Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 20
February 27, 1968
NUMBER 42, PAGE 9-12

Gospel Advocate Tell-Al-Gram

J.D. HALL, JR. DIES IN PLANE CRASH: J. a Hall, Jr., author of "True Christianity" writer and underwriter of Sentinel of Truth, was killed in the crash of his company's airplane February 6. Also killed in the crash near Jasper, Texas was his son-in-law Thomas Richard Bell. The pilot of the craft, Jim Bob Thompson, was killed. A fourth occupant of the two-engine Piper Navajo, Robert J. Hall, survived. Robert is a son of J. D. Hall, Jr.

TORCH, VOLUME II and III available in bound volumes. Edited by Wm. E. Wallace, published by Billy K. Ferris. $3.50. Order From TORCH, P.O. Box 9, Lexington, Alabama 35648.

PREACHER WANTED: "Wanted, needed and will be appreciated — a preacher of the truth with some support or able to work for part of living a community of 15,000 souls to reach — the best climate in U.S.A. Write P.O. Box 4137, Huachuca City, Ariz. 85616 or call 602-4960."

FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK PROBLEMS — In an article in the Firm Foundation January 21, 1969 J. D. Roberts observes, "There have been various reports lately of Christians maintain that the Lord's Supper may be scripturally taken on Thursday night, or on any convenient day, as well as on the first day of the week. Some instances of the celebration of the Supper on a week night as worship or at the conclusion of a wedding have been mentioned."

LETTER FROM DALE SMELSER: "I recently read a good article by Bob Bunting on the need of the work in the Northeast. I am in contact with a man who lives there and is ready to work full time in the gospel. Bearnie Leavitt, after two years at the University of Vermont, was baptized in 1956 in DeLand, Florida. Soon afterward he attended Florida College for two and a half years, marrying Barbara Stewart of Plant City. During his final year at Florida College and for one year following he preached at Antioch. The Leavitts then moved to Rutland, Vermont where he maintained secular employment while planting the gospel. A small church has resulted, seven members, meeting in his living room. Besides preaching for this group he has taught in homes and preaches three Sundays a month at the City Farm. Brother Leavitt says, 'After seven years of dividing my time between preaching the gospel and secular work I feel the time has come to devote full time to the Lord's work in Rutland. Consequently I am seeking full support.' I would like to encourage churches who can assist to consider this possibility. If I remember correctly, Rutland is the second largest city in Vermont. Along with Jack Frost, Jr. I visited with Brother Leavitt a few years ago in Rutland and I am glad to thus hear from him. He lists Rea Pennock and Luther Blackmon as being familiar with his work there since that time. His address is 52 West Street, Rutland, Vt. 05701." (Smelser's address: P.O. Box 95, Zion, Illinois 60099 HOMER HAILEY at South 46th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas March 2-9 for a meeting.

SIGN UP FOR THE GOSPEL GUARDIAN'S BIBLE LAND TOUR — MAY 5-23 — SEND FOR INFORMATION CECIL S. HAFLEY, elder of Paris Avenue congregation in Peoria, Illinois reports; "Since the coming of James H. Cox to Paris Avenue in July, the church here has experienced unparalleled growth. Seven baptized and nine restored mark the visible results. We are gratified with the spiritual growth and zeal which is evident in the hearts of many of the brethren here."

HERBERT BROCK of Park Hill in Fort Smith, Arkansas passes. Heart attack. Former elder of Park Hill.

Former police chief of Fort Smith. Friend of many preachers. Giant of a man physically and spiritually. Died first week in February.

THE "ALL" SERIES by Herbert Lockyer. Ten volumes, sold as a set at a $10.00 savings. "An" titles included are: Books and Chapters of the Bible, Doctrines of the Bible, Holy Days and Holidays, Kings and Queens of the Bible, Men of the Bible, Women of the Bible, Prayers of the Bible, and Promises of the Bible. $49.50 value, this 10-volume set in carton, only $39.50. Ready March 1.

HISTORY OF SOUTH 46th STREET CONGREGATION, FORT SMITH, ARKANSAS: Written by elder Spencer Card: "On February 26, 1965 at 2:30 P.M. fifteen men met together, and all being of one accord, expressed their desire to start a new work here in Fort Smith, knowing that there would be many problems to face, and much hard work ahead. It was agreed to hold services that night at 7:30 P.M. in one of the homes of this group of brethren.

"At the first meeting on the night of February 28 there were 93 people present and at the following Wednesday night service there were 103 present. So we realized that we were going to need a great deal more room. Some of the men secured an old two-story house which worked out real fine. Sufficient heat was fixed and all of the necessities were taken care of. The many rooms upstairs in this house were used for class rooms and the downstairs was used for the worship service.

"Now at this time we had only about $300.00, which was the contribution on Sunday night the 28th. The next Lord's Day arrived and there were 125 present and the contribution was over $500.00. Things were looking real good and everyone had a tremendous amount of faith in God.

"Two or three weeks passed and the brethren decided to start looking for property on which to build a building. In a very short time property was found and bought. Still not having much money, but lots of faith, we went in debt to acquire this property.

"We were fortunate in that one of the members of the church is a very fine contractor, so he presented plans for a new building which were agreed on. On May 10th, 1965 this brother moved a bulldozer in and the building work started. We were still meeting in the old house and were growing in numbers and having very good lessons from the Word of God.

