Grand Rapids herald. [volume] (Grand Rapids, Mich.) 1892-1959, 1892-03-28
DEDICATED THE CHAPEL.
The Sixth Ward Bapsists Take Formal
Possession of Their New Home.

The Sixth Ward Bap,ists Take Formal
Possession of Their New Home.
Yesterday was q great day in the his
tory of the Sixth Ward Baptist chapel.
The dedicatory services, which have
been looked forward to with 80 much
anticipation by the movers in the laud-
able enterprise, were held under the
most favorable auspices. Three O'Clock
had been named as the hour when the
exercises would begin, but long before
that time the chapel was crowded to
the doors. In the windows IN the back
part potted plants were placed.
Through the kind offices Of Mr.. Henry
Smith the pulpit platform was covered
with Gala lilies, roses, smilax and
palm. On the platform were seated
the Revs. ID. Nj. Conright, l. Butter
field, j. Snashall, J. l.. Jackson, d. D.,
NJ. j. Bladder, John Heritage, X. w.
Van Kirk. Miss Clara Ransom, Charles
w. Monroe, and w. N. Rowe. the
superintendent of the chapel Sunday
school, and a quartet.
After an organ voluntary the Rev. d.
NJ. Canright delivered the invocation.
Singing by the congregation followed,
then the Rev. NJ j. Bladder read from
the scriptures verses appropriate for
the occasion. Prayer by the Rev.
John Heritage of the Wealthy Avenue
Baptist church. and an anthem by the
quartet preceded the dedication SER
mon by the Rev. r. w. Van Kirk OF
the Second Baptist church. He said
that the first sanctuary built for the
worship of God was by Noah after
the Hood and his ark had landed. He
selected one OF each from all the clean
beasts and fowls and made burnt offer
lngs to God. The next was built 430
years later. Both of these were IN the
open forests, and it was the custom of
the people to gather together for the
purpose of worship. Twenty-four
years after this DAVID first conceived
the idea OF. constructing a permanent
temple for ths worship of God, but he
was bloody man, and though he WAS
privileged to plan, the real task and
honor of carrying into execution was
conferred upon Solomon, who was a
man OF peace. From that day to the
present time edlfices have been erected
until in every portion of the world tall
steeples pierce the sky and churches
and chapels dot the earth. People
passing upon and down Scrlbner street
had not probably thought what signiii-
canoe the chapel IN which he was
speaking mad. Its significance was
great. 1t signltied that man realized
that he must reconcile himself with
God. The house just built has a deep
significance. 1t means that the man
desires to take care of his family. lie
wants to furnish his children with a
place to sleep, place to eat "A home,
which they can call their own. The
same can tie said of the Sixth ward
Baptist mission. IL wants place ii
can cali home. Miss Clara Ransom
read an epitome of the history of the
mission since its first conception. Mr..
Cbas: w. Monroe. treasurer, read his
report. Mr.. w. \. Rowe, chairman of
the building committee. read his re-
port showing the total cost of the
building to be s5I54o7; furnishing
same, $l2f9.65. Grand total, x1404. %
Amount raised by subscription and
otherwise. S4Sll.9o. Amount yet to be
raised, S2592. 30. Addresses were made
by the Rev. J. l.. Jackson and j.
Snashali. The dedication prayer WAS
made 10y the Rev. i. Butterfeld. The
benedlcilon closed the services.
After the services w. y. Rowe and
others raised among the congregation
$2602. more than enough to pay off all
the Indebtedness. W. y. Rowe donated
$500.