oc-plain-dealer 1924-09-13

CHRISTIAN CHURCH DEDICATION NUMBER 1st Christian EDIFICE IS EXTREMELY PRACTICAL Anaheim may well boast its newest religious edifice. The fine building at the corner of Broadway and Helena, erected through the efforts of the faithful congregation of the First Christian denomination. Reputation For Doing Things CHURCH HAS WONDERFUL PROGRAMS Every institution that mands a continuous follof of thoughtful people do because it stands for some which is attractive to minds and hearts of men. Anaheim may well boast its newest religious edifice. The fine building at the corner of Broadway and Helena, erected through the efforts of the faithful congregation of the First Christian denomination and its friends, is a proud structure with an air of invitation from the exterior that is surpassed only by its quiet appeal inside. The great doors opening at the top of a flight of broad, sustaining steps diffuse an inspiration as it takes man above the earth in fact as well as in thought. The floor plan is artistic and convenient. Entering one finds on the right the Sunday School registration office equipped with electric bells to every department. The rest room on the left of the main floor entrance is provided with rockers, table, couch, etc. Continuing, one enters the main auditorium—and an ample one it is! Opera chairs replace the less modern pew. One is attracted to the gong-like contrivance under many of the seats, which, it was explained, is a part of the modern heating apparatus in the basement. The baptistry is directly back of the pulpit and choir loft where the holy rites are administered in view of the entire congregation. The walls are of rough plaster in Tiffany finish of palest shades. The woodwork is in driftwood grey. The communion table, pulpit, five large pulpit chairs upholstered with leather, are gifts from the Ladies' Aid Society of the church. The acoustics properties are of a quality nearing perfection. A padding, several inches thick is applied to the celling causing the voice to carry from a pleading undertone to an animated utterance with the same receptive quality to the congregation. This problem was solved during the war and is used with perfect success. Above the main floor is the comfortable balcony. The Rev. Leon L. Myers was born in Morganville, Kan., on a farm in 1886. His parents removed to Oregon, near Harrisburg, where Mr. Myers as a boy on the farm spent many happy years, helping on the farm when he could, but always having a decided love for school and study. At the age of 13, the Myers family removed to Eugene, where they lived until Mr. Myers graduated from grade schools, high school and finally at the age of 24 from the Eugene Bible University with A.B. and B.D. degrees. His first pastorate was at Dallas, Ore., where his ability to "put over" a big program resulted in the completion of one of the finest churches in the state of Oregon among the Christian churches at that time. Also the church membership increased from 200 to 500 in just two years of time. Other pastorates where Mr. Myers distinguished himself by doing an outstanding work were Silverton, La Grande and The Dalles, Ore. Then seven years ago he came to California and spent five years in the beautiful city of Redlands, where he built one of the most beautiful church buildings in that city. Two years ago Mr. Myers came to Anaheim and while he has spent an almost unbelievable amount of energy in putting the forces of evil to rout and building a better environment for church work, nevertheless at the same time he has completed one of the most Every institution that mands a continuous follow of thoughtful people does because it stands for some which is attractive to minds and hearts of men. Christian church is a parish great brotherhood more than million and a quarter stagger Its attractive program can be found in its more or successful attempt to recreate New Testament church its doctrines, ordinances fruits. This attempt now ering in its history more a century and a quarter years has been called by friends the Restoration Movement. Its exponents are boring under the conviction that the Church of Christ be restored to the world if was when the Apostles, diligently sent, established it in world that then unit Christ's people, for which so ardently prayed (as read in John chapter 17) come about. Its principle pose is to convert the way to Jesus Christ. It ardens believes that only by a closest kind of unity in pose and action can the change expect to succeed in this gantic task. In this brief and sinful statement we shall attempt set forth the principles we have made this people fourth largest in the history Christianity since Protestant sought to read and decide themselves what steps necessary to secure the peace and help of almighty God. The Name We choose to wear the faithful name Christian. We not desire to do so exclusively nor do we attempt to form denomination about our name which is the rightful session of all of God's petals Therefore, we wear this name which is above every man most beautiful and seek to make all Gods Goddess The acoustics properties are of a quality nearing perfection. A padding, several inches thick is applied to the ceiling causing the voice to carry from a pleading undertone to an animated utterance with the same receptive quality to the congregation. This problem was solved