p. 15 | Church Dedication by F. W. Paap

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · May 1, 1913

Church Dedication

By F. W. Paap

The dedication of the First Seventh-day Adventist church of Baltimore, Md., took place April 6, 1913.

The past six months have been especially busy and interesting ones in connection with the work of God in the city of Baltimore. For many years the church here has been greatly crippled and hindered by not having a church home. Out-of-the-way, noisy, and altogether unsuitable halls have been rented, but these do not lend dignity and give character to our work. Long has the church hoped and prayed that this condition might change; and in the providence of God this change has come. Through a united effort that has cost us much we are comfortably housed in our own new church home on Ninth Street, near North Avenue, Walbrook, Baltimore. A more commendable zeal and spirit of sacrifice on the part of all it is difficult to imagine. The Lord has blessed every effort, and to-day we have a property that has cost us $12,000 including $2,700 for the ground. We have a beautiful location in a fine section of the city. Our church building has two floors, with a seating capacity of 350 each, is supplied with all conveniences, toilets, baptistery, electric lights and gas, hot and cold water, steam heat, and a thorough system of ventilation.

The dedicatory services were particularly refreshing. Elder B. G. Wilkinson spoke on Friday evening, April 4. Elder Thompson on Sabbath at 11 A. M., and Elder A. G. Daniells preached the dedicatory sermon on Sunday at 4 P. M. The church was taxed to its utmost.

Elder R. T. Baer led a praise and social meeting Sabbath afternoon. A very liberal response was made to the call for financial assistance. The offering on the day of the dedication amounted to $1,332 in cash and pledges.

In the evening the writer spoke on Christian baptism, after which seventeen persons followed their Lord in this solemn rite. We feel that the sacrifices and labors of God's dear people of the Baltimore church, especially during the past few months, will mean much in enabling us to do the work expected of us by our great Leader. Pray for us. F. W. PAAP.