Revision as of 23:02, 21 March 2025

Akron Gospel Hall, Akron, Summit Co., OH (OB) +1898-2025+

Itinerants

• Robert Beattie 1931
• Bro. Beveridge 1928
• Benjamin Bradford 1928, 1930-1931
• Norman Crawford 1948
• J.M. Davies 1928
• Thomas H. Dempsey 1914-1915?
• John Dickson 1934
• J. Dixon 1931
• Bro. Dobbin 1928
• William P. Douglas 1928, 1930, 1945 (1860-1946).
  • Saved thru the preaching of Dwight L. Moody in 1876, served full-time as a commended worker 1880-1946. Frank Becker of AGH served as a pallbearer at his memorial, representing this assembly.
• George Duncan 1928, 1930-1932
• William Ferguson 1928, 1931, 1933
• W.G. Foster 1945, 1951
• John Govan 1929-1932, 1947-1948, 1952
• W. Fisher Hunter 1936
• W.H. Hunter 1933
• Albert Joyce 1950
• Bro. Kay 1928
• A.P. Klabunda 1946, 1948, 1952
• Bro. Lyons 1931
• Forbes MacLeod 1926
• Oswald MacLeod 1946
• J. Marshall 1928, 1930
• Lorne E. McBain 1948
• R.W. McCracken 1945-1946
• John Knox McEwen 1931
• Bro. Mehl 1930
• Stephen Mick 1946
• Bro. Miller 1944
• Bro. Oliver 1930
• Joe Pearson 1946
• V. Phillips 1945
• W. Ross Rainey 1959
• H.W. Reusch 1944
• F.W. Schwartz 1930
• Archie Stewart 1947
• Bro. Thorpe 1927
• William Warke 1928, 1947, 1950
• John Watt 1931
• Bro. White 1932

News

Unless otherwise noted, source is Akron.

1910's

In the Pioneering & Biographical section of Letters of Interest in Nov. 1950, the subject of the article was Thomas H. Dempsey, and sometime between 1913-1916 this took place for this Irish commended worker, an excerpt with context: "Mr. John Smith of Cleveland had been called home in 1913; his loss was keenly felt by his home assembly. A disused church building had been rented by the brethren in the south end of town for Sunday school work. Mr. D.L. Roy and Mr. T.H. Dempsey opened a campaign in this building, the power of God being very manifest in the meetings from the beginning. There was much opposition from different sources, yet the place was filled and the Holy Spirit wrought mightily, convincing sinners. The result was about twenty-five newborn souls rejoicing in Christ. The sudden death of a young sister in Akron, Ohio seemed to create a gospel interest. Brother Dempsey started meetings and once again the arm of the Lord was manifested in a manner that far exceeded expectations with the result that souls were saved and the small assembly was built up. In Pittsburgh and in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, the Lord used the preaching of Mr. Dempsey in the salvation of many. For a short time our Brother Dempsey took up secular employment because of a throat infection. After recovering in 1916 he left for the Pacific Coast where his ministry was much used of God."

1920's

1926

• OR 1926-5: Akron, OH: "Forbes MacLeod had a series of meetings here, attended with manifest blessing."

1927

• OR 1927-5:
  • "The Lord willing, we will gather once more to hear the blessed word of God and to wait upon Him in prayer, May 28, 29 and 30, beginning Friday evening, 27th, with prayer. The Lord's people from a distance will be freely taken care of. M.W. Becker, 376 Orleans Ave."
  • "We had Brother Thorpe with us for a few days, the Word of the Lord being fresh and good. May it reach us and build us up in His ways."

1928

• OR 1928-6: Conferences: "The Akron, Ohio, convention will be held, D.V., Saturday, June 2, in Gospel Hall W. High St., and “Perkin’s Auditorium,” Sunday, June 3. Circulars from M.W. Becker, 681 19th St., Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio."