during the war and is used with perfect success. Above the main floor is the comfortable balcony also fitted with opera chairs. The indirect lighting system placed where ceiling and wall meet is the last word in sectional arrangement. Each or all of the eight may be used as occasion wants and are controlled by switches in a rear room. The Sunday School has been arranged with an eye single to perfect departmental convenience. From the beginners to the men's departments, assembly rooms are provided, with class rooms leading from each. For the littlest folk sand boxes and low benches will give training and comfort. Primary class rooms are provided with benches and desks for pupils of six, seven and eight years; intermediate, nine, ten, eleven and twelve years, and so on to the young men's and young women's rooms, they equipped with the regulation folding chairs. The adults assembly room is directly to the right of the auditorium and is furnished with opera seats. Through use of movable chairs the main floor, adult S. S. assembly room and balcony provide seating capacity for a congregation of from 650 to 1000, as the demand may be. The pastor's study is conveniently arranged to the rear and left of the rostrum. It is equipped with desk, stationary and revolving bookcases and chairs in the same soft grey of the interior. The choir room contains a large music cabinet and chairs. Dressing rooms, too, are easily accessible from the baptistry. Four pianos are used for accompanying chorus and congregational singing over the building, but space is reserved at the left front of the main room for the pipe organ of the not too distant future. Unlimited interest center in the basement rooms where large windows well above the ground, give ample light for daytime use and inverted, translucent bowls for night time. The basement houses the banquet room, kitchen and furnace room. Three hundred fifty diners may be served at one time. The kitchen is equipped with an enormous range having twin ovens. A double sink centers the room. Two years ago Mr. Myers came to Anaheim and while he has spent an almost unbelievable amount of energy in putting the forces of evil to rout and building a better environment for church work, nevertheless at the same time he has completed one of the most beautiful church edifices in Anaheim. It is the pride of our city and is to be dedicated by one of the outstanding evangelists of the Christian church, George N. Sniveley. There will gather in the city to celebrate the event, probably the largest crowd ever assembled in the city for any church event. This church now has a membership of over 400 and a large attendance comes each Sunday to hear this eloquent preacher plead the cause of Christ and His righteousness. Our growing conviction that the experience of God people is demonstrating over and over again and again that the Bible and the Bible only is a sufficient rule faith and practice. Every tempt to improve its teachings has ended in utter failure. Every addition for man's benefit has in the end proven harmful and when subtractions made the soul of man fails. Every attempt to make its meaning clearer has resulted in endless contusions and dissentions so have taken the Bible itself our guide and book of run. A century of experience has not made us desirous of a change in this regard. What Must I Do to Be Savior? This church believes above question is the most FULL REPORT OF INTERNATIONAL NEWS SERVICE—FIRST LEASED WIRE IN ANAHEIM THE ORANGE COUNTY Plain Dealer LEADING NEWSPAPER IN NORTHERN ORANGE COUNTY Anaheim; California, Saturday, September 13, 1924 Christian Church Day CHURCH HAS WONDERFUL PROGRAM TO BE DEDICATED SUNDAY Every institution that commands a continuous following thoughtful people does so ause it stands for something which is attractive to the ads and hearts of men. The Dedication Program Bible School, 9:30 A.M. HYMN—No. 23 RESPONSIVE READING—Psalm 84 (Front Page in Hymnal) Led by Leon L. Myers PRAYER H. S. Leavitt ILLUSTRATED LECTURE George L. Sniveley HYMN OF INVITATION—No. 155 Dedicatory Service, 10:30 A.M. HYMN—“Holy, Holy, Holy” PRAYER Leon L. Myers HYMN—No. 179 SCRIPTURE LESSON Dedicator ANTHEM Choir SERMON—“The Fundamentals of Our Faith” George L. Sniveley HYMN OF INVITATION—No. 156 BENEDICTION Postlude—Grand March from Aida Verde Mrs. Dorothy Dickenson Luncheon Memorial Service, 2:30 P.M. PRELUDE—March Pontificale Gounod HYMN—No. 218, “Tis Midnight and on Olive’s Brow” PRAYER Rev. Schmid SCRIPTURE LESSON HyMn—No. 182, “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” Communion Meditation Mrs. Dorothy Dickenson THE LORD’S SUPPER Elders W. F. McClellan and A. N. Anderson presiding SOLO—Selected Mrs. Pemberton IN MEMORIAM Mrs. W. F. McClellan, H. S. Leavitt ANTHEM Choir HYMN—No. 198, “Blest Be the Tie That Binds” BENEDICTION Rev. Ledbetter The Name We choose to wear the beautiful name Christian. We do desire to do so exclusively so we attempt to form a nomination about this name which is the rightful position of all of God's people. Before, we wear this name which is above every name that beautiful and seek to place all God's people to place above every name. The Creed Every Christian must believe everything. Every church must faith or be lost. There is every church must have need. We believe in Christ accept the living Christ as sufficient answer to our need. Therefore, the living