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| Our Church's History | |||
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Having a vision of reaching souls through the extended ministry of the local Church, and realizing the great need of a Gospel ministry and a real witness for Christ in Palmdale, Rev. Cravens presented to the Board of Deacons, at their regular business meeting on Oct. 3, 1948, a suggestion that he obtain a map of Palmdale and investigate the possibility of starting a mission work there. The Board unanimously approved this suggestion, and Milon Whittier agreed to obtain maps and to find out if a suitable meeting place could be obtained. At the regular business meeting of the Church on Oct. 7, 1948, the Church approved the Board's decision. A special meeting of the Board of Deacons was held on Oct. 26, 1948, at which time a report was made that a cottage at the Grammar School in Palmdale could be rented for meetings for the nominal fee of $1.00 per meeting. A decision was reached to make a religious survey of Palmdale in order to determine to some extent how much support could be expected for such a work, and to provide a basis for making further calls and contacts. With the help of 14 willing workers from the Church, a census of the central Palmdale area was completed on Sunday afternoon, Nov. 7th. Rev. Cravens reported to the Deacon Board at the regular meeting Nov. 9th, on the results of the census. Results were discouraging as to the support we could expect from Baptists in Palmdale, but the need for a Gospel work there was even more apparent. A discussion concerning the best way to begin such a work resulted in the decision to start with regular mid-week prayer meetings and Bible study with the first meeting to be held on Thursday, Dec. 2nd. The Church approved the program at the regular business meeting on Nov. 11th. The first meeting of the Palmdale Mission work was attended by nine besides Rev. Cravens, who lead the meeting. He has continued to give of his time in the meetings which followed, whenever his presence was not required in the home Church in Lancaster. It was soon apparent that there was a need for a Sunday Worship Service as well, and the Lord had already provided the minister, having led Rev H. E. Johnson and his family to Palmdale from Mora, Minnesota, at about the time plans were first discussed for a work in Palmdale. Regular Sunday evening services were started in the Palmdale Baptist Mission Chapel on January 9th, with Rev. Johnson serving as interim pastor. Plans were also laid about this time for a week of special meeting to be held February 13th through 20th, in order to draw special attention to the presence of a new Gospel Ministry in Palmdale, as well as to seek the salvation of lost souls. Due to the short time remaining in which to arrange for a speaker, it was thought best to invite a different preacher for each night, with Rev. Johnson concluding the series. Each one contacted graciously accepted the invitation, and the message which they brought were profitable to all who were able to attend. Three young people made decisions for Christ following discussions with Rev. Norris and Rev. Horton, concerning the plan of salvation, and one has since made a public profession. The meetings were well attended, averaging around 50 or 55, with a maximum attendance of 66 on Thursday evening when Dr. Paul Dewhirst brought the message. |