• OR 1928-7:
  • "The Lord gave us a very happy and healthy conference here. We had our esteemed brethren, Douglas, Bradford, Davies, Beveridge, Duncan, Kay, Dobbin and others with us, whose ministry was good and wholesome."
  • Pittsburgh, PA: "We had a helpful visit from our brother, J.M. Davies, who went on from here to attend Akron, O., Conference, and also hold a few meetings in Cleveland, ere going east, expecting to leave soon for So. India, with his wife and family."

• OR 1928-10: Cleveland, OH: "There was a large and, it was generally expressed, a very good and profitable time here at the “Labor Day” Conference. A spirit of harmony among the workers down-stairs in the kitchen and dining room, and among those who ministered the Word upstairs prevailed throughout, and help from the Lord was given to those who opened up the Book to us. Of the many present who gave their time to the work of the Lord, the following spoke to us: Brn. David Oliver, J. Marshall, J.A. Clarke, S.C. Keller, C. F. Hogg, J. Conaway, W. Smith, Mr. Hazelton, T.D.W. Muir. W. McCracken and T. McKelvey. The two latter brethren continued meetings in the Addison St. Hall, and Mr. Oliver in the West Side Hall. Mr. Marshall going to Akron."

1929

• OR 1929-1: "Brn. W. Ferguson and W. Warke held some weeks of meetings here. Good attendance, generally."

• OR 1929-5: Conferences: "The Conference will be held, God willing, June 1st and 2nd, with prayer meeting Friday, May 31st, at 7:45. Saturday meetings will be held in the Gospel Hall, 397 Locust St. Lord’s Day, meetings in the Perkin’s Auditorium, one door north of Hall. Those coming from a distance will be freely cared for. Communications to Mr. W. Becker, 681 19th St., Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio."

• OR 1929-10: Conferences: Cleveland, OH: "The Convention held at Labor-day time was largely attended, taxing the accommodations of the hall. Christians from Akron, Detroit, Pittsburgh, and other places within reach were present, and the ministry was such that the general expression was that God had been with them. Brn. McClure, Ferguson, Gould Jr., Mehl, G. Smith, Jas. Smith, T.D.W. Muir and others sought to minister the Word."

1930's

1930

• OR 1930-2: Flint, MI: "We had a large gathering at our Sunday School treat New Year’s day. Two scholars have recently got saved, and that encourages the teachers. Br. Govan spent three months in Akron and Youngstown, Ohio. In Akron there were a number saved, and in Youngstown, although meetings were smaller, yet God was working."

• OR 1930-5: Conferences: "Conference at Akron, Ohio, will be held on May 30, 31, and June 1, in Perkins Auditorium, as hitherto, with three meetings daily, for the ministering of the Word of God and Prayer. All coming from a distance will be freely taken care of. Believers’ Hymn Books will be used, so those having same please bring along. Communication address, M. W. Becker, 1733 19th Street, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio."

• OR 1930-7: "The Memorial Day Conference was both large and good. Among those attending and giving help through the Word, were Brn. Douglas, Oliver, Bradford, Mehl, Schwartz, Marshall, Duncan and others. The saints were refreshed and encouraged."

1931

• OR 1931-4: "Conference as usual May 30 and 31 in Gospel Hall, 397 Locust St. Particulars from M. W. Becker, 1733 19th St., Cuyahoga Falls, O."

• OR 1931-6: Barberton, OH: "In this town, just south of Akron, our brother, John Govan, is holding forth the Word of Life. The people are mostly Slavs and predominantly R. C. One young man has professed to be saved through faith in Christ."

• OR 1931-7:
  • "At the last Conference, the largest yet held, there was manifestly a time of blessing. The speakers were Brethren B. Bradford, J. Dixon, R. Beattie (from Ireland), S. McEwen, J. Govan, W. Ferguson, Lyons, Duncan, and Watt."
  • Windsor, ON: "Robert Beattie’s meetings here were the means of blessing to several who trusted Christ. Brother Beattie is now in Akron, O., for Gospel work."

• OR 1931-11: "Brother George Duncan had four weeks' good meetings."