Christ is our creed and we positively assured that this will never need to be used. The Book of Discipline Our growing conviction is that the experience of God's life is demonstrating over over and again and again the Bible and the Bible is a sufficient rule of conduct and practice. Every attempt to improve its teachings ended in utter failure. My addition for man's benevolence in the end proven harm and when subtractions are made the soul of man famine. Every attempt to make meaning clearer has served create only endless content and dissentions so we can taken the Bible itself as guide and book of rules. Century of experience has made us desirous of any change in this regard. Must I Do to Be Saved? This church believes the question is the most im- PRAYER SCRIPTURE LESSON HYMN—No. 182, "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" COMMUNION MEDITATION Mrs. Dorothy Dickenson THE LORD'S SUPPER Elders W. F. McClellan and A. N. Anderson presiding SOLO—Selected Mrs. Pemberton IN MEMORIAM Mrs. W. F. McClellan, H. S. Leavitt ANTHEM Choir HYMN—No. 198, "Blest Be the Tie That Binds" BENEDICTION Rev. Ledbetter POSTLUDE—Selection from Faust Gounod Mrs. Dorothy Dickenson Evening Serbire, 7:30 P.M. PRELUDE—Grand March V. Beltuni HYMN—No. 73, "Nearer, Still Nearer" PRAYER C. H. Moore SOLO—"Open the Gates of the Temple" (Knapp) H. L. Potter SCRIPTURE LESSON Dedicator MUSIC—Anthem Choir DEDICATION SERVICE—"Immortality" George L. Sniveley HYMN—No. 209, "Onward Christian Soldiers" PRESENTATION OF KEYS H. S. Leavitt of Building Committee ACCEPTANCE OF KEYS Chairman of Board J. A. Baker DEDICATION VOWS—Congregation Led by the Pastor MINISTER—Unto the King Eternal, Immortal, Invisible, the only wise God, to whom be honor and glory, we now reverently dedicate this house. CONGREGATION—and we humbly pray that Thy blessing may rest on it and us, that Thy name be magnified and we may be consecrated snew to Thy service. MINISTER—Here may the Word of God be taught, that souls may find Christ, the All Sufficient Saviour. CONGREGATION—and may the Gospel be so presented that the weary prodigal may return and find rest and forgiveness in the home of the Everlasting Father. MINISTER—May the Divine Ordinances be observed so faithfully in this house that the truth they symbolize may be stamped upon the hearts of all who come here to bow adoration to the God Eternal. CONGREGATION—Here may we learn to sing with melody in our hearts to God, the Creator and Redeemer of us all. MINISTER—In this house may we learn to think and do things that are honorable and pure and of good report. CONGREGATION—and may we keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace; may we put on love which is the bond of perfectness, and be zealous in the works of faith, constant in our labor of love, and expectant in our patience of hope, looking for the appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ in Glory. ALL TOGETHER—"Thou art worthy, Oh Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created." Amen. DEDICATION PRAYER AND BENEDICTION POSTLUDE—Tannhauser's Grand March Wagner The entire city rejoices with the Rev. Leon L. Myers and his co-workers in their splendid accomplishment, as illustrated by the splendid church edifice on Broadway and Hel The entire city rejoices with the Rev. Leon L. Myers and his co-workers in their splendid accomplishment, as illustrated by the splendid church edifice on Broadway and Hel lous by the ungainly places in which the baptistry is often found. Many times the setting is not in keeping with an ordinance which pictures forth the burial and resurrection of MINISTER OVER EDIFICE The entire city rejoices with the Rev. Leon L. Myers and his co-workers in their splendid accomplishment, as illustrated by the splendid church edifice on Broadway and Helena-sts. As one stands upon the corner, whether he views the five beautiful art glass windows with their significant symbols or views the magnificent pillars and entrance to the temple, he is struck with admiration for the splendid faith and energy which gave this people the desire and determination to give the city of Anaheim such a splendid exhibition of constructive workmanship. It reminds one that whatever may be said of the work of destruction as seen from the viewpoint of the evil doer yet all must admit that here is a wonderful and indestructible argument that the constructive has its part in the general outline of work to be done. As we enter the door we glance to the right and we are greeted by an office, an indication that here we have a people who mean business. To the left, we find a rest room for women and children, and we are reminded of the idea of thoughtfulness which must have been a factor in the workmanship of this great workshop for God. Entering another pair of swinging doors, we enter the beautiful auditorium. Great care has been taken to make this first of all a place for the preaching of the Word of God. The auditorium is carefully built as well as beautifully decorated. A large area has been scientifically treated so as to make the acoustics absolutely perfect. There is no reverberation and no echo. The auditor can hear as well from the utmost corner of the gallery as from the front pew. The walls are beautiful and of lousy by the ungainly places in which the baptistry is often found. Many times the setting is not in keeping with an ordinance