Jasper County Democrat, Volume 9, Number 22, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 September 1906 — TO BE DEDICATED SUNDAY. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

TO BE DEDICATED SUNDAY.

Handsome New House of Worship Now Completed.

ITS COST WAS ABOUT SII,OOO History of the Van Rensselaer Street Christian Church Which Will Be Dedicated To-flor row. The Christian church was organized April 9, 1887, in the house of worship occupied by the Church of God. A revival had previously been conducted by evangelist E. O. Sharp in which 44 persons were brought together to form the first membership. The first step towards a church home was taken on the evening of July 18,1887, at the home of Geo. H. Brown, when it was decided to build, and a building committee was appointed. On May 10, 1888, the lot on which the present church stands

was purchased for SSOO. The building, however, was not erected until in the fall of 1890. On the first Sunday in January, 1891, Rev. J. P. Ewing of Frankfort, Ind., dedicated the house that cost 12,300. The church has prospered from its beginning. There have been a number of successful revivals which has assisted in building up the membership. The church now has about 300 members. Since its beginning about 600 people have united with it. The Sunday school, which for some time has maintained an enrollment of 250, has been a prominent factor in the church’s growth. The church has had an energetic ministry. Following is the list with the time they have served: B. 8. Utz, from Jan. 1889-1893. J. L. Brady, Oct. 1893-1896. L. H. Finley, 1896 (died while pastor). W. O. Moore, Oct. 1896-1898. N. H. Sheperd 1898-1899. A. L. Ward, July 1899-1902.

T. A. Hall, Jan. 1902-Oct. 1903. J. M. Elam, 1904-1905. Owke, 1905 . 'TEeerection of a building that would serve the needs of the growing church was first agitated by Rev. Hall, but it did. not take definite form until Rev. Elam came and it was largely due to his aggressive spirit that money enough was raised to justify the adoption of plans and specifications for a new building. During the administration of the present pastor, G. H. Clarke, the contract was let and the building pushed to a successful completion. The building is structure of pressed brick, laid in red mortar. The length of the building is 89 feet with a’ width of 66 feet The main audience room is seated with oak pews and will accommodate 400 people. The Sunday school room will be furnished with chairs which will seat 300.

There is an organ loft, pastor’s study, 2robing rooms and a room for the Ladies’ Aid Society. There are three large memorial windows jvhich adds much to the beauty of the audience room. One of the smaller windows represents Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane and is in memory of Mr. and Mrs. George Headley Brown and presented by his widow, Mrs. Elizabeth Brown. The central window was presented by the heirs of I. B. Washburn and represents the Youthful Christ in the Temple. The other window represents Easter morning aud is in honor of Miss Jessie Bartoo, deceased. The dedication will take place on Sunday, September 2nd. The sermon will be delivered by the Rev. J. H. O. Smith of Valparaiso, Ind. The building with its fur* nisbings will cost about SII,OOO. It will take about $4,000 to put the congregation out of debt, which amount will be asked for on Sunday..

First Church of Christ, Rensselaer, Ind.