1932

• OR 1932-3: "John Govan started meetings here in the end of January and was hoping when he wrote to see the hand of the Lord in blessing."

• OR 1932-4&5:
  • "Lord willing, Conference will be held here in Perkins School Auditorium, one block north of Gospel Hall, on May 28-29-30, three meetings daily at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., for prayer, praise and for the ministry of the word of God. Preceded by a prayer meeting on Friday evening at 7:45 p.m. Those coming from a distance will be freely taken care of. Pray for these meetings that they may be for His glory and blessing of His own redeemed people. Correspondence: M.W. Becker, 1733 19th St., Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.
  • OR 1932-5: Cleveland, OH: "On April 6th, our sister, Mrs. James Watt, of Chagrin Falls, went home after a long period of intense suffering. She leaves a husband and three children to mourn her loss. We feel touched by this death, for as a girl (Kate Jeffreys), she spent some time in our home in Chicago many years ago. Her husband writes that the saints in Cleveland and Akron were very kind to her during the long illness and the funeral services were conducted by Frank Johnson and W. P. Douglas.

• OR 1932-9: Mansfield, Ohio: "A meeting for the breaking- of bread and other services incident to an assembly of saints has been begun here with the full fellowship of the saints in Akron and Cleveland. This fellowship was sought because the brethren in Mansfield had been going to these places to break bread. An invitation Is sent to saints everywhere to visit this new assembly, bringing, of course, a letter of commendation. The correspondent is J. Alexander Forrest, Grace and Michigan, Lincoln Heights, Mansfield, and the notice sent to us is signed not only by him but also by two other brethren, L.B. Slick and J. Hunter."

1933

• OR 1933-2: Detroit, MI: "Brethren McCrory and Wilkie are having meetings in Springbank, a suburb of Detroit. They began January 8th. This work is in fellowship with Central Hall. William Ferguson had about five weeks in Ohio, three of them in Akron, with good interest. He is now thinking of house to house work in towns and villages around Detroit."

• OR 1933-3: Cleveland, OH: "W.H. Hunter is here having meetings and the attendance has been good and the meetings enjoyed. He thinks of going to Akron after leaving Cleveland. W.P. Douglas went to Youngstown for meetings."

• OR 1933-4: Steubenville, OH: "Brother W.H. Hunter, writing from here, says he had a happy time in Cleveland and Akron. He is also enjoying ministering to the saints where he now is. He mentions the fact that W.F. Hunter (no relative) is having meetings in New Bedford just now. He also says that James Blackwood has visited Desoronto, Ont., where Fred Peer saw blessing in the tent last summer, and found a hearty response to his ministry. The McMullen brothers are still visiting in New England."

1934

• 1934-7: Ohio: "Some brethren in St. Louis, Mo., are shipping a tent to Cincinnati for summer meetings. Messrs. John Conaway and Wm. Robertson are exercised about a gospel effort here, and prayer is earnestly desired for the work in this large city. Cleveland: After two weeks’ meetings here our brother John Dickson expected to go to Akron. Brother George Duncan had a few meetings in Steubenville. Mr. John Govan spent some time in Toronto, O. confirming the young Christians in the faith and preaching the gospel to the unsaved who attended the meetings."

1936

• AA 1936-3: Pittsburgh: "Two professed to be saved at the meetings of W. Fisher Hunter in Friendship Ave. Hall. Later our brother went on to Akron, O."

1940's

1945

• 1945-1 LOI: Rootstown Town Hall Assembly: H.W. REUSCH, Correspondent

"The saints at the Rootstown, Ohio assembly were blessed with a refreshing and happy season of park meetings during the summer just passed. This is written with the hope that it might encourage others to enjoy the same blessings. The meetings were held in Perkins Park on Lord’s day afternoon at 2:30 and continuing until about 4:30. This park was chosen because it is located in one of the most thickly populated sections of Akron. The city park administration was very kind to allow us to meet there and they also furnished us with an electric outlet for our public address system.

