History of Richview Baptist Church

HISTORY OF RICHVIEW BAPTIST CHURCH PREFACE THE EARLY DAYS - 1956-1958 Introduction Prayer and Visitation Co-Operating Churches Children's Work and V.B.S. THE TEMPORARY BUILDING - 1959-1963 The Snider Farm The Temporary Building The Pastors THE GYMNATORIUM - 1963-1981 The Pastors The Wider View of Ministry Development Missions Bible School Music Richview Baptist Foundation THE 1981 BUILDINGS - 1981 SUMMARY APPENDICES HISTORY OF RICHVIEW BAPTIST CHURCH PREFACE Churches are started and continue for a wide variety of good and bad reasons. Every local church, with or without denominational banner, must answer questions about its inception and its ongoing existence. Richview Baptist Church in these pages is open to these vital questions. Was it established as a further outpost of denominational expression? Does its present existence evidence fruits of the spirit? Does it continue to grow and minister using the New Testament strategy? As every local church must, Richview Baptist Church faces the question, "Has she been faithful to the spirit of her birthright?" How old should a church be before a history is written? How important is the history of the church to its members? The Richview Baptist Church has now passed through 27 years of witness in the community and is about to complete 25 years as a recognized Baptist Church. Like a diary which records answers to personal prayer, the history of a church recalling difficulties faced and obstacles that have been overcome, can be of immense encouragement to its members. It is also important as it provides an understanding of the nature of ministries within the church. No local church is perfect and as the proverb goes, "If there should be one, it should not suffer imperfection by us joining." Histories of churches are readily available through oral accounts, pictorial reflections and through records of meetings. The written account is not as readily available. Nevertheless, there is no substitute for the written account summarizing for both charter members and recent additions the goals, motivations and exploits of their beloved congregation. Anniversaries, new building dedications or new member classes all provide practical uses for the written history of a congregation. Throughout this work, the reader is asked to compare Richview Baptist Church, not with another congregation but with the pattern of New Testament church life. THE EARLY DAYS 1956-1958 Introduction Many speak of a need for a written history of the local church, even though it is relatively young. The 1 earliest beginnings of ministry, later to be known as Richview Baptist Church, date from 1956. It is the purpose of this history to demonstrate that the Richview Baptist Church, bears in its birth and development the classic marks of a New Testament Church in vision and ministry. Often the history of a local church will concern itself with the by-products of the ministry of the Gospel, rather than the product itself changed lives". The church of Jesus Christ has no other mandate than the great commission given by Jesus Christ himself in Matthew 28:18-20, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age. That commission has not been rescinded nor overridden by any new commandment. The commission of Jesus Christ remains unchanged since it came from his own lips. Indeed, the heavenly pronouncements about Jesus all focus the attention of the hearer upon the person of Christ and in the same breath demand obedience to His commands. Prayer and Visitation The first song that was taught to the young Richview congregation was "Teach Us to Pray, Lord, Teach Us to Pray". This is indicative of the spirit of the early days of the Church, and follows in good form from the pages of the New Testament. "The Acts of the Apostles" is a most helpful record of the spread and growth of the church of Jesus Christ. The gathering in the upper room in Jerusalem to await the promise of the Father is identified in Acts 1:14 as a great host of people making supplication to God in prayer. When the church at Antioch received the urging of the Holy Spirit to separate unto Him Paul and Barnabas as missionaries, the rest gave themselves to prayer concerning this decision(Acts 13:3). Acts 14:23 tells of the ordination of elders in every church under the supervision of Paul, and again it was accompanied by prayer and fasting. Later in his ministry, Paul felt constrained of the Holy Spirit to pass over into Europe and coming to the chief city of Macedonia, Philippi, he found on the Sabbath day a prayer meeting of women. It was with this group that he identified in establishing a church in that place. These instances demonstrate the usefulness of the vehicle of prayer and people of prayer as a vital ingredient of New Testament church growth. The gathering of materials associated with the writing of this history revealed time and again that it is the story of a small group of people whose hearts were burdened for the ministry in central Etobicoke. They were and continued to be a people of prayer. They were smitten with the concept that nothing should be undertaken without a strong and ongoing prayer base. At the Recognition Service held on February 9, 1959, for the then Richview-Westway Baptist Church, Ron Jones spoke of the church's history. He told how some of the people of Queensway Baptist Church became burdened for the area. After two months of visitation a Sunday School was started in September 1956 with thirty-five in attendance. The little red schoolhouse in the country, at the corner of Martingrove and Richview, was the first meeting place. Later the Sunday School met in the Westway Public School. In May of 1957, it moved into a temporary building on the church property. The recognition service heard of the growth of the Sunday School and mid-week youth work. There was a regular Friday night Happy Hour, which was designed specifically for the presentation of the Gospel to children. Mr Jones ended his remarks with the statement that the success of the work, in his Opinion, had been the "prayer room", and the prayer, which had gone up from it. The Evangelical Baptist Magazine of March 1960 states, “it is clear from this concluding remark that prayer was a vital ingredient in input to the ministry of this baby church". Daily Vacation Bible Schools were very much in vogue in this new community and drew an all out performance by the tiny church and its members. The D.V.B.S. was so large that it was accommodated during the summer weeks in open-air tents, pitched on the acreage purchased for the future church. It is again significant that one tent was reserved for a continuous prayer chain, which was maintained even during the hours of ministry for D.V.B.S. The Richview Baptist Church enjoys, as did the churches planted by the Apostle Paul, a burden in vision conceived in prayer and developed into reality through this believing prayer. Co-operating Churches Another distinctive of New Testament methodology in the establishment of new churches was the 'mother-daughter' concept. The Apostle Paul challenged existing churches to extend their ministries. The church at Antioch as recorded in Acts 13:3 became a part of establishing churches in Paul is missionary journeys both in Asia Minor and beyond. The accountability to supporting churches was not taken lightly.2 Acts 14:27 records that Paul and Barnabas carefully rehearsed to their supporting church the account of all that God had worked through them in the days of ministry on that first missionary journey. The Richview Baptist Church enjoyed in its birth the vision and resources of at least two other churches that were specially used and blessed of God to enable the new