Newspaper Page Text
n /—■. ‘ l, jys'?~ B* jfe;" Co "\ i LI BRAR'
r IGX ■
' —*> IW.M w rts '27
JBSSi O-
O H a fl
wJ I '®UC** *
VOLUME FIVE
NUMVEI TIVE
ITH a warm March sun dancing down
ward through the budding elms, with
w’hite capped nurses and convalescent
patients looking from the windows of
the Tabernacle Infirmary adjoining, with
a large platform crowded with men and
women and the streets literally packed
for nearly a block, Dr. Len G. Brough
ton, celebrated an epoch in the history
11
_ 4
of his ministry in Atlanta at noon, Wednesday,
March 9, when he was master of ceremonies at the
laying of the cornerstone of the new Baptist Taber
nacle and Institute on Luckie street, opposite the
Atlanta School of Medicine.
The Crowds.
There were men and women in this great gather
ing who had been associated with the struggles of
the Tabernacle since its beginning, had worshipped
for years in the old building down the street,
and who had given their work, money and pray
ers to help make possible the new home, which
is now 1 in process of erection. Many generations
were present in the gathering, some of whom
may never live to enjoy the worship of God in
the new church, while their children who we
baptized in the old building will enter into
prepared for them by the untiring
devotion and struggles of their fathers.
The Services Begin.
The services began with the singing of “Jesus,
Lover of My Soul,” and what a thrilling spec
tacle was this great audience, joining without in
strument in this grand old hymn, followed by an
eloquent and soul stirring prayer by Dr. A. C.
Dixon, pastor of Moody Church, Chicago. At the
conclusion of the prayer, “How Firm a Founda
tion,” the beautiful words so appropriate to the
occasion, was read by Dr. A. T. Robertson, of
the Baptist Seminary, Louisville, Ky.
The entire audience joined in simultaneously, in
this great song, thus preparing the people for the
reading of appropriate Scripture by Dr. Jas M.
Gray was followed by Dr. F. B. Meyer in a won
derfully simple, and yet eloquent address which
contained a poetic charm characteristic of all the
utterances of this famous divine.
Dr. Meyer Said, in Part:
“We gather under the gentle benediction of this
exquisite sunlight and under our Father’s roof upon
a center already consecrated by the prayers and
gifts of God’s children. I believe that this will be
an historic occasion not only in the history of this
church, but an occasion not unworthy to be chroni
cled in the history of this great and beautiful city,
for although it is the tendency in some quarters to
discount the influence upon public life of a church,
it must be held by every thoughtful man that they
are necessary for their moral and ethical effect, for
legislation without the atmosphere which furnishes
AN EPOCH-MAKING EVENT
THE CALL OF A TRYING HOUR-Page Five.
Nelv Tabernacle Cornerstone Laid Wednesday, 77 ar ch 9.
the dynamic by which these laws may be maintain
ed, must fail. In the creation of noble ideals in a
community, churches play an important part.
Atlanta knows well enough the history of this
work, carried on by one of her most distinguished
citizens. Suffice it to say that twelve years ago last
Sunday, Dr. Broughton commenced his ministry in
this city. Six months after that, the crowds that
thronged to hear him made necessary the erection
of the present Tabernacle which was entered upon
twelve months after. Since that time wonderful
growth has taken place. A membership of between
three and four thousand and a Sunday school of
about two thousand and an infirmary which has
the countenance of the doctors of the State. Hard
by is the dormitory for ladies of employment which
has enabled many 4 a struggling girl to live in a
great city.
<
aSMfc
—....
BAPTIST TABERNACLE INSTITUTIONAL CHURCH.
The pastor has won respect and much else has
happened. The pastor has not flinched in taking
his part in all movements that have spelt the better
ment of all his fellow creatures. All have not agreed
with him, but all who recognize a man, when they
meet him, even in opposition, recognize in IV.
Broughton a man who is not ashamed of principle.
In addition to this, your pastor has achieved a world
wide fame. He can crowd the biggest auditorium
in London. If I could cable my former church, one
of the greatest in London, that Dr. Broughton would
accept their pastorate, they would be exceedingly
joyful. Whether you will let him go or not is an
other matter. Now you are to have a place of wor
ship worthy of this congregation and worthy of this
ATLANTA, GA., MARCH 24, 1910.
pastor who is gifted beyond all of us in charming
and magnetic qualities and in the Gospel of our Lord
and Savior.”
In beautiful words Dr. Meyer implored that the
new church might be dedicated as our lives have
been dedicated, for the purpose of preaching the
Gospel of the divine Son of God. It is a voluntary
church to be erected by voluntary gifts in the same
spirit which brought to these shores the pilgrims of
Plymouth Rock, who would be free in their worship.
It is a Baptist church with ordinances dating back to
the communion of our Lord and connected with the
church of Pentecost by a history that rings with
the names of Bunyan, Carey, McLaren, Clifford, Gor
don, Broadus and Spurgeon.
A Rest for the Pastor.
Dr. Meyer closed with an appeal to the people to
send in contributions large enough to prevent the
stopping of the work for a single day, and asked
that they send their pastor next August on a
long vacation trip around the world, for a six
months’ rest, to return when the new church is
ready for his occupancy to go on for ten years
with renewed vigor and power.
At the conclusion of Dr. Meyer’s address, Dr.
Broughton introduced Mr. Will Moody, the son
of the great D. L. Moody, of East Northfield,
Mass., with appropriate words and a tribute to
Mr. Moody’s illustrious father, and his assistance
rendered Dr. Broughton in his early history. Dr.
Broughton said that it seemed to him a good
omen that on this day marking an epoch i,n his
life, he should have on the platform Dr. Dixon,
under whose ministry he was converted when a
boy in North Carolina; Dr. Robertson, his school
mate in college; Dr. Meyer, who had been of so
much help to him; Mr. Moody, through whose
father the first Bible Conference ever held was
made possible, and Mr. Kemp, in whose church
he had preached in Scotland with so much
pleasure.
Mr. Moody followed Dr. Broughton with a few
well chosen remarks.
A Surprise to Dr. Broughton.
At this juncture, Rev. J. W. Ham, assistant pastor,
stepped forward and asked Dr. Broughton to be
seated. It had been the purpose of the officers of
the church to leave the cornerstone perfectly blank
rind until this moment all of the officers thought it
was blank. The assistant pastor, assuming charge
of the ceremonies, read the following letter from the
Ladies’ Aid Society:
“The Ladies’ Aid and Missionary Societies, upon
this occasion, marking the greatest epoch in the life
of our Church, feel that no deeper pleasure can be
afforded them than to be allowed the privilege with
out consultation, either with the pastor or officers
of the church, to present this cornerstone in honor
(Continued on Page 13.)
7WO VOL LAUS 5< YEAR.
FIVE CENTS A COPY.