The meetings were held on the grass under the trees near the playground and the shelter house. This enabled us to bring the gospel direct to the people when they had time to listen. Because of the informal character of the services many listened who would not attend a meeting in a hall or even a tent. The people sat on the park benches and in the shelter house, some stood along the drive nearby while others sat on the ground. They could come and go at liberty and some sat at a distance and listened. The public address system carried the message through the whole park and across to the houses located outside.

On one windy day a lady about four blocks away heard the sound of the voice bringing the gospel over the loud speakers and she decided that she would go over to the park the next Lord’s day to find out what it was all about. She came the next week and as she sat there on the bench listening to the old story that is ever new, the tears began to run down her cheeks. One of the brethren went over to speak with her after the meeting and found out that she had been a R.C. but the Lord had saved her soul by revealing the Lord Jesus Christ to her as her Saviour through the ministry of others outside of her own church. She left the church and was told she was lost because she had left. Therefore when she heard the gospel and the security of the believer spoken of in the park it made tears of joy flow down her cheeks. After the first few meetings many individuals and even families began to come to the park just to attend the meetings.

Brother Miller was exercised about the many children in the park and he suggested that we try having an outdoor school for them. The rest of the brethren thought it would be a good thing to try, so after the gospel meeting we invited the children to gather around on the grass in an appropriate place to listen to some Bible stories. They were reluctant to come at first but the brethren went down into the playground and invited the children personally to come to the class and they began to come more freely after that.

We had an attendance of from 12 to 38 children of every description gathered there each afternoon listening to the gospel through Bible stories. It was a joy to look into their little faces as they sat there and drank in the good news. They were exceptionally well behaved and gave us no trouble at all as far as discipline was concerned. We gave them candy as a treat after the class was over at several of the meetings. We also gave them Bibles for attending 10 classes and learning a verse of scripture each time.

It certainly was a privilege to see the joy those children expressed to get their Bibles. This experience has emphasized to us the necessity of going out to the people where they are in order to reach them. The word in Psalm 14 and Romans 3:11 tells us that “there is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.” If it were any different people would come to the halls for meetings, but the Word tells us that they do not understand and they do not seek after God therefore it is necessary to go to them with the gospel.

In all probability there were more unsaved listening to the Gospel at one meeting in the park than there would be at the average gospel hall in a whole year. We did not attempt to measure the results by counting conversions. We consider it our responsibility to faithfully preach the Word and leave the results with the Lord who will reveal the count to us in eternity."

• 1945-9 LOI: W.G. Foster, 14701 Alder Ave., East Cleveland, OH: "I have been kept close to home for the last two years or more, owing to the illness of my mother. Two weeks ago we thought she was “going home,” but she has made an amazing recovery although still quite a care. I have been able to give considerable help in the Addison Road and West Side Assemblies in Cleveland, Ohio. Sometimes I get to Akron for the Lord’s day."

• 1945-11 LOI: V. Phillips, Box 313, Tarpon Springs, FL: "While visiting some of the assemblies in Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Akron, Pittsburgh and Flint, preaching the gospel and doing personal work, the Lord blessed His Word. Three souls professed salvation. I have now returned to this field of labor in Florida and will value your prayers for this work."

• 1945-12 LOI: W.G. Foster: "I am still kept close to home on account of my mother’s illness. I haven’t been able to get away for any meetings for over two years, but it is good to know “that all things work together for good to them that love God.” We have need of patience and we read in Romans 5 how it is obtained, “Tribulation worketh patience.” So we are in the school of experience and I am afraid that the most of us are poor scholars, but our blessed Lord said long ago, “Learn of Me.” I help whenever possible in the Cleveland, Ohio, assemblies, East and West sides, and sometimes at Akron on the Lord’s day."

1946

• LOI 1946-4: J. Pearson, 51 Hamlin St., Manchester, CT & A.P. Klabunda, 6224 South Ave., Indiana, PA: "These brethren were continuing with gospel meetings in Akron, Ohio, when last we heard, March 15th."