beginning. The Richview Baptist Church was conceived as a mission of the Queensway Baptist Church in 1956. The only accommodation available for services at the time was the country schoolhouse at the intersection of Richview Side Road and Martingrove. Although there were only some 30 houses within a half-mile radius of the school, it was felt that a start should be mode nonetheless. On Sunday, September 8, 1956, at 3 p.m. the first Sunday School session was held. The evening services were commenced early in the year of 1957. On Sunday, September 8, 1957, the services were moved to the Westway Public School on Poynter Road. The meetings continued to be held in this school through 1957 and 1958. It became readily apparent that if the mission was to adequately serve a rapidly growing community, it must purchase some property and erect at least a temporary building. A careful study of the planning board's maps indicated that the area would develop into a densely populated section of Metropolitan Toronto. In addition to this, a survey of the district revealed that a number of families were interested in the services of a Baptist church. The Westway Public School, scheduled to open in September of 1957, was strategically located in the area, which was then developing and the church applied for a permit to hold services in the school building. During these same months the High Park Baptist Church had been receiving reports from a special extension committee concerning the establishment of another branch work. On Wednesday May 1, 1957, the committee reported to the church family. That meeting heard that the committee, chaired by Tom Henry, after much work and research, and with the support of the Board of Deacons, was recommending a site in the new Westway Village area. The pastor of High Park Baptist Church, Rev. J.E. Boehmer, presented the principle and the need for expansion. He pled for the consideration "of the possibility of establishing another Baptist Church in Metropolitan Toronto". M.C. Cassidy contributed to the meeting information concerning various locations that had been considered in the north and west areas of Metropolitan Toronto. Their considered opinion was that the north-west corner of Kipling and The Westway provided the greatest potential for a new Baptist Church. The recommendation on May 1 involved a property consisting of eighteen house lots then owned by Highbury Development Limited. Further information was brought to the church as to how the financing of such a property could be undertaken and how the debt incurred could be retired in the near future. The meeting of May 1st was to provide information for the church family. A final decision was to be made at a special business meeting set for Wednesday, May 29, 1957. The clerk of the High Park Baptist Church, J.T. Rawson, through the letter sent to all members to prepare them for the business meeting, urged, because this is such a large consideration in the life of the High Park Baptist Church, we would ask you to prayerfully consider this project in the weeks that lie ahead. We would urge you to attend the next business meeting to be held as previously mentioned on Wednesday, May 29, 1957 at 8 p.m. From these records it is readily apparent that two Baptist Churches were being concurrently burdened with the vision of establishing another New Testament Church in this area. Although the purchase of the property at the corner of Westway and Kipling was never realized, it is clear that God had burdened High Park Baptist Church also with the challenge of this new area. The Richview Baptist Church owes its existence to the interests of at least two co-operating Baptist Churches. The High Park committee consisted of Rev. John Boehmer, Mr. Mike Cassidy, Mr. Tom Henry, Mr. Ross Perigoe and Mr. Jim Rawson. The Queensway Baptist visitation team of four, included Ed Hall and Joe Quinn. About this point in time, the two churches (High Park and Queensway) became aware of each other's efforts and vision and eventually blended their efforts together. Children's Work The immediate area of Richview Baptist Church was dotted with new homes, young families and many children. The Church saw its opportunity to minister to children both at a Friday night "Happy Hour" program and also during the summer in Vacation Bible School. There were 300 in attendance in one of the first Vacation Bible Schools and more than 100 children showed definite spiritual progress during those days. The emphasis upon ministry to children has continued throughout the years and more recently has expressed itself in the ministry known as "Adventure Week", led by Wayne Welch. THE TEMPORARY BUILDING 1959-1963 The Snider Farm To adequately serve this growing community, property had to be purchased. If a permanent work was to be done in this new and growing area, a well-located property and even a permanent building were essential. 3 Minutes of business meetings from the Queensway Baptist Church indicate that authorization was given to extend an offer to purchase in the name of Queensway Baptist Church from Jack and Jean Snider, then known as Civic No. 632 on Kipling Avenue North. The property was purchased for $25,000 and a temporary building with floor space of nearly 2000 sq.ft. was erected for the sum of $15,000. The High Park Baptist Church helped greatly by supplying a down payment on the land. High Park further assisted by loaning $15,000 in the form of a second mortgage for the temporary building. The temporary building was completed for the first service on December·14, 1958. On February 9, 1959, the church was recognized as a duly constituted local Baptist Church. Jack and Jean Snider were members of Oakwood Baptist Church at that time and were interested in the visitation efforts of Queensway Baptist Church. Their children also participated in the first Sunday School services held in the Richview Public School at the corner of Martingrove and Richview Side Road. In those days the names of Ron Jones, Ed Hall, Joe Quinn, Bob Whitlock were very prominent in the visitation efforts and prayer intercession. These men would visit every evening possible punctuating each call with prayer before, during and after the visit. Ron Jones recalls that In 1900, Walmer Road Baptist Church asked its people to begin a new work in the Roncesvalles and Dundas area. This resulted in the establishment of the High Park Baptist Church. From the High Park Baptist Church a group of seven were named to explore the new Queensway area for another evangelical Baptist Church. Some of these same men were part of the spearhead to establish yet another church in the new Westway Village area. The Richview Public School was available in 1956 and 1957 without cost for evening services. These men provided leadership in preaching for the early evening services held at the Westway Public School. Prayer meetings to support this new venture were held in the Sniders, Dinhams and Pickering homes. THE TEMPORARY BUILDING The temporary building became inadequate within six months of completion, and an addition had to be made to accommodate the people. In the summer of 1960, it was decided that through the rental of the Dixon Grove Public School, along with an addition constructed at the rear of the portable church auditorium, the immediate needs of the Christian Education program could be met. In 1960 the addition of 600 sq.ft. was added to the temporary building at a cost of $3500. The construction of a permanent church building must be faced. The Township of Etobicoke granted a permit for use of the temporary frame building but advised that such permits would not be renewed indefinitely. Recognizing this, in September 1960, the Deacons' Board