Akron daily Democrat. [volume] (Akron, Ohio) 1892-1902, 1901-12-05
At the Five Points,
Opened.
Has the Support of West
Hill Churches,
Although Primarily a Baptist
Mission.

The Baptist Mission chapel at Doug
lass and South Maple SITS. was infor-
mally dedicated Wednesday evening.
The mission was founded by the con-
gregation of the First Baptist church,
and Is the first independent effort in
this line attempted by that denomina-
tion in Akron, although the Baptists
have taken an active part in the found
ing Of several union missions in other
parts OF the city.
There has long been need of q church
in that vicinity, and the Baptists have
taken the initiative, because they rec
ognized this need the nearest church
being three-quarters of mile distant
The chapel is snug one-story build
Ing and fronts on Maple st. The
building, though not ornamental, is
nevertheless comfortable, is heated and
lighted by gas and has about 200 chairs
In it. 1t is situated on a large lot and
cnn easily be swung round so that ad-
ditions may be made thereto, when the
time requires it.
ut was the original Intention" MID.
A. James said, ito found an institution.
al schurch as a means of information
and for the betterment of the social
and moral life of the community, but
1t was thought better to begin on "a
small scale and work toward something
greater. To try to solve the great
and very serious problem of rapidly
growing cities How to reach those
who do not attend the present church
es this mission was established"
| Nearly every chair was occupied
Wien the services began. The choir
Of the First Baptist church furnished
music. Rev. A. b. Coates Of the First
Baptist church. Rev. j. l.. Davies OF
the West Congregational church and
Rev. w. F. Wykoff, of Woodland NJ
u, Church, occupied seats on the ros.
trum.
Rev. Mr.. Coates In his opening re
marks said: "The work here was be,
gun only after much deliberation, and
because this was thought good field
for labor, on account of the distance
from other churches. This is not q
mission In the sense that the Five
oints is a degraded part of the city
or that the people have not heard of the
gospel. We have come into this field
hot to compete with nor to rival nor to
injure the other churches which are
nearest, but because the field is broad
and we wish your aid in the uplifting
of Gods kingdom. This is a Baptist
mission at the start because union mis-.
sions have not proven decided sue
cess in this city.
Rev. Mr.. Coates then introduced Rev.
Mr.. Davies and Rev. Mr.. Wykoff, who
gave 1O-fninute addresses.
Rev. Mr.. Davies, said: "The Five
Points has brick buildings, frame
buildings, and business block, but no
place of worship. This has been the
great need, and no one will lose caste
by coming into this little chapel"
Rev. Mr.. Wykoff's remarks We're in
the same strain. "No apology" said
he "is needed for bringing the gospel to
this part Of the city. 1t is needed here,
1t is needed throughout Akron, and
throughout America and the rest of
the world; and 1t is the purpose of the
ministry to educate people in eternal
welfare, to put aside formalities, and
to make men Christ-like. We bid you
welcome, and wish you God speed"
For the present, a Sunday school
will be held in the mission each Sun
day at 2:30 p. m. The formal organi-
cation will take place next Sunday.