Bethany Church

(1910-)

The Gospel Messenger Dec. 17, 1910 page 832

Philadelphia. – We met tonight to organize the Bethany Mission into a church.  Brethren A. L. Grater and J. B. Shidler assisted us in the organization. This will make two new organizations in the city of Philadelphia in the last for years.  Brother and Sister Croft are the founders of the Bethany Mission, and the new church was built by them.  The work is loyally supported by them also.  A great work is to be done in Philadelphia. – J. T. Myers, Philadelphia, Pa., Dec. 2.

The Gospel Messenger Dec. 24, 1910 p 843

BETHANY MISSION, PHILADELPHIA, PA.

We are glad to report that Bethany Mission has been so blessed and has grown to such numbers that it was deemed advisable to organize, which took place Dec. 2. This makes two Missions which have branched out from our home church, the First Brethren, at Dauphin Street, above Broad Street, viz., the "Geiger Memorial" at Twenty-sixth Street and Lehigh Avenue, and " Bethany Mission." This makes now four organized churches of the Brethren in this great city, that at Germantown being the mother church. Elders J. T. Myers, A. L. Grater, and J. B. Shisler conducted the organization. Brethren Robert G. Jones and Harvey D. Morton were elected to the deacon's office. They, with their devoted wives, were duly installed. Bro. Jones was chosen church clerk and Bro. S. B. Croft, treasurer.

  The work here was started in 1904 by Brother and Sister S. B. Croft, in a three-story house, with sixty-seven present in one room. The work increased in numbers so rapidly, under their efficient care, that soon they had classes to occupy the entire house, including the third floor. Finding themselves in pressing need of a larger place, they secured ground on the corner of Kensington Avenue and Willard Street, borrowed the money and started to build the much-needed church, trusting to pay for it as the Lord might direct. This Mission now stands as a monument to the faithful, devoted and self-sacrificing work of its founders, and shows how God can use to his glory those who are willing to give themselves into his hands.

  They have now a membership of ninety-two and a live Sunday-school with an average attendance of about 235, a "Loyal Temperance Legion" meeting each Tuesday evening, with from seventy-five to one hundred boys and girls present. The first hour is devoted to Bible lessons and temperance work; the second hour to play in the basement, where they swing, slide, see-saw, etc.   They have prayer meeting and preaching each week. Bro. Paul H. Bowman, of Johnson City, Tenn., came to labor with them last September, he being their first pastor. Since his ministry with them six have been baptized.   They also have a home department with forty-seven members, sixty-five on cradle roll and a Sisters' Aid Society, with thirty members enrolled. These two very important factors are a great help, and have been very useful in the extension of the work here.

   On Thanksgiving Day, at 5 P. M., a young woman was baptized. Then, in the evening, at 7:30, they held their love feast with about one hundred surrounding the Lord's table. The feast, indeed, was a blessed one. The ministering brethren present were J. T. Myers, M. G. Swigart, B. F. Kittinger and P. H. Bowman. Bro. M. C. Swigart officiated. This is a promising field for the Brethren, and we hope to see a strong congregation of loyal soldiers for King Immanuel spring up here in this part of the city. There are hundreds of souls, all about us, crying for the Bread of Life, and we need the power of the Spirit of Christ that we may boldly and wisely administer of their needs. Mrs. Sallie B. Schell, 1906 N. Park Avenue, De. 8.