appointed J.C. Quinn, J.T. Rawson and B.E. Thornton to act as a building committee. In the days following the construction of the addition to the portable building, attendance exploded. On June 17, 1959, Bill and Esther Rogers, serving with Sudan Interior Mission, were introduced and recommended as the first supported missionaries. Later that year, on September 23, other mission interests were added, including support to the Fellowship of Evangelical Baptist Churches in Canada. The first service of baptism was held on April 12, 1959, using the facilities of High Park Baptist Church. The second service of baptism was held on June 4, 1959, using the facilities of Queensway Baptist Church. Several of the area schools were used for 'Christian Service Brigade' and 'Pioneer Girl' activities during the week. The main thrust of the mission at this time continued to be toward children. Every service in the early years enjoyed prayer support concurrent with the service. Ed Hall, Jack Snider and Vince Tomlinson were named as the first Trustees. An early Mothers Day choir with 25-30 mothers was led by Jean Snider with Edith Roberts playing the piano. Ron Jones reported at the Recognition Service that, the present membership, under the leadership of Rev. B. Jeffrey, stands at 70, with the Sunday School running around the 170 mark. An active program for boys and girls is in full swing, including Christian Service Brigade numbering around 40. Pioneer Girls brings in 21 girls under the sound of the Gospel every week. "Happy Hour" sowed the seed in the hearts of approximately 49 children each week. The first service held in the temporary building was on December 14, 1958. On January 1, 1959, Rev. Bernard Jeffrey began his ministry, having previously been the pastor of the Flamboro Centre Baptist Church. Friday March 20 to Sunday, March 22, 1959, featured a prayer conference. J. Boehmer, G. Howarth, K. Hynes and L. Post were added to the original building committee named for the expansion of the portable church. J.W. Boehmer was the first chairman, later to be followed by G. Howarth. Their efforts continued until the completion of the first permanent building if November 1963. Jack Snider and George Palmer were two of the earliest bus drivers, picking up children for Sunday School in a white bus with three black stripes. At the Recognition Service, Mr. Byron Thornton reported concerning the finances, the accounts all showed a balance, and this, along with the summary presented was very gratifying to the council. An 4 addition has already been put on the present building, and it also has been cleared of debt. Tithing was mentioned as the main feature in the giving. The folks of the Richview Westway Baptist Church believe it works and have proved it. The clerk's report of the recognition council continued, during the question period, a word of gratitude was spoken regarding the part taken in the establishment of this work by the High Park and Queensway Baptist Churches. Both of these churches helped in financing for property and buildings. If we think only of our own internal growth, we will shrink, but if we will consider others, God will bless us. This was a statement made by Mr. W. Tyler of High Park Baptist Church, as he led in a period of devotions. This was followed by a charge given to the church by Rev. A. Shook of the Queensway Baptist Church, who spoke of the Great Commission as the greatest charge to any church. The message of the evening was brought by Dr. Jack Scott, who spoke of "being ready". Paul was used as an example of a person being ready as: (1) he was ready to preach, Romans 1:15, (2) he was ready to be offered, 1 Tim 4:6, (3) he was ready to die, Acts 21:13. As the challenge was extended to all, all saw the need. The evening closed with refreshments being served by the ladies of the Richview-Westway Baptist Church. The Snider farm originally contained more than four acres of land. The agreement of sale with the Sniders allowed them to retain a portion of their farm, measuring 110' deep in an east-west direction and 247' 4.6" in a north-south direction, at the west end of the farm. This retained for the Sniders five possible building lots. The Borough of Etobicoke then entered the picture and demanded that a street width allowance running the full depth of the property be ceded without remuneration. This road allowance eventually became what is now known as Clement Road. It was the price that must be paid for the development plan of the property. It proved to be a great Doon to owners of house lots, which faced on Sunvale Drive to the north. Their very deep house lots reached southernly to this recently ceded road allowance. It eventually allowed for the sale of house lot properties and the later construction of the lovely homes, which are located on the north side of Clement Road between Kipling and Denfield Road. The development of the possible house lots retained by the Sniders did not take place. The Borough of Etobicoke had a large sewer project underway to meet the needs of other developments to the west. This led to the Borough expropriating from these possible house lots the width of Denfield Road across the west side of the property. The expropriation of these lots for a street ruled out their usefulness for homes. At this time a number of months were spent in negotiations with Jack and Jean Snider and the Borough of Etobicoke. Eventually, a settlement with the Sniders for the land expropriated by the Borough, was accepted. Concurrently, the Richview Baptist Church proceeded to buy the portion of land remaining in the "house lots" adding it to the original purchase of land. The sewer service project led eventually to the development of Denfield Road, which now links Clement Road and Widdicombe Hill Blvd., as the westerly border of the Richview Baptist property. The Sniders also retained their own dwelling, a home located at 1548 Kipling Avenue, having a frontage of 65’ on Kipling Avenue and a depth of 143'. At a later date, the Richview Baptist Church acquired this property also so that the entire parcel of land now measures 14,059.045 square metres. It is a matter of great thanksgiving to God that sufficient property was made available and was acquired through the years to allow the development and ministry that now exists. The Pastors Rev. Bernard Jeffrey was the first fulltime pastor of Richview Baptist Church, commencing on January 1, 1959. His ministry continued officially through August 31, 1961. It was a period of rapid expansion in Sunday School ministry. Prior to the coming of Mr. Jeffrey, Rev. J. E. Boehmer of High Park Baptist Church and Rev. Alex Shook of Queensway Baptist Church had been most helpful in offering encouragement and leadership. Gordon and Lynne Greenaway amongst others, professed faith in Jesus Christ and were obedient to believer's baptism from those early days. Following the close of the ministry of Bernard Jeffrey, B. E. Thornton wrote, As we look back over the past nine months we can see many evidences of God's hand upon us. How we praise Him. The forming of a pulpit committee is not always an easy undertaking. However, we were singularly led when we chose out and recommended Mr. James Rawson as chairman, Messrs. John Hamilton, Lloyd Post, John Sieith and Mrs. Jean Hynes as secretary. 