brother Westworth has decided to accept the call to make the Battle Creek (Mich.) church his field of labor. It is with deep regret on the part of many that he goes from Pittsburgh. Elder Van Horn, of Ohio, has been called to take up the work in that city, and has already begun his labors.

We were glad to be at this service and to witness the bright prospect for the future of the work in Pittsburgh. We believe the blessing of God will attend it. B. G. WILKINSON.