Members of the church have started several missions, some of which have already grown into flourishing churches.  The Logan Baptist Church and the Tioga Baptist Church, are both daughters of The Temple.

The Samaritan Aid Society sews and secures contributions of clothing and such supplies for the Samaritan Hospital.  Other charities, however, needing such help, find it ever willing to lend its aid.  It is ready for any emergency that may arise.  A hurry call was sent once for sheets, pillow cases and garments for the sick at Samaritan Hospital.  The President of the Society quickly summoned the members.  Merchants were visited and contributions of muslin and thread secured.  Sewing machines were sent to the Lower Temple.  An all-day sewing bee was held, those who could, came all day, others dropped in as time permitted, and by sunset more than three hundred pieces of work were finished.

Two other organizations very helpful to the members of the church are the Men’s Beneficial Association and the Women’s Beneficial Association.  They are purely for the benefit of church members during sickness or bereavement, and are managed as all such associations are, paying $5.00 a week during sickness and $100 at death.

The books are closed at the end of each year and the fund started afresh.

The Temple Building and Loan Association was organized by the membership of the Business Men’s Association, and is officered by prominent members of the church.  But it is not in any way a church organization and is not under the management of the church.  It is very successful and its stockholders are composed largely of church members.

To keep members and friends in touch with the many lines of activity in which the church works, a magazine, “The Temple Review,” is published.  It is a private business enterprise, but it chronicles church work and publishes each week Dr. Conwell’s sermons.  Many living at a distance who cannot come often to The Temple find it most enjoyable and helpful to thus obtain their pastor’s sermons, and to look through the printed page into the busy life of the church itself.  It helps members in some one branch of the church work to keep in touch with what others are doing.  The work of the college and hospital from week to week is also chronicled, so that it is a very good mirror of the many activities of the Grace Church membership.

Thus in good fellowship the church works unitedly to further Christ’s kingdom.  New organizations are formed as some enthusiastic member discerns a new need or a new field.  It is a veritable hive of industry whose doors are never closed day or night.

CHAPTER XXIII

FAIRS AND ENTERTAINMENTS

The Temple Fairs.  How They are Planned.  Their Religious Aim.  Appointment of Committees.  How the Committees Work.  The Church Entertainments.  Their Character.