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About 1929 our brother became exercised about the deep spiritual need of [[Puerto Rico]]. Consequently the Fletchers moved there in 1930. Through their effort the assembly in San Turce was established and a small hall was built. The Fletchers remained there until 1941 when because of health they were forced to return to [[Canada]], brother Fletcher continued to serve the Lord and the beloved people in Canada and the United States until he was called to higher service on May 17, 1968.
The appropriateness making mention of Donald Cox in this section of the assembly history must be obvious to all. True, he has not gone abroad to a distant land, but he and his family had to learn another language, French. They had also to master, at least to a considerable degree, another culture; this can be very difficult for some. While [[Quebec][] is neighbor to][[Ontario]][[Quebec][] , it presents some of the problems of a foreign country to one who knows only the English language and culture.In 1958 Donald Cox was commended to the work of the Lord in Quebec jointly by the assemblies in MacNab Street, Hamilton, Ontario, and [[Palos Hills Christian Assembly, IL|86th Street]], Chicago, ][[Illinois]][[Quebec][], U.S.A.For fourteen years our brother has diligently served the Lord in Drummondville. After these many years in that city, our brother became exercised before the Lord to move to the Gaspe Peninsula. He now lives in Ste-Anne-des-Monts, Gaspe Nord, ][[Quebec]][[Quebec][]. This is some four hundred miles north of his former home. In this northern area there is ample scope for pioneering. There are numerous towns and villages surrounding Ste-Anne-des-Monts, and in these some contacts have been made through radio and television ministry. A deep concern of our brother is that there are no French assemblies throughout the Gaspe Peninsula.]
==Chapter Seven - "Messengers of the Churches"==
[[Quebec][] "They are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ. Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love" (II Cor. 8:23-24).That the Lord has sustained the MacNab assembly by efficient administration and by the ministry of spiritual gifts, which he has developed locally, has been fully demonstrated. He also has supplemented these services and ministries by using other servants of Christ who, from elsewhere, have taken up residence in the Hamilton area. These beloved brethren, although establishing their homes in the City, continued their itinerant ministry among the assemblies in [[Canada]] and the [[United States]].One of the earliest of these, if not the earliest, was Joseph Douglas. This brother was born in Limivady, [[Northern Ireland|Ireland]], on July 13, 1869. In youth, before God saved him, he was pursuing the necessary education to become an attorney at law, but he eventually dismissed this objective and immigrated to the [[United States]] where he took up residence in Detroit, [[Michigan]]. There he learned from [[Thomas Donald William Muir|T.D.W. Muir]] the ways of the Lord more perfectly and some years later was commended to full time work for God by the [[Central Gospel Hall, Detroit, MI|Central Assembly]], Detroit. He was not very robust, but when cautioned by the doctor to take things more easily, he replied, "How can I when there is so much to do?" he literally wore himself out in the service of the Lord.From Detroit he moved to Newbury, ][[Ontario]][[Quebec][] , and from there to Hamilton where his presence and ministry were a benefit to the MacNab Assembly.Because of the condition of Mrs. Douglas' health, he was forced to move back to Detroit so that his wife, who suffered from severe paralysis, might be with her sisters. Although he was probably only two years in Hamilton, he became well known and greatly loved and highly respected.While visiting back in Newbury, he contracted pneumonia and passed home to be with the Lord on November 28, 1904, at 36 years of age. In the copy of ''Our Record'' for the month that followed, [[Thomas Donald William Muir|T.D.W. Muir]] wrote in the obituary: "Another of those who can be so ill be spared has gone from us, to be with the Lord".The family took the remains to Hamilton for burial, where brethren D. Munro and W.P. Douglas (no relative) spoke the word."Among the church notices in the Hamilton Herald, April 18, 1914, a newspaper long since discontinued, there is an insertion which reads: "Christians gathered unto the name of the Lord Jesus Christ meet at the Gospel Hall, 140 MacNab Street North. Lord's Day: Breaking of Bread, 11:00 a.m., Sunday School and Bible Class, 2:45 p.m. Mr. Robert McCrory from Ulster and Mr. George Duncan from Cleveland will preach at 3:45 and 7:00 p.m."This apparently was the announcement of brother McCrory's first visit to the City, he later adopted as his home. He had immigrated to [[Canada]] in 1910, but in 1914 moved from the Maritime Provinces to Hamilton. There he resided until 1961 when, after the passing of his wife, he returned to Ireland.There he went home to be with the Lord in October, 1964.It was written of him: "He was a man of the Book and ever sought to expound its meaning. When conflicting influences