• LOI 1946-5:
  • Joe Pearson, 51 Hamlin St., Manchester, CT & A.P. Klabunda, 6224 South Ave., Indiana, PA: "We hear that these brethren are being encouraged in their meetings in Akron, O., by several having professed to be saved."
  • Reports and Assembly Activities: Andrew J. Cotton @ LOI: "We are glad to report that widespread blessing in the gospel resulted from quite a few series of gospel meetings held in various places in March and April. It looks like God is letting His servants and His people enjoy a little season of refreshing and blessing in conversions in these dark days. The blessing attending these efforts tends to show that when the Lord’s servants are free to go on, and the Lord’s people are willing to go on as long as God is working, more fruit is seen in a sustained effort in the gospel. There is doubtless blessing in other places not known to us at this time, but we rejoice to hear of quite a few souls being saved in St. Catherines, Ont., Niagara Falls, Ont., Sarnia, Ont., Stratford, Ont., Chicago Blvd., Detroit, Mich., Akron, Ohio, Centerville, Iowa, Durham, N.C., Bryn Mawr, Pa., Jackson, Mich. Details of the meetings in these places appear in the Report section. We know of nothing so stimulating to Christian as hearing of God working and souls being saved, and we solicit news of gospel effort and resulting blessing."

• LOI 1946-10: Stephen Mick, 1514 Wisconsin Ave., Boscobel, WI: "I have been in Akron, Ohio, for the past five weeks, helping brother Macleod in the tent. The meetings hate been very good, well attended, and some have professed -to be saved, so we are very thankful to the Lord for this tent season."

• LOI 1946-12: Oswald L. McLeod, 1715 Laverne Ave., Dayton, OH: "Brother McLeod, after seeing blessing in the salvation of souls and restoration of backsliders in tent meetings in Akron with Brother Mick, went to Jackson, Mich, to to help the Lord's people. From there he went to the Blue River, Wise, conference and then on to Garnavillo, Iowa for meetings.

1947

• LOI 1947-4: Wm. Warke, 1259 W. 86th St., Chicago, IL & John Govan, 9591 Sorrento Ave., Detroit, MI: "These brethren started gospel meetings in Addison Road Hall, Cleveland, Ohio, on February 16th. Prior to starting these meetings brother Warke visited Akron, Steubensville, Toronto and other assemblies, seeking to help them by the ministry of God’s Word."

• LOI 1947-6: Wm. Warke, 1259 W. 86th St., Chicago, IL & Archie Stewart, 13590 Longacre, Detroit, MI: "Meetings were started in Akron, Ohio on Sunday, April 13th by these two brethren."

1948

• LOI 1948-6: L.E. McBain, 745 N. High St., Jackson, MI & Norman Crawford, Box 285, Jackson, MI: "These brethren had five weeks meetings in Akron, Ohio with good attendance and interest. A woman who professed to be saved during the meetings, gives joy to the Christians. The work in Jackson is growing steadily, and the brethren have been encouraged lately by the conversion of a young man. Brother McBain hopes to work a tent this summer in the vicinity of Jackson."

• LOI 1948-10: John Govan, Detroit, MI & A.P. Klabunda, Indiana, PA: "These brethren were in their sixth week of tent meetings in Barberton, O., when last we heard about the end of August. Three had professed and some others were exercised. The Christians from Akron, 14 miles from Barberton, have been helping in attendance and prayer."

1950's

1950

• LOI 1950-2: Albert Joyce, 417 Roehampton Ave., Toronto, ON & Wm. Warke, Chicago, IL: "These brethren began a series of gospel meetings in the Gospel Hall, Akron, Ohio on Sunday, January 8."

• LOI 1950-3: Albert Joyce & William Warke: "The meetings started by these brethren in Akron, Ohio, on January 8 have been fruitful. Four had professed to be saved when we last heard. They were going to close on February 5, but because of the interest decided to go on another week."

