The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-10-12
Dr. MacSporran Plans
 Great Work For Church

If the First Presbyterian church, stand ing in the heart of busy Birmingham, had the chimes of some great cathedral. every day their peals would ring:
 By HOPE HATHAWAY You are hurried and worried, my friend,
 passing by,
 You are rushed and you're restiNe, you
 scarcely know why, Stay your steps for a moment that my
 peace may give
 A thought and prayer that will help
 you to live,
 A downtown church appeals to one as wise friend might sympathetic teacher, ever ready to persuade and to guide undirected or misdirected energy into paths of thoughtful accomplishment. And this appeal of the house by the side of the road" is vitalized, personited, in the pastor, the Rev. Dr. J. A. Mac Sporraa, whose office in one of the pig business buildings is in touch with the joy of life in city that is building, with it's perils. it's problems and its wide possi- bilities. Dr. MacSporran knows the eity's need of a friend.
 '1t is temptation to visualize our ideals isn't it, Miss Hathaway1s Ana yet wIs the response how many hopes are ever realized that are not first in some measure, visualized? True he re- piled thoughtfully. and perhaps l misnt take the public into my confidence to tel them that we hope soon to plan more equipment so that the doors of our church may be kept open every day and night We have opportunity in a church of this character. located in the heart or the city, to discharge social obligations to the entire community. We wish 10 make the. home life of young people a special feature. and to meet the social needs of young people now walking the streets
 DEvEL LOPMENT WITHIN CHURCH
 But first" reminded the<pastor. we wanted the family to be united and happy before inviting outsiders. This is the spirit that prevails in our church now Perfect harmony plenty of en- thusiasm. and splendid loyalty. Why. l really think I am more gratifed because of the devolpment of our old members, than could be over anything else. some of them who thought they were break ing their backs found out they could do nine -tenths more. In eleven months time they have helped enlarge our equipment and double our budget"
 y"Doubtless the doubled financial budget accounts for the church treasurer's smiie of satisfa ction." was the suggestion. The last time I saw MT w. H. Wolverton his hands were full of bags and the 5ags were full of money. He owned quito frankly that his church had habit Of keeping him busy on the bright side of the ledger You Presbyterans are pro verbally quiet. though, about Your af fairs
 Due perhaps" explained pr. Mac Sporran Ito the fact that a great deal of | our publicity comes through our own people telling others whom they thin'; would feel attracted by our message. We I have a growing congregation and draw
 people from Birmingham, Bessemer and | Fnsley It Is because our message is TOT them because I agree with good Wall 1 Whitman, who says Your own will come to you Dur congregation is organizec
 on the group plan now, with captain
 for each group in the different localities
 of the city Each captain is responsible 1 for his section, and as each unit co operates. we are kept in constant touc'