5 History reflects the wisdom of our choice and we see the results of their dedicated labours. Foreseeing the benefits of some continuity of ministry, the committee agreed to provide for the ministry on Sundays and the midweek services. Chairman Rawson consented to conduct the services insofar as was possible. Devoted ministers became available and agreed to minister: Rev. Ed Tomlinson during July, Peter Letchford most of August, Rev. Wes Aarum for September, Rev. Bill Crump most of October, Rev. S.L. Boehmer part of November and most of December. By changing the prayer service to Thursday, Rev. Harold Fife offered a continuous teaching series in Romans. These studies became an increasing blessing. Under this exceptional ministering, attendance grew consistently until the auditorium was taxed. The Bible School reached a new high of 333. Some 25 new members were added to the church. All of this was God's doing and was marvellous in our eyes. Meanwhile, enjoying an unusual sense of unity and dependence upon God, the pulpit committee went quietly but purposefully about its objective. The counsel and wisdom of outstanding pastors was sought and graciously extended. Unannounced visits were made to see and hear several ministers in action. As a matter of policy, no names were mentioned outside the committee. Finally, after much prayer, Rev. Eric Crichton suggested to Mr. Rawson the name of Rev Lawrence E. Rowland, pastor of Cascades Baptist Church, Jackson, Michigan. After investigation, the committee visited Jackson unannounced and were most impressed. Upon approaching Pastor Rowland, they were thrilled to find that even though in the midst of a highly fruitful ministry, he listened carefully. Pastor and Mrs. Rowland and their children visited Toronto in January, and ministered in every phase of our program for a full week. At a subsequent business meeting, the church voted by a large majority to extend a call to Pastor Rowland. At the annual meeting in February, Mr. Rawson advised that Pastor Rowland would commence his ministry on Easter Sunday. In retrospect, we clearly see God's hand upon us and we praise Him for His goodness. Rev. L.E Rowland's ministry continued until August 30, 1964, a 28-month ministry, during a critical period of advance in a major construction program. THE GYMNATORIUM 1963 - 1981 In September of 1962, plans for a new Christian Education building "gymnatorium" were presented to the congregation. At this time, Mr. Gordon Howarth was the Building Committee Chairman. B.E. Thornton was Chairman of the Board of Deacons. It was recommended to the church that the first permanent building structure be built by Vroom Construction of Woodbridge, Ontario, with Hanks, Irwin and Pearson as the Architects. A very attractive brochure was printed to set the need for the building program and the stewardship thrust before the congregation. The introductory page concluded, Now in the fall of 1962, we look back over the past two years and see a continued growth in our church and each of its activities. The present rented quarters and temporary accommodation was taxed to capacity last spring and would indicate that excessive crowding will result with our anticipated increases this fall and winter. We believe God would again have us move forward in faith, this time to erect a permanent structure to house our varied program. Beginning with a charter membership of 25 persons on February 4, 1959, the brochure indicated that the church membership had grown to 138 as of June 30, 1962. The Sunday School had shown the greatest growth. From an average of 40 in 1958 it had now achieved an average of 286 for the first six months of 1962. There had been constant growth in finances also. During the first twelve months of the church 's history (1959) the total income was $17,101. The income for 1961 was $26,655, plus a special gift of $15,500, which liquidated the existing land mortgage. The proposed gymnatorium complex offered facilities on three floors. It was an excellent proposal in terms of the flexibility it offered to a community, which was developing its growth potential. The hindsight of another fifteen years increasingly proved this to be the path of wisdom. It has also been confirmed by other area churches that felt that in some cases, they built their permanent sanctuary facility prematurely. Others felt they had constructed buildings, which did not offer sufficient flexibility for a growing residential sub-division in transition. The proposal of 1962 identified the gymnatorium as Unit 1. This was to be followed by a further sanctuary expansion to the north, identified as Unit 2. At that time the unused portion of church land was envisaged for parking and recreational uses. The stewardship thrust and responsibility was very clearly set before the membership. Continental Life Insurance Company extended a mortgage of $125,000 at seven percent interest with payments based on a 20 year amortization plan. Interim financing was made available from the Toronto Dominion Bank at an interest rate of 5 3/4 % to be available during the construction phase. Ten construction companies tendered basic prices which ranged from$159,900 to $199,831. The contract was eventually awarded to ': room Construction Company for approximately $160,000. Total costs, including architects, legal fees, surveys, furnishings etc., came to $180,000. 6 Projections for the 1963 budget were made. The Chairman of the Board of Deacons, B.E. Thornton, stated, only $100 weekly would be required in excess of the present income to meet the challenge of the new construction. The recommended budget for 1963 was $709 weekly. An approximation for 1964 was also presented, establishing $816 as the weekly requirement. A part of the proposed method of financing was to have members responsible as guarantors up to an amount of $125,000. It was of great encouragement to the congregation in those days to find so many members willing to sign for a $2,500 or more responsibility. In the end, the amount assured by the guarantors exceeded the required $125,000. An attractive brochure was again prepared for the Dedication Services of the new and permanent facilities of the Richview Baptist Church on November 24, 1963. Pastor Lawrence E. Rowland wrote, “We welcome you to the dedication service of the Richview Baptist Church. God has wrought a miracle in our midst. We have come to give responsive thanks to Him for what He has done. In the building of this lovely new edifice, Richview fulfills the vision, faith and dream of many people. Some five years or so ago, a few people prayed and envisioned the day when this spot would be occupied with a fundamental, Biblical and Baptistic church. You folk present today have made this vision a reality. By your hard toil, endless hours of labour, sacrificial giving, and abiding faith, this place of worship and Christian Education has been brought into being. Our heartiest congratulations to all! These beautiful new facilities make it possible for our congregation to express its worship in service to God. These facilities make it possible for us to sound out in an ever-increasing manner the message of salvation in Jesus Christ our Lord. These beautiful new facilities help us to worship God in the beauty of holiness. Let us kindly keep in mind, however, that a dedicated church is best expressed by a dedicated people. We have heard of some Christians who have erected a new building only to become idolaters. They sit back and worship the new church.” Our thankfulness to God will best be expressed in love and service in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Therefore, let us press on toward the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us win the lost, strengthen and build up the saved, comfort the bereaved and thus complete the ministry that God has called us to. A brief history of the church was included in this attractive brochure and it fills in specific events in the year 1963. It states, The church voted unanimously to accept the plan and to proceed with the building. Vroom Construction Limited, Woodbridge, Ontario was awarded the