which pictures forth the burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Just beneath the choir loft is the Lord's table, which sets forth the Lord's death. How fitting in this church to have before and in positions of utmost prominence the ordinances which typify the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This new building is an interesting study from the viewpoint of the Sunday school teacher. We have already considered it from the viewpoint of the adult seeking to the privilege of listening to a sermon now let us go through it with the idea of studying this great plant from the Bible school viewpoint. We are not disappointed. For beginning with children from the age of three to six years we find a splendid little assembly room with an organ and chairs for the little tots to sit upon, and just adjoining three little class rooms, each equipped with a well-made sand table around which is placed a stationary seat just the right height for them to sit with their feet touching the floor comfortably. How delightful and easy it will be for a skillful teacher to make a village of huts and with some evergreen twigs and the touch of a few pictures well placed, carry the imagination of the child over the seas to a real village of negro folk, or by quick transformation carry them to a perfect Chinese village where their information as to the habits and customs as well as the needs of these people will make real students of history out of them. Then can they see why Jesus said take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. From this beginners' department a few stories Rev. Schmid Corothy Dickenson presiding Mrs. Pemberton Choir Rev. Ledbetter Gounod V. Beltunl C. H. Moore H. L. Potter Dedicator Choir George L. Sniveley Building Committee board J. A. Baker led by the Pastor able, the only wise medicate this house. pressing may rest on unsecrated snow to that souls may ded that the weary home of the d so faithfully in and upon the hearts al. with melody in our and do things that the Spirit in the of perfectness, and of love, and exiring of the Lord receive glory and for Thy pleasure Wagner to make this first of all a place for the preaching of the Word of God. The auditorium is carefully built as well as beautifully decorated. A large area has been scientifically treated so as to make the acoustics absolutely perfect. There is no reverberation and no echo. The auditor can hear as well from the utmost corner of the gallery as from the front pew. The walls are beautiful and of a shade which rests the eye and makes listening easy. Less carefully prepared auditoriums have been the innocent cause of many a sleepy audience though this feature is little understood by the average church builder. Another feature of this auditorium which the wise builder thought about in advance when he thought of future listeners: That is ventilation. Here is an auditorium supplied with a heating and ventilating system which will work. The air can be changed every five minutes. No dead air to speak against in the summer time, for the touch of a button will sweep it out and replace it with fresh air continuously. No hot and cool spots in the room, for the system of distribution will warm every portion of space at the same time. Under the gallery, or in the choir loft every seat is comfortable all the time in hot weather and in cold it is always the same. Well did this builder consider that the greatest distance toward a satisfied group of listeners had been covered when they had been cared for from the standpoint of comfort. One feature which is unusual is the location of the baptistry. It is to be found above the choir loft and within easy range of the eyesight of every auditor. This beautiful ordinance is often made ridicu- village of negro folk, or by quick transformation carry them to a perfect Chinese village where their information as to the habits and customs as well as the needs of these people will make real students of history out 'of them. Then can they see why Jesus said take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. From this beginners' depart ment a few steps takes us to the first floor where we again enter an assembly room equipped as above except it is larger. A larger assembly room with somewhat larger rooms adjoining and six of them in number in sets of two each. The first two class rooms that join have seats just the right height for children six years of age. Before each seat is a table just the right height for these children to sit up to and write. Here is where the children will not depend so much upon their teacher to make the pictures but under expert guidance be taught to do the making themselves. The next two suites of rooms are similar but suited respectively to the ages of seven and eight. A little platform at one end with a musical instrument upon it as well as a blackboard made into the wall indicates the progress expected on the part of the child as he increases in years and ability to respond to the efforts of the teacher to lead him on the upward way. From this the primary department we enter an adjoin- ing assembly room separated by a dead wall from the one we have just inspected is another somewhat larger assembly room and also with four pairs of rooms similarly equipped but made for the ages 9, 10, 11 and 12. Each age with two rooms. It is explained (Continued on Page Two)