Akron daily Democrat. [volume] (Akron, Ohio) 1892-1902, 1900-01-03
HEROIC
Efforts to Pay the
Church Debt.
Main Street N. E. Congregation Has
Prospered.

Dear Friends: As an effort is now
being made to pay off the indebtedness
on the beautiful Main street NJ. Il.
church, 1t is just the public should
know of the history and present finan-
cial condition of the society. About
eight years ago II society was organiz-
ed In hall and Sunday school started
mt the corner of Main and Thornton
streets. Plans were soon after per-
fected for the present structure. 1t
was completed at n cost of about $780,
600, including the lot. 1t was consider
ed n great undertaking for 80 young
society, but times were good and
assurances were made by wealthy
Methodists then in the city the soci-
ETY. would build large and well, the
building would soon be needed, and the
money would be forthcoming to pay
for II. The first part of the prophecy
has been fully rcallzcd-the large and
growing Sunday school, the multltudes
who congregatc Tor worship-from
sabbath to Sabbath show the building
Is none too large but the better part of
the prophesy, the money to pay for II,
did not matcrlalize, as 1t was expected
Strong financial promoters of the cause
failed In business and were unable to
give the assistance promised; others
We're unable to meet their obligations,
leaving membership of laboring peo-
pie with little wealth to struggle on
with heavy load, but for the friendly
aid of the church extension society of
the Methodist Episcopal churches by
way Of II loan of $4,000 the church
would have fniled. This did not relieve
all difficulties. fOblgations of local
character must be met, notes IN bank
came due, and, money from subscrlp-
tions came very slow, and yet all
through the hard times this heroic
pahd stood together and kept their
credit good, paying every dollar ns fast
MS possible. 'iss financial conditions
became brighter, the society felt they
must pay off part ut least of the
church extension loan. When prcpar.
cd few heroic spirits suggested the
payment of the full claim within two
years. 1t did not seem possible, but
nerved to greater faith by past efforts
the work began aud marvellous posi-.
Utilities are being realized. The deyot
tion and tireless energy of mntchlcss
Ladies' Aid Society the loyalty with
which the church has faced her many
obligations. the generous spirit of the
members of the society has commend
cd the church to the general public,
rev churches has warmer friends and
the church wishes to bear testimony
OF her great appreciation for outside
public assistance, Trusting they vii,
be able when their debt is fully pnld to
take their place among the strong
churches of the city, working for the
general good. Jan. 2s. 1900 is set
apart for the dedication of the
church If pledges to meet the entire
amount Is realized. Rev. DR. w. A.
Spencer of Philadelphia, Rev. Dr. J..
w. Robins, presiding elder of Akron
district and others are to assist In the
service. \ full program will be pre-.
sented later. Honest business methods
are adopted. Ai auditing committee is
appointed to examine accounts and
make frequent reports. Payments can
be made to the treasurer, Henry Sen.
bent, 62S South Main St., at any time
with abundant gratitude for past IN.
vors, and praying continued kindness
this honored people hope soon to be
free from debt Respectfully submit.
ted. ]. w King, Pastor