| The Life of Dr. J.R. Miller |
Chapter 5 |
Page 12 |
The appearance of the desired work was announced in a letter to one who inquired about his future movements:
“There is a piece of summer work in West Philadelphia which is pressing very much upon my heart at present and which I may decide to take up.”
In the summer he assisted in the tent where this work was being carried on. In the fall a small frame chapel was bought. This was dedicated October 29 1898, and the services were continued there. On October 29, 1899, St. Paul Church was organized with sixty-six members. Dr. Miller who had given much help and encouragement during the intervening months was chosen temporary supply.
The church prospered. It was located in a rapidly growing section of the city, and it had a pastor who was speedily on the ground when a new family moved in whose members were not connected with some other church. On May 11, 1900, a lot was purchased, and in this a stone chapel was erected at a cost of about $20,000. This was dedicated March 24, 1901. Thus – in less than three years – a discouraged group of workers, inspired by Dr. Miller, had become an active church, possessed a property worth $35,000.
During these early years Dr. Miller would not accept a salary. Later, when it seemed wise to permit the church to provide a salary, he managed in one way or other to restore every dollar to the church. During the fourteen years of his connection with St. Paul he did not profit financially by his service. He felt that he should live on his salary as editor, and that the salary provided by the church should always be used in the varied activities of the congregation.
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