Chapter 42—Church Building
Truth loses much of its influence if the church meets in an
undesirable place—We feel the need of a church very much. Had we
moved out in faith, and started to build a church before now, it would
have better, far better, for the success of the work. Such a movement
would have given importance and character to our work. Having to
come so great a distance from the road into the bush to get to the place
of meeting, and then climb the stairs to the mill—often exposed to
cold, and again to heat—and with surroundings of every conceivable
kind of furniture and utensils, did not honor God or inspire the people
with sacred ideas. The force of truth loses much of its influence on the
mind because of the surroundings. I have seen this and deplored it, but
the dearth of means has left us in perplexity.—
Manuscript Releases
13:407
.
Our work in a new place is not perceived as permanent until
a church is built—Now we must have a meeting house. The people
are saying, “These people will soon go away and you have no church
building, and then you will be scattered.” We want to see a building
before we leave for America. I have carried the church in Maitland in
my soul.—
Manuscript Releases 7:90
.
Renting a church is an acceptable, but temporary, arrange-
ment—As the large tent had been taken down, our people secured
the use of the Congregational church, corner Eighteenth and Market
Streets, for our Sabbath services. A few months ago our own church
building in Oakland was sold, and our brethren and sisters are meeting
in this rented church until some more permanent arrangement can be
made.—
The Review and Herald, November 29, 1906
.
Location
Secure land that is favorably situated—It is right that there
should be a commodious house of worship in the city of Portland.
Our brethren there have done well in securing a piece of land favorably
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