• LOI 1950-4: William Warke, 1259 W. 86th St., Chicago, IL: "Brother Warke started a series of gospel meetings in Sarnia, Ontario, on Sunday, February 26. The recent meetings held by brethren Joyce and Warke in Akron were fruitful. A nice number professed to be saved. Brother Joyce joined brother Watson in another series in London, Ontario on February 26."

1951

• LOI 1951-8: W.G. Foster, Cleveland, OH: "I have been seeking recently to help the assemblies in Cleveland (Addison Road and West Side) and in Youngstown, Akron and Mansfield. We have special interest in the latter place, as we were there when the assembly began about 15 years ago. Brother William Beveridge and I had a tent there at that time. Some were saved. We went back twice later with the tent to help build up the little assembly. Three and a half years ago they opened a new hall and invited Brother F.W. Schwartz and me for the opening services. The assembly is growing, and has an encouraging Sunday school."

1952

• LOI 1952-3: John Govan, Detroit, MI & Albert Klabunda, Indiana, PA: "These brethren have commenced gospel meetings in Akron, Ohio about the end of January. When last we heard, the attendance was encouraging. The Christians were supporting the meetings wholeheartedly by prayer and by their presence."

• LOI 1952-5: John Govan: "Brother Klabunda and I just closed eight weeks of meetings in Akron, Ohio, with a little blessing seen. The assembly there goes on quietly and steadily, guided by men who fear the Lord and have some spiritual discernment. Attendance was good and the saints gave hearty support in prayer and presence, as well as putting forth every effort to induce the unsaved to come under the sound of God’s Word. God willing, I expect to leave shortly for Manitoba, Canada, where a series of meetings has been arranged at Portage La Prairie."

1953

• LOI 1953-10: Rootstown Conference: "The Fifth Annual Conference of the Rootstown (Ohio) assembly was held July

4 and 5 in the school auditorium, with believers from Canton, New Philadelphia, Akron, Cleveland and Pittsburgh attending. The Word was ably ministered by Brethren T.B. Nottage, E. Miller, H. Reusch, J. Welsh, M. Ackerly. C. Mahloy, W. O’Neil, and John Martin."

1959

• LOI 1959-10: W. Ross Rainey, 4321 Eichelberger St., St. Louis, MO: "During the past five weeks I ministered the Word of God ai Akron and Cleveland, Ohio and Toronto, Foxmead, Guelph, and Brantford, Ont., returning via Windsor, Ont. I am looking forward to ministry in the St. Louis area through the balance of the year. I am at the Bel Ridge Bible Chapel for the month of October with two weeks of children’s meetings planned for the last half of my ministry there.

Also, at the invitation of the brethren, I am giving as much time as possible to the former Kossuth Gospel Chapel, now the Hazelwood Bible Chapel. Ground was broken for the new building on September 20."

1960's

1961

• LOI 1961-8&9: Man Saved Through Witness On Train: H.G. Newell, 1387 West Sixth St., Pomona, CA: "I took a trip by train to Akron, Ohio, with Mrs. Newell, where we spent seven weeks visiting our daughter. We had good meetings at Silver Lake Assembly and at Pleasant Valley Chapel in Panma. On our return journey home, we were used as channels by the Lord, as I had the joy of leading a fellow passenger on the train to know the Lord as his Saviour. While I was dealing with this man, Mrs. Newell was reading the New Testament to a Jewess."

Sources

• Assembly Annals (AA): 1934-7; 1936-3; 1946-3&6&12; 1949-6
• Letters of Interest (LOI): 1945-9&11-12; 1946:4-5&10&12; 1947-4&6; 1948-6&10; 1950:2-4&11; 1951-8; 1952-3&5; 1953-10; 1959-10; 1961-8&9
• Our Record (OR): 1926-5; 1927-5; 1928:6-7&10; 1929-1&5&10; 1930-2&5&7; 1931-4&6-7&11; 1932:3-5&9; 1933:2-4