Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-01-29
\ MEN BAPTIST CHURCH
Sturgeon Memorial Moving For a
New Building.
HISTORY OF the Organizations .srvr-
Structure TO &c Ercctca on Nitc OF
Present Buudiug-Wor OF pre.-
en-; Pastor.

In March, 1892. thirty-two members OF
Favk Avenue Baptist Church. realizing
that the field was ripe for the estab-
lshment Of another church OF that de-
nomination in Bramblet6n. obtained
letters OF dismissal from the Park Ave
nue. Church and organized what is
known as Spursoon Memorial Church.
i'll old Festival Hall. where regular SER
vices were held until they purchased
the old Mckendrec Methodist Church
building, on Windsor avenue. which
was III May OF the same year. ON the
ed OF ihat month they called as pas
tor Key. j. j. Wicker, now of uamp-
den Baptist Church, Baltimore. who
was at that time pastor of Hempsvlllc
Baptist Church. Mr.. Wicker remained
with Spurgeon Memorial until June LIST,
1898. he having received Il call To the
church he is now serving. The pulpit
was then supplied by Rev. X. H. Bow
Gen, who at that time Wah 4 theological
student at Grocer Seminary. Penn. ON
October 9th. Rev. W. T.. Watson, of
North Carolina, was called, and began
his pnsturatc. serving the congregation
very acceptably for two years. Under
the ministry of both Revs Wicker and
Watson the church grew in numbers
and influence in The community. Jan
uary 9th, 1896, Rev. +. II. Martin was
called. and soon thereafter entered upon
his labors. drawing large congregations
for nearly two years. when he resigned
TO accept call 10 the Salem. Va. Bap-
tist church. The CONGREGATION was at
this time in growing condition, with
membership of about 100.
On February LIST. 1898 Rev. l.. Il.
Christie the present pastor. took
charge OF tho church. Under his earnest
and faithful ministrations the church
has not only grown numerically. but in
spiritual power. and is now thoroughly
united enthusiastic ana harmonious in
its work. During the year the cougre-
cation has contributed in money for
the relief of it's poor $2G0 besides sums
in other charitable fields
During the year 1888 the church has
been blessed with gracious reVivals and
mas received on profession Of faith sew
enty-hve accessions. making the entire
membership now about three hundred
There is q small balance due on an old
debt which will he entirely wiped out
by the first OF February.
a NEW CHURCH..
Tho growth of this congregation has
been far beyond the members most
sanguine expectations. and has reach
ed that state that il has been found ab-
Soaulciy necessary to meet the grow
Ing demands upon the church 10 erect
more commodious edficc. and his the
pastor and people have decided 10 do.
The new church will be bsiiit OF brick
on the site Of the present frame slruc-
ture. which will be removed to the rear
and used for church and Sunday school
purposes until the new edifce is COM
pleted.
The plans and specifications for the
proposed new church will he placed in
the hands OF an architect to be drawn
and submitted to the board of deacons.
TO be accepted in time for the construc-
tion to be commenced in April next, and
the work will then be pushed forward
as speedily as possible. so that the
building may be completed by early
IAN ana dedicated. When tho new house
or worship is occupied the present
church will be converted into n lecture
room The new church will cost in the
netghborhood of $4,000
The starting of this now enterprise is
largely due to the earnest zeal and in
defatiEGblc efforts OF the pastor whose
faithful preaching and constant care
Tor his flock has not only caused them
10 love him with an intense Christian
love. but has been the means Of lifting
them to a higher standard Of Christian
life. and out of their means. not rich
church they arc willing to honor the
Lord with their substance in the prac-
tGl1