"The days and weeks passed by rapidly and everyone was working hard. Our contractor said it was time to bring in the brick. He had bought 22,000 used brick and they all had to be cleaned and moved forty-six blocks. Every member got busy cleaning and moving brick.

"To make this story short, we moved into our new building in August of the same year, and we have so much for which to be thankful. Brother Cecil Douthitt moved back to Fort Smith in the spring of 1965 and started working with us. This worked out just real fine and he preached for us for many months before he retired 'again.'

"Brother Olin Kern moved here in the fall of 1966 to work full time with us and is doing a very fine job. The church here has been abundantly blessed by many good lessons and many good Gospel Meetings with various preachers, such as Maurice Barnett, Hoyt Houchen, James Cope, Gene Frost, Eugene Britnell, William Wallace, plus a very good 'different speaker' meeting by preachers in this area. Our future Gospel Meetings look good with such men as Homer Hailey (this March 2 to 9). Other meetings are planned for the fall of 1969 and the spring of 1970.

"Thanks to God the church here has been able to help many Gospel preachers in other areas of the country and plans have been made to help even more in the future.

"I might add that elders and deacons have been appointed, so everything is in order. The future of the church and the work of the Lord looks very good here. You are always welcome to come visit us — we will be happy to have you. This is a brief history of the brethren who meet at 2323 South 46 Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas."

BEND, OREGON: "A new congregation has been started in Bend, Oregon...After more than four years in Cottage Grove I have committed myself to move to Bend to work with these brethren beginning next August. About half of my support will be supplied by the good church in Cottage Grove and a small amount will come from Bend. At the time of this writing I have not yet located the remainder of my support, but have just now begun to look for it.

"Bend is located in Central Oregon at the eastern foothills of the Cascade Mountains. Its setting is beautiful with tall mountain peaks just to the west, and the high Oregon desert to the east. The immediate area abounds in timber, lakes, rivers, wildlife, and geology. The climate is dry, the air clear, and the wide open spaces are still in abundance.

"The town itself has a population of 13,000 with a two-year college, and is growing. There are several other small towns within 15--30 miles driving distance. From what I have observed personally the people of the area compose a fertile soil for the planting of the seed. There is no other sound congregation in the area, but only one other in the entire eastern two-thirds of the state. Thus Bend is strategically located as a town from which the truth can eventually be supported in other starved areas. The few faithful disciples in Bend have committed themselves to this task and I look forward to working with them in its accomplishment. The Lord being our helper we shall succeed if we try.

"If you have ever contemplated a move to help in a work such as this why not consider a move to Bend? Contact me (address below) or James Bussard, 525 Broadway, Bend, Oregon 97701." Jerry F. Bassett BB Rt., Box 191, Cottage Grove, Ore. 97424 FINANCIAL SUPPORT NEEDED IN PHILIPPINES — A REPORT FROM GILBERT COPELAND — "This appeal for support of a faithful gospel preacher is being made on behalf of Brother Eusebio Alagano. Brother Algano was, until a few months ago, supported by 'liberal' congregations in the States. Through the efforts of his son-in-law, Juanito Balbin (who is supported full time by the Montebello, California Church) Brother Algano became persuaded of the errors of digression and began to teach God's truth concerning congregational cooperation and the benevolent work of the Church. As a result of his stand for truth, Brother Alagano's financial support was cut off. This left him destitute of the necessities of life and forced him to sell or mortgage his household furnishings in order to feed his family.

"Brother Alagano is still preaching. He works with a small loyal group and is actively trying to persuade those of the liberal persuasion with whom he formally worked. In addition, he is working with Brother Balbin, Brother Agduma, Brother Diego and others in their efforts to spread the gospel in the Philippines. We have indirectly received Brother Agduma's endorsement of Brother Alagano and understand Brother Agduma is writing a plea on his behalf. His recommendation will be forwarded to any interested group or individual.

"Brethren, a faith and conviction such as shown by Brother Algano deserves our attention, our prayers and our support. He needs about $100.00 per month in order to care for his family and to support him in his work for the Master. Temporarily, arrangements have been made to supply him with $25.00 per month; but this is only a temporary arrangement and still leaves him in the deepest poverty. Please give this matter your careful consideration. You may contact him as follows: Eusebio Alagano, Katidtuan Kabacan Cotobato I-109 Philippine Islands (25 cents postage is required for 1/2 oz. airmail)

If you desire more information regarding the work of these brethren in the Philippines, you may write to Gilbert Copeland, 3354 W. Ariel Place, Anaheim, California 92804 or Jack Booth, 275 Walnut Ave., Arcadia, California 91106 or to Romulo B. Agduma, M'Lang Cotabato, Philippine Island.

"I have been in constant touch with this part of the Philippine work for about five years. I have seen evidence of the faith and work of the men involved, and believe this to be worthy of support. In my judgment, this work will bring results for a small amount of American money. I sincerely hope that you will look into this and see the great opportunity it presents." Gilbert Copeland "P.S. In the next mail after this was written, we received a letter from Brother Agduma, and he gives unqualified endorsement and recommendation. We shall be happy to send a copy of Brother Agduma's letter to those interested."