CEREMONY AT THE KALAMAZOO CHURCH

On Saturday, May 20, almost the entire congregation gathered together to witness the laying of the cornerstone of the new church. The new church on Pratt Road is nearing completion, but due to circumstances the ceremony had been postponed to this afternoon. The moderator of the congregation was invited to perform this work.”

Rev. Lamain read a portion of God’s Word from the latter part of Ezra 3 and offered prayer. He spoke an appropriate word regarding the portion which speaks about the stone laying of the second temple. In the laying of the foundation of the second temple, the builders were placed in the background and the priests who performed this were in the foreground in their priestly attire. It was a special and solemn hour. The priests with trumpets and the Levites with cymbals praised the Lord according to the institution of David, the king of Israel. “They sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord; because He is good for His mercy endureth forever toward Israel.” The Lord did not use the trumpets with the cymbals to please the ear, but to assist in the singing of that everlasting hymn which will never be out of date and to which our tongues should never be out of tune. God is good.”

There was at that time great joy among the people for they now had another temple in view in which they could gather together. Others wept because they had seen the first temple. These people had not been present when Solomon dedicated the first temple but they had seen and known that temple before it was destroyed. They must have wept not only because the first temple was so beautiful but also because they knew why it had gone up in flames, namely, because of the sins of the land and the people.”

The minister recalled how in the old churches many of God’s people had a “place,” and now Jacob has gotten so thin. However, there are still reasons to acknowledge the name of the Lord.”

The Lord is still willing to give the congregation a place to gather together. Would that it may be in God’s favor and that the King of the Church, “the desire of all nations,” may come in Himself as He did in the second temple. May it be “a Bethel,” a House of God, for the following generations, and that many may soon be built on that cornerstone, on that tried stone, Christ Jesus.”

Upon request, Mr. W. C. Timmer and one of his sons, under whose supervision the building was built, laid the stone after the minister had placed the mortar in the proper place.”

After speaking a personal word to the consistory and the builders, further needs were carried up to God in prayer, and those that were present, including several from Grand Rapids, then sang Psalter 245, verse 1.”

Dedication of the new church will be held, the Lord willing on Aug. 2 at 7:30 P.M.”

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