would have divided, and in some parts did, the assemblies, he firmly attested to the supreme authority of the Holy Scriptures in ALL MATTERS OF church administration. When amillenarian doctrine was being propagated among some of the assemblies, distressing the minds of God's people, his clear teaching on the doctrine of the imminent return of the Lord preserved in many hearts the living hope of the soon return of the heavenly bridgegroom."Brother David Kirk a fellow-countryman of Robert McCrory, also started his service in Canada in the Maritime Provinces, but eventually moved to Hamilton, ][[Ontario]][[Quebec][]. He was on a visit to Ireland at the time of brother McCrory's final illness and death. Brother Kirk was able to visit him and along with Robert Wright formerly of Japan, he conducted the funeral services.Brother Kirk was reared in Belfast, [[Northern Ireland|Ireland]], and as a youth found all the needs of his heart in the Ebenezer Assembly of that City.In it he was saved, baptized, received into church fellowship, and from that assembly in August of 1931, he was commended, in a full time capacity to the work of the Lord in [[Canada]]. He lived and labored from the time of his arrival until 1942 principally in the Maritime Provinces, but that year he moved to Stirling, Ontario. During the years he lived there his service for the Lord expanded to a wider sphere of ministry. Finally, in 1948, our brother came and settled in Hamilton, and ever since has been in intimate fellowship in the MacNab, now the West Fifth Assembly. His presence and his ministry are a blessing to the saints in the assembly.It is appropriate that brother Donald Moffatt be mentioned in this chapter. He has given many years of his life to the dissemination of the truth of God. He labored for years in [[Newfoundland]], Canada, and while there founded the radio broadcast, ''Family bible Hour''. This broadcast, of which he is still a director, today is heard in many parts of the world. It has brought life and instruction to large numbers of listeners, both saved and unsaved.After brother Moffatt left [[Newfoundland]], he spent some years on the Pacific Coast preaching the gospel and ministering God's Word among the assemblies. Eventually he returned east and settled in Hamilton, making MacNab Assembly his home. Although now engaged in secular business, he still spends much time in ministry among assemblies and at conferences. He faithfully serves the [[West Fifth Bible Chapel, Hamilton, ON|West Fifth Assembly]] with other elders seeking to shepherd the flock of God within which he has located.]
==Chapter Eight - "Gather Together"==
==Chapter Eleven - "Women of Stirred Hearts"==
"All the women who were wise hearted did spin with their hands, and brought that which they had spun, both of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine linen. All the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun goats hair" (Ex. 35:25-26).
Since ancient times the ministry of consecrated women has been invaluable to the service of the Lord. The beautiful draperies for the Tabernacle in the wilderness and the garments of beauty and glory worn by Israel's high priest were all of home spun cloth, and were all hand sewn, needle work (Ex. 38:18; 39:29). Throughout the history of the Christian Church there have always been women like Dorcas (Acts 9:38-42) who have followed the example of the women in Moses' day. In their work they have brought glory to God and encouragement and comfort to many of His servants.
A half century is a long time, and we would have to concede that in the passing of those years many miles of thread and yarn could be used in a Sisters' Sewing Class. It would be impossible to calculate the thousands of stitches in both sewing and knitting that might be made, the bolts of material that might be used, and the amount of secondhand clothing that by cleaning and repairing might be made serviceable, in such a protracted period.
The Sisters' Sewing Class at MacNab Street Assembly stretches back beyond the half-century mark. Through these beloved sisters, clothing of every description has been made available to missionaries abroad. Many bed quilts have been designed and made bandages have been rolled, toys for children have been made or purchased, arrangements have been made to send food parcels to famine stricken areas and sewing materials have been parceled and made ready for shipment to Quebec.
Throughout the years large quantities of much needed items of various kinds have been shipped directly to [[Quebec]], [[India]], [[Africa]], etc. Quantities of new and reconditioned clothing have been sent to [[Cuba]], the West Indies and [[Colombia]], [[South America]], and other places.
Obviously the sisters of the assembly are always ready for a new challenge. They meet every two weeks during the winter months, October to May, and are eager with hands and machines to work for the Lord's servants, anyone who may be in need of their services. When they meet, there is an average attendance of 25. The president starts the class with a hymn and a few necessary preliminaries. She then calls upon the sister with whom she has arranged to read a portion of Scripture and to pray.