contract. On Sunday, March 24, 1963, the church gathered together for the 'sod turning' ceremony. It was brought to the attention of the church that the Metro Town Planning Board had decided to designate the general area surrounding the church property as the Richview District. In order to identify the church more closely with the general area, it was decided that the name of the church should be changed. On Wednesday, June 19, 1963, the name was changed from Richview-Westway Baptist Church to the Richview Baptist Church. The new building was completed during the week of November 11, 1963, at an approximate cost of $180,000. A week of special dedication services was planned. The Building was publicly dedicated to our Lord and Savior on Sunday, November 24, 1963. The present membership of the Richview Baptist Church is 182. The attendance in Sunday School is approximately 400. The Lord has richly blessed the church since its small beginnings. Surely, our testimony through the years and especially on this Dedication Sunday is found In Lamentations 3:22b-23: "His compassions they fail not, they are new every morning, great is Thy faithfulness.' The completed building of 1963 was the product of painstaking research by the building committee. They felt that it was financially impossible to consider a sanctuary type building together with the Christian Education unit. After careful consideration, it was agreed that the church should proceed with a Christian Education building as the first unit of a two or three phased building program. Mr. J.W. Boehmer acted as committee chairman from April 1961 through June 1962, during which time the architect prepared preliminary plans for consideration. In June 1962, Mr. G.M. Howarth was appointed chairman and he led the committee until the completion of the program in November 1963. The Pastors The ministry of Rev. L.E. Rowland began on Easter Sunday, 1962 and concluded on August 30, 1964. 7 During his ministry the work prospered under his spiritual and loving ministry. Our hearts were saddened to learn of his homegoing to Glory in 1979. It is a tribute to the strength of the lay leadership of the congregation that during the first 91 months of its history, pastors had been in office for only 58. On May 11, 1966, Rev. Vincent D. Trimmer received a call and commenced his ministry. During this period there was consolidation of several phases of spiritual ministry. The membership continued to increase. In other areas there had not been numerical growth but a deepening of the ministry in personnel and methods. A goodly number had professed faith in Christ, many had been baptized. Young people were taking a greater place of involvement in the life of the church. Three members had gone to the mission field. The congregation is indebted to Rev. Trimmer for his insistence upon accurate records providing a wealth of historical details. There were twelve baptisms in 1967, followed by five in 1968, with 18 in 1969. In 1970 there were two baptisms followed with a banner year with 28 baptisms in 1971. There were twenty candidates for baptism in the Sunday evening service of May 9, 1971. It also happened to be the farewell service for Pastor and Mrs. Trimmer, who had served for the past 57 months. The income to the church treasury increased from $36,000 in 1965 to $54,000 in 1971. In 1965 a youth choir called the 'Sounds of life' was organized with 42 young people enrolled. Mr. Clare Cressman, the director and Clare Bonnet, the pianist, led this group. On the resignation of Rev. Trimmer, another pulpit committee was formed and after several months of negotiation, a call was extended to Rev. Nathan W. Goff, of Lexington, Massachusetts. His ministry began on February 6, 1972 and continued officially through October 10, 1973. Though the period of his ministry was brief, Rev. Goff is to be commended for the institution of the 'Singing Christmas Tree', which had its inception in December of 1972. It has continued to this day with the exception of the year 1980 when the property was not available due to a building program. Mr. Bruce Lambshead served as Director of Christian Education from November of 1972 through December of 1974. His ministry represented the link between the ministry of Rev. Goff and Rev. Freeland. Early in 1975 Mr. Lambshead began a new ministry in London, Ontario. After the resignation of Rev. Goff and the formation of another pulpit committee, the congregation again banded together to meet the needs of leadership and to pray for new pastoral oversight. Early in December 1973, two members of the Pulpit Committee visited Bethel Baptist Church in Montreal. Their report to the pulpit committee led to a pulpit supply visit by Pastor J. Gordon Freeland to Richview on Sunday, March 17, 1974. Consultations continued and Pastor and Mrs. Freeland along with four children visited Richview again in May of that year. The following is excerpted from Pastor Freeland's letter of acceptance in response to Tom Bradford's communication extending the call to Richview on behalf of the congregation: June 3/74 Mr. T. Bradford, c/o Richview Baptist Church, 1548 Kipling Avenue, Weston, Ontario. Dear Brother Bradford: Greetings in our wonderful Saviour. A few days of consideration has allowed me time to recognize clearly that it is the will of God as well as the will of your people, so well expressed in your letter, that I accept the invitation to be the pastor of Richview Baptist Church. Praise the Lord for His goodness in revealing His will. 8 I have much more to say about all that I have seen transpire under God to this point, but as our Lord tarries we shall have ample opportunity to rejoice in His goodness to us. Your chairmanship of the Pulpit Committee and matters in negotiation with me has been a delight. May God bless.Yours in His service, Pastor Freeland. Pastor Freeland began his ministry officially on September 8th. Just ten weeks later the congregation would feel a further shock as news came of Pastor Freeland's automobile accident on Highway 400. This led to his hospitalization for six weeks and to the need for pulpit supply for ten weeks. A good friend of the congregation, Dr. Stewart Boehmer, immediately responded for the Sunday of November 15, 1974, the day following the accident. Dr. Roy Matheson, of Ontario Bible College, ministered most effectively for several weeks during this period. In September 1975, Paul Allen and Marv Reimer, both students at Ontario Bible College, began to minister at Richview as part-time youth pastor and part-time music assistant, respectively. Following the graduation of Paul Allen in May, 1976, he engaged as full-time Youth Pastor. The congregation was honoured, along with a good number of messengers, to recognize the ordination of Paul Robert Allen in May of 1980. Following graduation from Ontario Bible College, Marvin Reimer ministered with Crusade Evangelism, directed by Barry Moore. He returned to Richview as full-time Minister of Music and Youth Assistant in June of 1979. Mrs. Julia Benson has served as part-time church and pastor's secretary since 1970. She has most capably fulfilled her duties during the many changes in pastoral leadership and extended ministries. Mrs. Adrienne Dinham began to serve in the church office as a part time Christian Education Co-ordinator in September of 1976. She has most graciously fulfilled many tasks and has been instrumental in seeing a ministry and program for senior citizens become a feature of Richview life. Mrs. Jeanne West has also joined the office staff as a part-time secretary. The Wider View of Ministry Development The plans for the 1963 building project included the concept of a Unit 2 auditorium-sanctuary to be located