Building Debt “Wiped Out”

Accomplishment Celebration on Watch Night

A Record attendance gathered in the Main Auditorium of The Moody Church on Friday, December 31, 1944, for the annual Watch Night service. The meeting had been widely advertised and multitudes were looking forward to a special celebration.

One of the principal events was the burning of the last note of indebtedness on The Moody Church building. Dr. P.W. Philpott, our former pastor, under whose ministry the present Memorial Church and Sunday School building was started and dedicated, was requested to cremate the last debit indenture.

The program of the evening started with a period of prayer and praise from 8 to 9:30 P.M., at which time Dr. Philpott gave a stirring messages. Many expressed their deep gratitude to God for His marvelous provision in a material as well as a spiritual way.

Social fellowship, including light refreshments for all present, was the order from 9:30 to 10:30 P.M. During this period the Christian Companionship Club sponsored a sing-spiration service in Torrey Chapel for young and old, while others were enjoying the refreshments.

Special speakers, as well as very unique items of varied character, were greatly appreciated from 10:30 P.M. to 12 midnight. As the New Year dawned all present were in the attitude of prayer, with vows of consecration to the service of the Lord.

Noteworthy visitors who were heard during the evening included Dr. P.W. Philpott, Evangelist Gipsy Smith, Dr. Will Houghton, Dr. Homer Hammontree and Rev. J. Stratton Shufelt, our former music director. Dr. H.A. Ironside presided, assisted by Dr. C.A. Porter, Rev. John Ironside and Rev. H. Herring. Gilbert Peterson had charge of the music program, assisted by the Church Choir and Dr. Samuel Burkholder at the organ. Kim and Nyland, gospel singers, were also heard in the musical program.

Mr. T.W. Burtness, our Church Treasurer, presented Mr. Anton Erickson, Chairman of our Board of Trustees and representative of the original Building Committee, as well as Mr. John E. Erickson, Chairman of the Finance Committee. These brethren brought appropriate messages, fitting to the occasion. Mr. Thomas Smith was introduced as a representative of the Board of Elders. He too gave a fitting word of praise to God for His goodness to us as a Church. Special praise to God was expressed for the ministry of both Dr. Philpott and Dr. Ironside. Mr. John Erickson announced the decision of the Church Executive Committee to install two sets of memorial windows in the Main Auditorium, one in honor of Dr. Philpott and the other of Dr. Ironside.

A Hymn of Thanksgiving, prepared by Avis Christiansen for the occasion, was sung to the tune of "Doxology." We reprint it from the Church Bulletin in order that other readers of The Moody Church News may enjoy it.

A Hymn of Thanksgiving 
(Tune: Doxology)

For this, Thine House, we thank Thee, Lord—
This building, hallowed by Thy Word,

Now from the yoke of debt set free,

Where we may praise and worship Thee.

We thank Thee for Thy boundless grace

So manifested in this place:

For souls redeemed from sin and shame,

To glorify Thy holy name.

We thank Thee for the saints of God

Who in this sacred spot have stood,

Proclaiming o'er and o'er again

Thy saving love toward sinful men.

Anew we dedicate to Thee

This, Thine own House, from debt now free!

As Thou has blest in days gone by,

Wilt Thou Thy mercies multiply.

—Avis B. Christiansen

The photograph which accompanies this article was taken during the burning of the last Trustee's not of indebtedness. Surely thousands of Christians throughout the world will rejoice with us in the accomplishment. We quote the last statement in an attractive Christmas folder, prepared by Mr. Edward L. Johnson, chairman of the Church Publicity Committee: "You will not want to miss this historic event which evidences so wonderfully God's rich blessings on The Moody Church. It opens a new era which challenges us to attempt even greater things for our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ." We believe this was well spoken and we trust that all will pray that, relieved of the great overhead of building expense, we may go forward on our knees to greater accomplishments than ever before.

"Hitherto hath the Lord helped us." Let us turn the first word of this expression around and, looking through it as through a great telescope, with the eyes of faith, let us shout; "Henceforth" will the Lord help us to climb to higher heights and go to greater lengths in the worship and service of our blessed Lord Jesus Christ.