Should there be a lady missionary home on furlough in the vicinity, she probably has been invited to address the class. If such the case, it is at this juncture of the proceedings that the president will call upon her to address the sisters. If there is no missionary report to be heard, the work begins immediately. Some will mail cards and letters to shut-ins. Others will send cards of condolence to bereaved ones. Still others will remove the pictures from old Christmas cards and prepare them for the use of foreign missionaries.
At half time there is a break for a cup of tea, and while the sisters relax and the tea is sipped, letters are read, suggestions are heard, and decisions are made. With the end of the break in the work for a cup of tea, machines go into operation and skillful fingers ply knitting needles, bodkins and sewing needles. Throughout these many years, the sisters have always taken a voluntary offering. With this they have purchased necessary materials, paid shipping charges, and have had fellowship with visiting missionary sisters. Consequently, they have accomplished their benevolent ministry without in anywise being burdensome to the assembly.
==Chapter Twelve - "Led"==
"I bowed down my head, and worshiped the Lord, and blessed the Lord God... which had led me in the right way" (Gen.24:48).
A growing consciousness of necessary change was reflected in the MacNab Building Fund. Notwithstanding it seemed agreeable to most that a relocation of the assembly would be postponed as long as possible. Years had accustomed many, in spite of deterioration, to the hall and to the district. The hall held the hearts of most by its traditional values; nevertheless, larger quarters with greater facilities were certainly needed if the work of God was to progress. With considerable money in the Building Fund, ultimately the conclusion crystallized that the time had come to seek a suitable piece of land in a more congenial district.
Search was first made in the western parts of Hamilton, but since no suitable property was available there, interest was diverted to western parts of "the mountain". From the beginning the experiences encountered in this move revealed the guidance of the Lord and the over-ruling of the Providence.
One day when the Committee of brethren, those chosen by the assembly to investigate the whole matter of building in a new location, was looking for land in the westerly blocks of Mohawk Road, they crossed and recrossed a piece of land at the corner of Mohawk Road and West Fifth Street. In a rather surprised tone one of the brethren exclaimed, "What is wrong with this land!" Rebuking themselves for not earlier seeing the obvious and aroused to action, the brethren began to investigate, negotiate. At the City Hall they learned that the land belonged to a Mr. Thompson.
It is a common cliche that truth may be more fascinating than fiction: perhaps it is so here. The details discovered in negotiating with Mr. Thompson were extremely interesting, a proof that "he that feareth the Lord, him shall he teach in the way that He shall choose" (Ps. 25:12).
Mr. Thompson had bought the property some ten years before, but shortly afterwards it had been expropriated by the City for a clover leaf. The original municipal plan was to make Mohawk Road a thruway, but the Town Planning had been forced to abandon that idea. Only a few days before the brethren had contacted him, Mr. Thompson had received a letter from the City offering to sell the land back to him. Was this merely a coincidence? Let us follow the sequence of events.
Mr. Thompson did not now have sufficient money to buy it back as the City offered it, but this he could do if the brethren would buy what land they needed. Consequently the Building Committee was authorized by the Assembly to purchase a parcel of land 150 x 140 feet facing on West Fifth Street for $17,500. This amount was already in the Building Fund. Thus in 1967 the Assembly owned land upon which it could eventually build. Was this, in spite of the unusual circumstance, the Divinely favored location for a new hall? Had the brethren really been Divinely led? After several months some began to doubt. Others began to feel that the lot was not large enough to use also for car parking, for throughout the immediate areas there were stringent parking restrictions.
The Building Committee therefore returned to Mr. Thompson to see if it was possible to secure another fifty feet of land. How disconcerting it must have been to learn from him that he had disposed of the property to a Mr. Morrow and his partner! A few days later, on making the same request to Mr. Morrow, it was refused because it was his intention to build a high-rise apartment there. Somehow the brethren ascertained that the Federal Government had taken an option on that very piece of land. The brethren therefore approached the Postal Authorities to see whether or not they were going to use all the land. From those Authorities they learned that it had been decided not to build, and that the option they had would not be consummated.
