Omaha daily bee., 1889-08-18
ALL'S WELL In THE CHURCHES
But the Midsummer Heat Compels
Partial Inactivity.
CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH.
A Suggestion for Thanksgiving Day
ermons-Methodists in Conven.
tion at Beatrice-The So
cial Side of Ii.
Calvary Baptist Church.

Brief, but replete with good works, has
been the history OF Calvary Baptist church.
Nearly three years ago, on November 25,
1886, the church was organized with forty
nine members, most of whom came from the
First church. A call was given Rev. A. w.
Clark, who began work as pastor January /,
1887.
Meetings were held In a chapel on Saun-
ders street, which had been built on leased
lot by the first church. This chapel was
given to the church, but all felt the great
need Of possessing lot on which to build a
permanent nome. Early the following
spring, steps were taken to secure one. The
result was that one of the best locations
for church in the northern part OF the city
was purchased at a cost of 50, 700. The lot is
situated on the southwest corner OF Twenty
sixth and Seward streets.
A loan of a, 500 was obtained to give the
young society financial strength to make a
good start The old chapel on Saunders
street was used for two years, and then sold
to the Welsh Presbyterians for 5000.
The growth Of the church was such that
within the first year, the chapel was found
to be too small, 30 that early in the second
year movement was inaugurated with the
building of new home on their own lot in
view.
The building, which Is plain structure,
was completed last December. 1t is 40x60
feet; is provided with conuenient baptistry
and roDing rooms, has good pews with
curved seat backs, finished with walnut trim
mings; is lighted with gas and heated by
furnace; has lecture room and PASTORS 8
study in front, with folding doors opening
out to the audience room, and has q gallery
above. The whole seating capacity of the
building is 45O. About $4,000 is the cash
value OF the property. .an I
It's growth in spiritual way has been
even more gratifying than its fnan-
cial prosperity. Some time was
occupied at first ~ in becoming
acquainted with each other and the work on
the field. 1t was SOON found that con-
genial band Of christians mad been brought
together. Indeed, TIE secret Of the spiritual
growth is that harmony and good will have
always ruled supreme in its councils. Con-
versions have been frequent in the summer
months as we'll as ip theawinter. During
the brief time OF the chnrch's existence, 147
members have been addedlCto the member
ship. Fifty of these hayd come into the
church during the last six months, or since
entering the new buildmg.n
Some have been granted letters to other
churches and one has ,died. The present
membership Is 175, not gain of 127.
The enterprise of the church was mani
tested over two years agoJwhen two missions
were founded. One was at Central Park,
the other at Orchard Hill. Occasional
preaching services have been held, and both
have grown In influence and membership
until the present Quite number of con-
versions have also been reported. The mis-
sion school at Central Park has eighty young
people in regular attendance, and a mission
prayer meeting OF from twenty-five 10
thirty. At Orchard Hill the attendance is
more than ninety, and the prayer meetings
have been marked spiritual power in the
community.
In its period of prosperity, the church has
thought not alone of itself, but has done
much In a benevolent way. An active inter
est has been taken in city evangelization and
general home mission work. Annual contri.
buttons have also been made 10 foreign mis-
sions, the Baptist publication society and the
cause Of education.
An example worthy Of great praise and
emulation by all the churches is the taking OF