On this day in 1942 . . .

In addition to a rough cut of the commemorative video I mentioned on Sunday, I've also had a chance to take a gander at a retrospective 75th Anniversary book that's being put together by Lorraine Maksoudian and Ruthie Peterson. It's an amazing testimony of God's faithfulness.

It was on this day, April 5th, 1942 that the Lord's people at Grace first met in the newly constructed building in downtown SLO. World War II was still raging. Here's the notice that appeared in the Telegram-Tribune on Saturday, the day before. . . .

This Easter, in spite of widespread confusion and trouble in the world at large, we have much to be thankful for. Not the least of the good things we can offer our thanks for is the completion of our new tabernacle — which we are opening for our first services this sacred Day. You are cordially invited to attend our Easter Day Services, Sunday April 5th at — The New Grace Tabernacle, Corner of Osos and Pismo Streets, San Luis Obispo. Undenominational. — Leroy Persson, Pastor.

And here are a couple of classic Leroy quotes. . . .

Nearly every outstanding movement for God has begun with one or two men and then has grown under God’s blessing. We are so prone to feel that we need a large backing, humanly speaking, when we are about to undertake something that is staggering in its “bigness” but let us remember that one with God is a majority.

Many times we feel our littleness and unworthiness to such an extent that we bury our talent and do nothing. But the Master’s touch changes it all. Greatest things happen to all… even the most humble in surprising ways when our lives are under the Master’s touch. It is His touch that counts, not our lives. Prayer is the blessed secret of the mighty touch… Our master will not only give us His wonderful touch but directs us in marvelous ways so that our lives will count beyond our fondest dreams.

Pretty neat, huh?