p. 281 | Dedication of the Buffalo (N. Y.) Church

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 20, 1913

Dedication of the Buffalo (N. Y.) Church

By G. B. Thompson

FEBRUARY 22 and 23 were days of special encouragement to the church in Buffalo, N. Y. For a number of years our work in this large city was carried forward without any permanent place of worship, except a house where services were held on the Sabbath. About two years ago, however, the Lord opened the way by which the believers here were enabled to purchase a church building located at 92 Hadley St., in a good residential section of the city. Since the purchase of the church evangelistic work has been carried forward in the city by Elder T. B. Westbrook and his wife, with a few other workers. As a result of the labors put forth by this faithful corps of workers, quite a number of excellent persons have commenced to keep the Sabbath and been added to the church. Thus in spite of unusual difficulties the church here has grown to be among the strongest in the Western New York Conference.

Some necessary repairs and changes have been made in the building since it was purchased. Also new pews and carpet have been bought and paid for, and the building painted and decorated inside. At the time of its dedication it presented a very neat and inviting appearance indeed, as all places set apart to the worship of God should. The church is in every way calculated to give those who may attend the services an excellent impression of our work. A mortgage of four thousand dollars that has been standing against the building was canceled a short time before the meeting, so the church was dedicated practically free from debt. It is a well-built structure, easily seating three hundred persons. There is also a good basement which can be used.

Many from the churches within reasonable distance of Buffalo were present at the dedication at 3 P. M., February 22, and the house was filled. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Elder A. G. Daniells. Elder W. B. White offered the consecration prayer. The abundant blessings of the Lord were experienced in all the services held during the series of meetings, and our hearts were made to rejoice at the substantial tokens of the Lord’s guidance and care.

Our work in Buffalo has passed through some trying and perplexing experiences. The enemy has contested every advance move made in this city. Some who have gone out from us have endeavored to wreck the good work commenced, but have only succeeded in confusing the minds of a few. Man can not destroy God’s work. This message is a prophetic movement. It is fulfilling prophecy uttered by the seer of Patmos in holy vision, and it can no more be stopped than Pharaoh could stop the Israelites’ leaving Egypt, after the Lord had declared that the seed of Abraham, after four hundred years of affliction, would “come out with great substance.” As well seek to stop the sun’s shining as to endeavor to stop the light of the threefold message of Revelation 14 from shining into hearts. No matter how dense may be the darkness, the light continues to pierce the gloom and bring a new hope to weary souls.

The outlook for the work in Buffalo is of the most encouraging character. Brother Westbrook, with other workers, will continue the work. Let all pray that the Lord will abundantly bless their labors among the thousands of this large city. G. B. THOMPSON.