immediately to the north of the gymnatorium. As early as April 1968, the Board of Deacons was considering the provision of a new sanctuary to accommodate five to six hundred people. In March 1973 the congregation began to express a desire that its facilities and property not only provide for present and future congregational needs, but also for such extended ministries as a Day Care Centre, a Nursery School or a Christian Grade School. At the Annual Meeting of February 8, 1974, a prepared questionnaire allowed the congregation to express its interest in the property being used for even wider extensions of ministry, such as senior citizen housing. Ministry of Missions Richview Baptist Church established early its focus on missions overseas and at home. The first missions Sunday was February 15, 1959 and the first appointed missionaries (June 17, 1959) were Bill and Esther Rogers. Other mission organizations and interests were added as the years passed, including the Fellowship of Evangelical Baptist Churches with its various boards, Overseas Missionary Fellowship (C.I.M.), etc. In 1963, the Quemadas, Wrights, Askeys, Comries, Meads and Tomlinsons, as well as other organizations were included in the missions program. In 1967 a missions project gave funds for a water supply system to the ministry of Harold and Marilyn Meads. Summer missions ministries which provided funds as well as personnel from Richview included Scripture Union beach ministries, Philippines, Guatemala earthquake and in 1979 to the Vietnamese boat people by supporting the Thai family for one full year. In October 1968, Richview moved to the "Unified" giving system, which saw support of mission commitments and local ministries drawn from the Unified Account. The commitment to missions within the Unified Account has grown each year until it has reached $60,000 in 1984. In addition to this, designated monies pass through the treasury of the church to other approved mission agencies. As with 9 many local Baptist Churches, in the early days the missionaries recommended for support were not members of the local congregation. At the present time so many of the church membership are considering the challenge of career service for Jesus Christ, the congregation will do well to support those whom God is calling from within its own membership. In non-building fund years, missions giving through the Unified Account, added to the designated monies, represents 28% - 30% of the total income received at Richview. Bible School Ministry The Bible School ministry at Richview Baptist Church has served as a cornerstone of growth for the church as a whole. The 1966 Bible School report indicated a weekly average attendance of 277 (51 weeks). This represented an 8% decrease as compared with the year 1965. Bible School is still a year round feature of the ministry of this church. With the decrease in school age population noted within Etobicoke the average Bible School attendance is now made up of a greater proportion of adults than in previous years. For the February/March period the Sunday morning church attendance averaged 313 in 1972, 293 in 1973 and 263 in 1974. While these figures parallel the decline in school age children in the Borough, there is a challenge before us to re-establish the Bible School in its effectiveness for the 1980's. In 1981 the Bible School averaged 225 in the January/March period but declined to 185 in the same period of 1982. Bible School ministry has suffered due to a decline in student population, adult enthusiasm and also from a year of construction obstacles. Presently, the adult department is expanding enthusiastically. Sunday morning average attendance peaked in the January/ March period of 1972 with an average of 313. It slipped downward to 283 in 1974. It increased in the average from 298 in 1975 to 347 in 1977 for the same period. Following the peak in 1977 a slight decline was noted in 1978 to 323, to 322 in 1979, to 320 in 1980 and to 306 in 1981. From May of 1980 through September of 1981, two morning services were held, at 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. respectively, with Bible School meeting at 10:15 a.m. It was the year in which no parking was available on site due to the construction. The slow decline in average Bible School attendance was arrested in 1981 and rebounded to an average of 225. With the return to one morning service and a new time of 10:30 a.m. as of September, 1981, the Bible School reached a new low average of 185 for the January/March segment of 1982. The morning worship average attendance has steadily increased and regained the levels previously attained in 1972. There are vast differences in the age composition of these totals. The adult segment is proportionately higher in both Bible School and morning worship attendances today as compared with previous years. The January/March segment of 1982 reflects the first ten weeks in the newly expanded church facilities. The increased adult attendance throughout the years is recognized by comparing the 1972 and 1981 financial records. Total givings increased from $89,100 to $320,200 in those nine years. Inflation and a net increase of 42 members would account for a part of this increase. Across the years, many new specialized ministries have been developed. Some of these may have had an adverse effect on the manpower and resources available for Bible School endeavour. We must return to our emphasis upon fundamentals in our Bible School program, to see it go on to its greatest heights ever, even if it be with a decreased component of youngsters. The Ministry In Music The gospel in music has been an important part of Richview's life. From a ladies' choir for a Mothers' Day service in 1959, led by Jean Snider, the ministry through song and instrument has continued to grow. Music is a most important part of the life and culture of the Borough of Etobicoke. There have been a good number of people who have served as volunteers or part-time staff directors of music for Richview. (see Appendix F) Rev. Nathan Goff is to be commended for establishing the ministry of the outdoor 'Singing Christmas Tree' in December of 1972. It has continued to serve this community and has become a cultural landmark of Etobicoke since that time. Special cantatas and presentations by the choirs of Richview have been enjoyed by the congregation throughout the years. Christmas, Easter and Spring finales were all features prior to 1974. More recently, the sanctuary choir combined with youth and children's choir have ministered to present a series of concert evenings at Christmas and in the spring. A major decision concerning the ministry of music was made by the congregation in the calling of Marvin Reimer as Minister of Music and Youth Assistant in 1979. The annual Christmas and Spring concerts have become highlights in the church's calendar. The church through gifts from interested parties, has also enjoyed the use of grand pianos and pipe organs in both the gymnatorium and the new sanctuary. Great care has been exercised in the construction of the new sanctuary to see to it that the building will not only accommodate the spoken word but also faithfully reflect choral and instrumental 10 music. There is a great future for the ministry of music at Richview. Music has great potential in terms of ministering encouragement to the saints. There is also a great harvest potential as the ministry in music and special concerts provide a pre-evangelism vehicle for the witnessing talents of the congregation. In conjunction with the Richview Residence, musical evenings and presentations will provide entertainment, ministry and outreach for residents, church members and the community at large. The new