The outcome of the fears and doubts of the brethren and the failure to negotiate with either. Mr. Morrow or the Postal Authorities led to a new search for land. Farther south on the same street, West Fifth, a larger tract of land was found, its areas was ample for the new building and for an extensive parking lot. Nevertheless some were apprehensive, especially when they learned that at one time a stone quarry had been there, and that this had been filled with earth. One brother was quite insistent that the option to buy the property contain a conditional clause to the effect that before the actual purchase, the land be tested and approved suitable for so heavy a structure. Four test holes were dug and all indicated that the backfill had not settle sufficiently to bear the weight of the building planned without very costly pile driving and especially prepared foundation. The option consequently was continued.
What lessons was God teaching His people by these frustrations? Was it that one so difficult to us all, that reliance upon God is more essential and more productive than dealings with men? Was the Lord forcing the brethren into "wits end corner", as it has been called, in order to manifest Himself? Would the Lord make a strategic move? Would He intervene? You may judge for yourself.
Just at this juncture of affairs, Mr. Morrow contacted the Committee. He informed them that the opposition and registered complaint by the neighborhood against the high rise apartment had been sustained by the Municipality, and that his attempts to sell the property for a gasoline outlet, a station, had likewise been opposed. Consequently, he told them, he had divided the land into five lots and that he was making the first offer to the MacNab Assembly. How incredible it all sounded! Like Nehemiah, the brethren, "they perceived that this work was wrought of God" (Neh. 6:16).
Inasmuch as Mr. Morrow was asking $9,000 for the fifty feet and there was only $7,000 left in the Building Fund a special collection was announced on two consecutive Lord's Days. The Lord's people arose to the occasion and contributed more than was necessary. The agreement that was finally reached was to the effect that the $9,000 be paid to Mr. Morrow for the land, but with the understanding that he, Mr. Morrow, assumed all legal fees in the transaction. MacNab Assembly now owned a parcel of land 204 feet wide by 145 feet deep; adequate indeed for both the building they contemplated and an excellent parking lot, the entire price being fully paid; $26,400.00.
Other events at this time convinced the brethren that "the good hand of the Lord" was with them. Some years before, Mr. Joseph Smart, an elder of the congregation, had bequeathed to the Assembly a sum of money between $7,000 and $8,000 to be paid on the death of his wife. The recent fulfillment of this transaction once more increased the Building Fund. There seemed little room for doubt that through extraordinary circumstances the Lord was saying to the believers at MacNab Street, "This is the way, walk ye in it" (Isa. 30:21).
==Chapter Thirteen - "Strengthened Hands"==
"They that were about them strengthened their hands with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with precious things, beside all that was willingly offered" (Ezra 1:6).
Godly counsel is always acceptable to the spiritual, very especially under exceptional circumstances. Mr. Robert McCrory, while he was yet with the saints at MacNab Street, cautioned the brethren against disposing of the old hall without having a suitable building into which the Assembly might move. Without another adequate auditorium, he asserted, the Christians could become scattered and the collective testimony thus be lost.
A major triple task now confronted the Building Committee. First, that of finding temporary quarters for the assembly; second, that of selling the old hall; and third, that of proceeding immediately with the erection of the new building.
Diagonally across the corner from the assembly's new property, on the southeast corner of Mohawk and West Fifth Street, there lay a building complex owned by a Dutch denomination. It consisted of a church edifice, a high school, an elementary school, and a building equipped to accommodate 200 persons. The brethren were able to rent this hall for all their particular meetings at the nominal sum of $180 monthly, and for as long as it was necessary. WHen the time came, the entire assembly moved up "the mountain" and into the rented building. The beloved sister who deferred did so only because of the distance and the fact that she lived near the Kensington assembly.
The details of the transition were progressing favorable, therefore it was appropriate that contact he made with Stweards' Foundation, Wheaton, [[Illinois]]. It was from this Corporation that the brethren hoped to obtain a mortgage of some $60,000 to complete the new building. Mr. Donald Taylor, the representative of the Stewards' Foundation, met twice with the men of the Committee. he heartily agreed with their purchase of additional land. In fact, he said that in a building a chapel with parking facilities an area of an area of an acre and a half is not too much. Brother Taylor gave the Committee the impression that when needed the funds would be available, but regrettably the MacNab brethren at that time did not make formal application for the mortgage.
The time had come to control or repress sentiments and store away the precious memories of the past years, the old hall had to be sold. The vicinity in which it was located was now much commercialized and had also been designated for urban renewal. A friendly real estate broker assessed the selling price of the Hall at $35,000. The Committee thought this too reserved an estimate and tried to sell it themselves at a higher price. In this they completely failed. It was finally sold by a real estate agent at the broker's evaluation, $35,000.
