The Dedication of Our First Church Building in the Philippines
By L. V. Finster
At six o'clock in the morning, in company with Elder Porter and wife, Brother C. N. Woodward and wife, and a few native brethren, we left Manila for Malolos, the capital of the Bulucan province, to dedicate our first little chapel. The early ride of an hour and a half in the train was a lovely trip. It was cool and fresh, and all nature seemed to be praising God. The ride took us through rice-fields most of the way. At Malolos we took caramattos (two-wheeled buggies) to our little chapel. The native brethren had built the chapel themselves, and had worked nearly all night to have it ready when Elder Porter should arrive. It is made of bamboo, and thatched with Nipa palm, and is well suited to its surroundings. The brethren had it decked with plants, not only inside, but also in front. The floor is of mud, but in time will become very hard. Elder Porter delivered the dedicatory sermon, and the writer offered the prayer setting apart this house to God for His service. With the house, we also felt to dedicate ourselves to His service in the finishing of His work in the earth. We believe the Lord accepted this offering made to Him, and that His blessings will rest upon this humble house of His. Sometimes I am impressed that as the Lord does not dwell with the proud, but with the humble, contrite ones, so it is with His houses of worship. The Lord does not see as man sees. After hearty singing, we were taken to one of the native brethren's home, and a very good native dinner was served for us. In the afternoon, Brother Woodward told of the wonderful advancement of our work in China and other parts of the great Asiatic field. This was encouraging to the native brethren, as they saw how God was calling out a people from all lands to be prepared to meet Him.