sanctuary has the potential of becoming, in addition to the preaching of the gospel, one of the premier music halls of this Borough. Richview Baptist Foundation The Richview Baptist Church approved the establishment of a non-profit charitable foundation with Ontario registration allowing use of the name, Richview Baptist Foundation, in 1977. Through this vehicle, and guided by a Board of Directors, the church meets a specific need in the community. The first Administrator, Mr. Charles Hynds, has been a long standing member of Richview Baptist and works closely with the Senior Pastor of the church. The Richview Baptist Church is being enriched by the challenge presented physically and spiritually by the Residence. From its inception staff for the Residence was largely met from the membership of the Richview Baptist Church. It was evident that the Sovereign Lord had gifted the church body with skills and vision sufficient for the task that was about to be unveiled. The integrated church and residence complex represents good stewardship of land and resources for sake of ministry of the gospel in this area. The patience and prayer of the congregation In support of its leadership is now being richly rewarded. THE 1981 BUILDINGS - 1981 In the spring of 1975, the Board of Deacons named a building committee with Bill Edworthy as Chairman and Jim Rawson and Pastor Freeland as members. In June of 1975, negotiations began with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to determine its interest in the site. Mr. W. Freeman of Matsui Baer Vanstone Freeman drew up a budget for start up expenditures. W. Edworthy filed an application for start up assistance on behalf of the congregation. In July and August of 1975, Bruce Hynds developed and wrote a Needs Study Report related to senior citizen housing in this area. Later in 1975, Mr. W. Freeman produced early conceptual drawings for consideration of the Building Committee. In December 1975, Pastor Freeland delivered invitations to all immediate neighbours inviting them to meet with the Building Committee at the church on Tuesday, December 16. At this meeting the concept of the church expanding its facilities by construction of a new sanctuary and an associated senior citizen housing complex was shared. In May of 1975, the Building Committee reported its recommendations to the Board of Deacons and a progress report was brought to the second quarterly business meeting in July of the year. On Wednesday, November 26, 1975, the congregation approved that, we agree in principle to proceed with the future development of a project on our present lands, including a sanctuary and related facilities together with a complex for housing of senior citizens, subject to approval of various authorities. In June of 1976, the congregation approved an offer to purchase the Snider residence conditional upon rezoning required for the development program. On Wednesday, May 4, 1977 I the congregation approved the specific motions recommended jointly by the Board of Deacons, Church Development Committee, and Property and Finance Committee, relative to the development program. Following a disappointing decision from the Ontario Municipal Board, dated January 18, 1979, the church approved and the development committee proceeded with an appeal to the Ontario Cabinet to effect rezoning as proposed jointly by the Borough of Etobicoke and the Richview Baptist Church. The congregation was pleased when an Order-In-Council (1880/79), signed by Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor, dated June 27,1979, approved the requested rezoning. With this assurance the congregation now proceeded to the finalizing of architectural plans and to the acquiring of finalizing for the new complex. A ground-breaking ceremony was held in July of 1980 and preparation for construction began shortly after under a construction management contract awarded to Mollenhauer Limited. Late in September 1981, the first residents began to move into the apartments in the senior citizens' building. By the close of 1981, the apartment building was more than ninety percent leased. The official opening of the Richview Residence was held on Wednesday, January 27, 1982, at which time a number of politicians spoke, including the Federal Minister of Public Works, the Honourable Paul Cosgrove. The new sanctuary for 11 Richview Baptist Church was available just in time for this ceremony and approximately 750 people attended. It was the plan of the congregation to dedicate the complete church complex to God and His glory on May 9, 1982, in a debt-free condition. To God's glory and by the sacrifice of His people, this goal was achieved. A three year 'Join Our Blessings’ campaign with $300,000 as a target, was essential to meeting the debt-free dedication. A mortgage in excess of $7,000,000 is held by Dominion Life of Waterloo, Ontario, and will be retired over the next 35 years from the rents received from the tenants of Richview Residence and from the interest subsidy supplied by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. SUMMARY It is our hope that this brief profile of the life of Richview Baptist Church will help you to better understand its shape and ministry. It enjoyed a good birth with evidence of the best kind of New Testament motivation in its inauguration. It has depended upon its lay leadership, even for extended periods of time, for its ongoing ministry. The purchase of a five acre parcel of property for a church site in 1958 was reckoned to be 'bizarre' in the evangelical mindset of that day. It was too large, too ambitious. By hindsight, the step of acquiring this parcel of land has been the door opener for great advances in the ministry. The emphasis on prayer is a part of its birthright and the present Board/Prayer Room is ongoing evidence of that interest. The interest in children's work in the early days has continued and is now taking special focus through the team ministry contribution of youth pastors and youth assistants. The ministry of music has long been established in this congregation and is a language, which is well understood in the Borough. Its potential for the Gospel needs to be explored and expanded within the new sanctuary in which great pains have been taken to accommodate both speech and music needs. Even as a young congregation, the interest in missions was most evident. The day of expanding the base of mission support, both in money and personnel, is on the immediate horizon of this congregation. The aspect of sharing facilities with senior citizens has several commendable features. It gives an entirely new entree to the now established families of this community. The largest common denominator of the residence is that the tenants have supportive families, mostly without church connection at Richview, but who live within the immediate vicinity. A ministry to the handicapped is now a possibility in that we have facilities, which accommodate comfortably such special needs. The sharing of skills and gifts in the Body of Christ in the Richview Baptist Church with the Richview Residence, needs to be organized and made a matter of high priority in ministry. 