A lovely human interest story must be told here. The elders of the assembly had promised the use of the hall to a young couple in fellowship for their wedding. In keeping their promise, they consummated the sale of the hall with the understanding the occupancy would not be yielded until Monday. The wedding was performed on Saturday the fourth. The last services in the MacNab Street hall were conducted on Sunday the fifth of November, 1968. On Monday, the building was vacated by the assembly and the new owners took possession.
A builder must not only sit down and count the cost before he starts, as the Word of God states, but he must determine, first of all, what he actually is going to build. The Building Committee had to know exactly what the assembly required: an upper and lower auditorium, Sunday School rooms, a baptistry, kitchen, toilet rooms, office, storerooms, the type of foyer, etc., etc. When these particulars were all resolved, the Committee submitted them to an architect for the final drawing of the plans.
When all plans were confirmed by the assembly, the contract to erect the new building was given to Mr. Shoalts of the Ridgeville Assembly. This Christian contractor studied the plans thoroughly and estimated that the total cost of the edifice represented by the plans would reach $130,000. This price included the pews and all related equipment as well as the paving of the parking space; in fact, it covered everything but the landscaping. Inasmuch as the assembly had $40,000 in funds and was prepared to assume a mortgage of only $60,000, it was agreed to forego certain details temporarily. These, it was felt, could be added later.
By early summer all was in readiness to start building; consequently, the brethren arranged a special sod-turning ceremony. The first sod was turned by brother Reg Larter. The notable day was Sunday, July 6, 1969. In a submissive, thankful and confident attitude the saints gathered on the lot that had at times deeply concerned them, the lot over which they had frequently prayed. One of the elders, a member of the Building Committee, brother Alex Grant, gave an appropriate message based upon Philippians 1:6, "He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ". The primary interpretation of the passage, of course, was to Christians at Philippi and to the work begun in their lives ten years previous to Paul's writing this epistle. The application made by brother Grant to the project that had brought the assembly together was obvious to all. The greater extent to which the Lord's people would need to rely upon Him was not then apparent. Notwithstanding, it was soon evident the willingness to make more sacrifices for the Lord and His work.
With the construction well on its way, the brethren wrote Stewards' Foundation for the mortgage, $60,000, which they had discussed with Mr. Taylor. What a surprise, if not a shock, when they received a reply stating that at the moment Stewards' had no funds available! Furthermore, the reply also stated that they probably would not have sufficient for the mortgage for a year. Was God again testing faith? Could He, would He, guide in the emergency? Would He fulfill the promise regarding wisdom? "If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not" (James 1:5).
The assembly was immediately informed of the problem. The suggestion was also made to all that if the Lord's people could tend sufficient money on a short term basis, the work would proceed. With smaller and larger amounts the saints quickly assumed the responsibility, and in a brief period had lent $59,600. Without doubt the Lord had directed the brethren in their proposal, He also had touched the hearts of His people so that unhesitatingly they responded sacrificially.
Not too long after this amount had been raised locally, much sooner than expected, word was received from Stewards' to the effect that funds had come in and that they were now able to forward the full amount requested. The brethren, therefore, were able to refund the amounts lent by the individual Christians. One of the brethren testified later, "This little test was good for us. It deepened our exercise of heart and increased our voluntary giving.
Other examples of zeal and sacrifice merit a place in these annals. Two sizable donations were given in order that those details being left until a later date might be finished with the rest of the building. By the guidance and grace of God, and for the glory, at the end of April 1970, the West Fifth Chapel was complete and ready for occupancy.
==Chapter Fourteen - "Doing the Will of God"==
"As the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men" (Eph. 6:6-7).
It can be said that in the life of this generation of Christians at West Fifth. "There was no day like that before... the Lord hearkened unto the voice of man" (Joshua 10:14). On the much anticipated day, confidence in God was honored, unremitting labors were compensated and sacrificial giving was rewarded. On Lord's Day, March 1, 1970, the assembly left the rented building that had met its needs during the interim between the leaving of their old building and the entering into their new one. On Wednesday, March 4, 1970, for the first time the saints gathered in the upper auditorium of their new chapel. There was no visible filling of the building with the glory of God as in the setting up of the Tabernacle and in the dedication of the Temple; nevertheless His presence was there. From the very beginning it has been evident that the One who had tested and guided, proved and prospered them was still with them.
