Name/Title
AU Harris, Joseph Hastings - 1914-04-02 letter to the Congregation of Grace ChurchEntry/Object ID
1990.1.381Context
Grace Church
United Brethren in Christ
Columbus, Ohio
April 2, 1914
DEAR FRIEND:
As you are interested in the welfare of Grace Church we believe that this message will be glad tidings to you.
Our present building has been a center from which have radiated the "sweetness and light" of Christianity to the most distant parts of the earth. Four of our number are in the Philippine Islands and a former member is in China.
The fact that the work has outgrown the present plant is a distinct compliment to the noble band whose heroism and devotion made possible the present building.
The membership has increased to nearly 500 and the Sunday School enrollment is over 500. Our present quarters are inadequate to meet the needs of the congregation if we are to serve the community as we should do.
On April 17, 1913, the official board voted to erect a new plant. This action was ratified by the quarterly conference and on November 30, 1913, the congregation approved the action taken.
On next SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 1914, a rally will be held for the purpose of securing funds for the erection of a new church and parsonage. We are fortunate in securing the services of Dr. J. M. Philliippi, Dayton, Ohio, editor of "The Religious Telescope" to conduct the rally. Our conference superintendent, Rev. R. A. Hitt, will assist in all the services. The Sunday School will meet at 9 o'clock, morning service at 10:15, afternoon service at 2:30 and evening service at 7:30.
"New occasions teach new duties." The occasion, laden with opportunity, is now here.
The immediate success of the project depends upon how heroically we assume our obligation on April 5th. A liberal subscription in this initial effort means immediate action toward building. Delay may retard the work seriously. Information as to plans, etc., will be given on the day of the rally.
If a member of the church of course you will plan prayerfully to have a share in this project.
If a member of the Sunday School or friend to the congregation you are cordially invited to join us in this effort.
Vigorous and heroic efforts on the part of the members and friends of the congregation at this time certainly will bring victory to the church and honor to Jesus our Lord.
Please invite friends to come with you.
Sincerely your servant,
J. H. HARRIS
N. B.--The Easter offering in the Sunday School and the offering made through the Easter envelopes to be found in the package of envelopes all will go into the new church fund as a free will offering.