12 APPENDIX "B" MINISTRY TEAM CHART September 1/56-December 31/58 Lay Leadership January 1/59-August 31/61 Rev. Bernard Jeffrey August 21/62-August 30/64 Rev. Lawrence E. Rowland May 11/66-May 9/71 Rev. Vincent D. Trimmer May 1968-July 1969 Jim Watt, Youth Assistant October 1969-June 1970 Don Roth Youth Leader February 1972-0ctober 1973 Rev. Nathan Goff November 1972-December 1974 Bruce Lambshead, Christian Education Director September 1974 - Rev. J. Gordon Freeland September 1975-December 1982 Rev. Paul Allen • Youth Pastor September 1975 - Marvin Reimer Music Assistant June 1979 - Marvin Reimer Minister of Music & Youth Assistant September 1982 - Mary Jane Tropea, Christian Education Director January 1983 - Nicholas Miles, Youth Pastor • Richview's only ordination (to date) - Paul R. Allen, Sunday, April 20, 1980 13 APPENDIX "C" MINISTRY IN MISSIONS Feb. 15/59 First Missionary Sunday June 17/59 First Members of Richview Missionary Family - Bill & Esther Rogers Sept.23/59 I.V.C.F. and Fellowship of Evangelical Baptist Churches added Jan. 13/60 Scripture Gift Mission and C.I.M. (O.M.F.) added May 18/60 Native Evangelists, Korean children and Greek Evangelical Missions added 1963 Missions expanded to include Kim Jung Sook, Dr. & Mrs. C. Quemada, Rev. & Mrs. Eric Wright (I.C.F.) Mr. & Hrs. Ken Askey (A.E.F.) Rev. & Mrs. Roy Comrie (A.E.F.) Rev. & Mrs. Harold Meads (G.M.U.) Rev. & Mrs. Ed Tomlinson, Pocket Testament League, Toronto Bible College, Central Baptist Seminary, Pioneer Girls, Christian Service Brigade, Youth for Christ Mar. 1964 Assist in purchase of jeep for the Meads Dec. 1967 Young people go to Urbana Missions Conf. Oct. 1968 Assist in purchase of car for the Askeys. Carolyn Dyment (W.I.M.) added. Inclusion of missions budget in Unified Account. B. Sinclair (l.C.F.) added Oct. 1969 Mr. & Mrs. Wernar Spyker added Oct. 1972 Gift to Dr. Quemada's vehicle Nov. 1974 All mission family members received share of gain from sale of manse 1976 R. Lortie (Quebec), T. Starr (Home Missions) W.H. MacBain (Foreign) named to Fellowship commitment. Feb. 1976 Special gift to Guatemala earthquake 1977 John Crisp (P.B.I.), J. Francis (Quebec), F. Blais (Foreign), Crusade Evangelism, Teen Ranch added 1978 Yonge St. Mission, Dr. Steven Foster (A.E.F.) added 1980 Lloyd Ogborne (W.L.C.), David Harper (St. Lucia), R. Charbonneau (Quebec), M. Michel (Quebec), added, Boat Fund (Thai family) 1981 Bob Fukumoto (Y.F .C.), Ken Fox (St. Thomas) added 1982 Gabriel Laurin (Quebec) ,J ean-Guy Poisson (Quebec), Serge Pinard (Quebec), Jules Mailloux (Quebec), Ken Davis (Nfld.), Bill Edworthy (M.E.C.O.) 1983 Paul & Ann Allen, Joel & Kerri (A.E.F.) go to Angola 14 APPENDIX "D" MINISTRY IN FINANCES Summary of Annual ReceiptsOther Year Unified Account Total Accounts -- 1959 $ 15,849 $ 1,820 $ 17,669 1960 17,616 2,347 19,963 1961 37,109 2,564 39,673 1962 43,964 1,809 45,773 1963 45,181 15,232 60,419 1964 39,929 2,335 42,264 1965 40,811 666 41,477 1966 41,258 1,451 42,709 1967 45,135 3,352 49,081 1968 49,598 2,535 52,133 1969 53,008 3,290 56,298 1970 52,641 4,393 51,040 1911 54,658 12,658 61,316 1912 13,639 15,541 89,186 1913 83,102 13,015 96,711 1974 81,999 14,430 96,429 1915 102,561 12,605 115,112 1976 119,928 20,905 140,833 1911 134,085 31,229 165,31_ 1978 143,614 38,222 181,896 1919 111,896 33,193 211,089 1980 194,049 16,974 53,396(J.O.B.) 264,419 1981 200,447 12,573 1l0,186(J.O.B.) 323,206 1982 243,600 41,000 93,919(J.O.B.) 319,297 1983 351,749 35,096 15 2,800(J.O.B.) 389,645 APPENDIX “E” MINISTRY IN MEMBERSHIP AND BAPTISMS Year Members Baptisms 1959 25 (Charter Members) 5 33 Additions 1960 5 1961 2 1962 14 1963 185 7 1964 194 3 1965 192 0 1966 193 2 1967 206 12 1968 5 1969 199 18 1970 211 2 1971 213 28 1972 231 7 1913 214 111 1974 212 6 1975 216 23 1976 231 9 1971 231 10 1978 243 6 1979 258 20 1980 260 III 1981 213 16 1982 290 15 1983 13 From the time of keeping records in 1956, there have been 58 weddings conducted by the ministers of the congregation and 40 funerals (1982). During this time as well there have been 192 baptisms as believers witness to their faith in that practical step of obedience. 16 APPENDIX "F" MINISTRY IN MUSICDates Ministry Leader Mother's Day/59 First Choir (Ladies) Jean Snider Edith Roberts September 61/68 Adult Choir Clare Cressman September 67/68 Youth & Children's Choir Joy Hynds June 68-Sept/69 Adult Choir Elsie Loewen September 67/72 "Sounds of Life" Clare Cressman Clare Bonnet Sept/69-June/70 Adult Choir Doris Hewer June/70-June/72 Music Director David Gast Sept/71 June/72 Junior Choir Sharon Mowbray December 1972 1st Singing Christmas Tree Clare Cressman Sept/73 - /75 Adult Choi r Clare Cressman September/7S Music Assistant MarVin Reimer June 1979 Minister of Music Marvin Reimer 1981 - 1982 K ids of the Kingdom Kathy Smale 1982 - Kids of the Kingdom Dianne Nelson 17 APPENDIX "G" CHURCH COVENANT Having been led, as we believe I by the Holy Spirit, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour And on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, We do now, in the presence of God and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ. We purpose, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church, In knowledge, holiness and comfort; To promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; To contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry. the expenses of the church, the reilief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel throughout all nations. We also purpose to maintain family and secret devotions; to educate our children in the things of the Lord, and to seek the salvation of our relatives and acquaintances. To walk circumspectly in the world; to be Just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; To abstain from every appearance of evil, and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Saviour. We further purpose to watch over one another in brotherly love; To remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling, and courtesy in speech; To be slow to take offense, but always ready to reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Saviour to secure it without delay. We moreover purpose that when we remove from this place we will, as soon as possible, unite with some other church, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's Word. 18 APPENDIX "H" STANDARDS FOR LEADERSHIP The leadership of this church, that is, Pastoral staff, Deacons and Teachers, shall affirm that they are in agreement with the Articles of Faith and Church Covenant, and shall uphold and support the orderly conduct of business as outlined in this Constitution. They shall recognize that they have a special responsibility to participate in personal intercession and public prayer meetings. As leaders they must exercise, to the limit, their personal influence within their own homes as placed under God, so that they have reasonably discharged the responsibility concerning the orderly wal" of their household as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:4-13. They must be faithful in all of their engagements and the spirit of love must characterize their leadership. Their leadership should exemplify dedication to Christ, concern for the whole flock and separation from the world. In addition to enhancing the gospel by life, their leadership should include avoidance of things 'or attitudes or personal rights, which lead to habits or cause offence to a brother. Abstaining from the use and sale of alcohol as a beverage, tobacco, non-medicia I drugs, licentious entertainment, should be a part of the responsibility of leadership. Luke 17:1-2, Acts 15:20, Romans 14:17-21, Romans 15:1-3, 1Corinthians 8:9-13, 1 Corinthians 9:27, 1 Corinthians 10:31, 11 Corinthians 6:17. They have a special responsibility to lead in the personal practice of supporting the work of the Lord in Richview with the tithe of their income. They are personally responsible to exercise care for the rest of the flock by first taking heed to themselves, and then to the family of God's people here, to lead them who are purchased with the blood of Christ, by life and by practice, with a wholesome example of the whole counsel of God. Acts 20:27-28.19

History of Richview Baptist Church

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