News
Jackson Highway Church Of Christ (Sheffield, Alabama) To Build
Dear Brethren:
About one year ago several brethren were offered, what they thought, an opportunity to buy the Seventh Day Adventist building on Jackson Highway, Sheffield, at a very reasonable price. The Adventists offered to rent the building to us till something could be worked out whereby we might buy it. Brother Estes gave up his work with some rural congregations to preach for us. We were led to believe at that time we could buy the building for $25,000 at the most. However, of late they have jumped the price to $40,000 and gave us notice that they wanted the building by December 1st, unless we should buy it.
We now have 50 members. Several have been baptized. Other non-members are attending and are interested. Recently our crowds have been good. We feel that we are doing a good work, and that with the growing population of the Tri-Cities there will be a shortage of meeting places for members of the church in the future.
We are now planning to build on the North side of Sheffield Heights, on Southern Boulevard, about 150 feet from Jackson Highway. This location is more desirable than the first, since it will be centrally located between Sheffield Heights and Government Hill (where there are no congregations meeting).
We are calling on brethren everywhere to assist us in this undertaking, as we are not able to do it alone. We have plans for a brick structure about 38 feet wide and 70 feet long, with Sunday School rooms built later on the side. What we need now is an auditorium in which to meet — and we need it as soon as possible.
The building we plan to erect now will cost between $10,000 and $15,000. If 10 congregations or individuals will give $500 each; 20 give $200 each; 20 give $100 each; 40 give $50 each; 40 give $25 each and 50 give $10 each we can erect this building. Our success depends on you. We believe this can be done.
The elders of this congregation are George W. McDonald, A. L. Pitts, Baxter Rose. Trustees are George W. McDonald, A. L. Pitts, Baxter Rose, Leonard Ryder, and Chester Estes.
It is urgent that you send your contribution at once to Elders, Jackson Highway Church of Christ, c/o A. L. Pitts, Treasurer, 1507 - 31st Street, Sheffield, Alabama. If we are not able to build, your contribution will be returned. You can deduct your gift from your income tax.
Sincerely, George W. McDonald
A. L. Pitts Baxter Rose
Chester Estes P.S. I am personally asking friends who have heard me preach during the thirty-four years I have preached the gospel to send us a contribution to this work.
Chester Estes Wm. E. Fain, 309 Ash Street, Dallas, Oregon, Nov. 27: "This is first news report that I have written in twelve years of preaching, but I feel that there is a good reason. We have just concluded one of the best Gospel Meetings it has been my privilege to attend and participate in. Brother Charles Boshart was the preacher, and I believe he is one of the best to be found anywhere. He is only 22 years old, but is an excellent speaker, and has one of the keenest and most analytical minds in matters pertaining to the scriptures. His lessons were simple and pointed, and he delivered the best I have ever heard on instrument, music. Our crowds were the largest in the history of the church here, and averaged about double our membership, with visitors every night, and just about every member present for every service. One of the main reasons I am writing this report (without Brother Boshart's knowledge) is that he is having to leave Oregon because of lack of adequate support, though he has stayed far longer than most men would under these trying circumstances. Brethren, it just does not seem right for one with such great ability and usefulness to have to leave this needy field. Are there not churches in this country that will help him? Brother Boshart begins a meeting in Memphis, Tennessee, December 2, and you may contact him there at 2965 Eden Road, or write to me at the address above for any information. I am not writing this report for myself, for the good church which supports me here is very good to me, and has always freely supplied my every need. May the Lord bless His church, and may brethren ever care for those of His servants who are in need of help."
M. C. Cuthbertson, Box 6391, Tucson, Arizona, Nov. 27: "'The work continues to be very fine with 145 N. Country Club Rd. Twelve have recently placed membership, some of whom were also restored. Audiences the best in the history of the church. Work on our new building goes on in a good way. Brother Roy Cogdill begins our meeting December 2."
That Mid-Hudson Church of Christ continues meeting in the Odd Fellows hall at 261 Main Street, Poughkeepsie, New York. However, within three months we should be moved into our new building which will be located on the corner of South Cherry Street and Glenwood Avenue. Our building, which will cost $25,000, will be a milestone in the progress of the work in this area..
Those of you visiting in this area are invited to worship with us. And, if you know of any members of the church living in this section of the country, we would appreciate your putting them in contact with the congregation here. Our Lord's Day morning worship service is at 11:30 a.m. and Bible classes are at 10:45 a.m.
Four have been added to our number during the past two months. Our present membership is forty-four however, our average attendance on Sunday morning during the past two months has been sixty-seven. Our contribution averaged $117.24 per week.
J. Paul Du Bois, 430 N. 8th St., Beatrice, Nebraska, Dec. 16: "I began work with this congregation today, having terminated my work with the Bald Knob, Arkansas, congregation last Lord's Day. Brother Guthrie Dean begins there today. He has moved back to Arkansas due to a recent illness which requires a period of rest. He will appreciate your cards and letters. Correspondents please note these two changes. Address Brother Dean at Judsonia, Arkansas."
Richard A. Robinson, 330 West 16th Street, Holland, Michigan, Nov. 27: "As I write this letter at the close of one year of work for the Lord in Holland, I am forced to look back at the successes and failures that have been encountered. The Holland church has grown from thirteen members to thirty-seven. Four families have moved away, and our membership now stands at twenty-eight. In the last year we have baptized nine and nine have been restored. Our attendance has gone from an average of twenty-five to an average of sixty. We have increased our Bible School from two classes to five classes. A mid-week Bible study now meets from house to house. This Thursday a personal work and visitation group starts organized work. We have failed in many ways also. There have been times of discouragement. We have failed to reach very many of the people of this city with the gospel of Christ. However, we feel that the Lord has called us to a great task, and we should lay aside all successes and failures to press on toward our goal.
"In the way of recent developments, we have lost Brother Skaggs and family from our number. He has taken full-time preaching work with the Grand Rapids church. Brother J. P. Hooie and family have followed his work to Piqua. Ohio. Brother Boyce Coggin has been moved to a Veteran's Administration hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. We ask that your continued prayers be with him and his.
"Last Lord's Day the entire collection was put into the Building Fund. The fund now stands at $2,035.34. We need $2,900.00 by December 22 to purchase the lots we desire. Checks have come from both churches and individuals for this cause. We are made to feel grateful and humble by such outside interest."