The joy of accomplishment seemed strangely mingled with a feeling of incompetence. All present realized that it was the Lord who had given them their spacious new building. Yet, there seemed to be a curious wonderment regarding the future. The months of prayer, consultation, resignation and waiting were all... what lay ahead? There definitely was an attitude of expectancy as brother David Kirk, the first to ever speak in the West Fifth Chapel, moved to the platform. What would he say? What could he say?
"Let us read from 1 Corinthians Chapter 12." His voice came clear and true. The acoustics of the auditorium were excellent and that surely was gratifying. "We shall read from verse 12 to verse 17," continued brother Kirk. The passage he had chosen was most appropriate for the occasion. From it our brother showed what had to be now, and in the future: a personal responsibility before the Lord toward all the activities of the assembly.
Brother Kirk dealt first with the primary interpretation of the passage in its relationship to the mystical Body of Christ. The human body has many members, each of which has to perform its own function in order that the body be healthful and useful. He then applied this principle to the local expression of the Body of Christ, the assembly now gathered in West Fifth Chapel. As each member of a body is related to all other members and to the body as a whole, all members in the assembly are necessary. In the assembly each must fulfill his own special ministry to accomplish growth, to develop spiritual vigor, to be a blessing the one to the other, and to do the most essential to glorify God.
Those services particular to assembly life and testimony commenced in the new West Fifth Chapel on Lord's Day, March 8, 1970. In the evangelistic meeting that evening, brother Arnot McIntee of St. Catherines preached the gospel with clarity and power. He was the first of many evangelists who from that platform was to present God's glad tidings to weary sinners. Since that joyous, culminative day the Word of the Lord has sounded out not only through what might be called regular meetings but through special features which have appealed to both young and old.
There has been much encouragement in all these endeavors. Precious souls have been saved and accepted into the fellowship of the church. God's people have been impelled to a deeper devotion to Christ and to a major participation in service to Christ.
The few children that remained of the Sunday School at MacNab Street formed the small nucleus of the progressive, diversified work among the children at West Fifth. Efforts have been exerted to reach the homes in the vicinity to bring other children under the influence of the gospel. The success of this labor of love may be seen in the Sunday School registry and in its weekly attendance. Furthermore, God has favored the superintendent and his staff of teachers. They have not only had the privilege of sowing the Word of God in virgin soil, they also have had the joy of reaping, God has increased their joy. "They joy before Him according to the joy of the harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil" (Isa. 9:30). "Blessed are they that sow beside all waters" (Isa. 32:20).
Large numbers of boys and girls with very different domestic backgrounds have attended the Craft Classes on the respective nights. Many of them are attracted only by the instruction they receive relative to hobbies; nevertheless, during the whole evening they are present, they are under the influence of true biblical Christianity. Furthermore, all have to listen to a short message in the gospel. Thus the brethren sow in hope.
By means of the Craft Class many homes have been penetrated with the gospel, the literature given to the children in the Sunday School. Craft Class, and in special meetings for little folk, carried the message of Divine love and salvation to families who are otherwise quite irreligious. One plants, another waters, God gives the increase (1 Cor. 3:6).
The Sisters' Missionary Sewing Class is more aggressive than ever. What a blessing to the Lord's servants abroad! Materials through patterns and thread in hands of dedicated sisters take on the shape of little dresses and suits for girls and boys, adult clothing and bed covers, etc. Letters of thanks from single brethren and sisters, as well as from mothers and fathers, do provide some compensation. These also provide inspiration to an even more intensive ministry in sewing. Every sister's work will be made manifest, for the day will declare it (1 Cor. 3:13).
In these days of so much heterodoxy, many are grateful that the assembly at West Fifth has volunteered the excellent facilities of the chapel to the Men's Bible Class. Brethren from other assemblies within driving distance meet every second Monday evening during the winter months for a minute scrutiny of the Holy Scriptures. These prophetical, doctrinal and expository studies are to confirm the minds of all in the facts of the Christian faith so that believers might be ready always to give an answer to every man of the reason of the hope that is in them (1 Pet. 3:15).
"The coming of the Lord draweth nigh" (James 5:8). Consequently, it is more obvious, as we compare the Prophetic Word and current events, that the pilgrimage of the Church is near its end. The saints at West Fifth, along with all others, may soon be raptured away. Until that moment, our prayer on this centennial occasion is couched in the benedictory language of the writer to the Hebrews.
"Now the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen" (Heb. 13:20-21).