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Dream Comes True for Congregation In Southeast Cleveland
Source: Columbia Union Visitor, Adventist Review, November 15, 1979
July 21 was a memorable Sabbath in the history of Allegheny West Conference, especially for the members of the Southeast congregation in Cleveland, Ohio. It was the grand opening of the new Southeast church, which is one of the largest and most commodious in Allegheny West.
The structure is an ultramodern architectural design, and fully air-conditioned throughout. The auditoriumıs seating capacity is 900; the fellowship hallıs is 500. Other accommodations include a pastorıs study and office, a secretaryıs office, conference, deaconess, deacon and finance, Dorcas and mothersı rooms, ladiesı lounge, restroom facilities on both floors, storage, and accommodations for the various Sabbath school divisions.
The eventful occasion began at 10:00 am, when everyone assembled at Ramah Junior Academy, approximately one block away and across the street. At 10:30 am Elders Gerald Penick and King S. Smallwood began leading the grand procession as they marched two abreast, singing "Walk together children, donıt you get weary." When the procession neared the entrance they paused for the key and ribbon-cutting ceremonies. After the builder passed the keys to the chairman of the building committee, the doors were unlocked and opened wide for the procession to proceed into the beautiful sanctuary.
Friends came from far and near to witness and participate in the occasion. Every available square foot of space in the auditorium and balcony was filled by the overflowing crowd. Ministers of other churches in the community came to offer their congratulations.
Platform guests included our conference president, H.L. Cleveland; treasurer, W.G. McDonald; and the departmental director of the conference, Willie Lewis. Councilman Clarence Copeland and John Barnes presented a resolution from Cleveland City Council, and W.A. Thompson, executive secretary of Columbia Union Conference, delivered the worship-hour message. The music was rendered by the mass choir of the church, under the direction of Mrs. Joseph Gilleylen and Mr. Don Boger.
In the afternoon service, Mrs. Gilleylen gave the history of the church; King S. Smallwood, secretary of Allegheny West Conference, delivered the message of consecration; and music was again furnished by the mass choir.
The final service was one of praise in word and song. The Southeast church choirs and guest choirs rendered the music. Henry Wright, of Oakwood College, who served as interim pastor for six months in 1978, gave the praise in word as he delivered the vesper message.
For years the people in the southeast area of Cleveland had urged the pastor of Glenville and the conference administration to establish a church in that section of the city. Under the dynamic and progressive leadership of President H.L. Cleveland, who is a former pastor of Glenville, a call was sent to King S. Smallwood, of the South Atlantic Conference, placing upon him the challenge of establishing a new church in southeast Cleveland. Elder Smallwood and his wife, Jacqueline, accepted the call and the challenge. It May of 1974 the church was officially organized with 150 charter members, and Kings S. Smallwood installed as pastor. The charter members transferred mainly from the Glenville church. Through tent evangelism, coupled with an aggressive evangelistic thrust on a year-round basis, the membership grew rapidly. It now exceeds 400.
After a year of studying and planning, the congregation decided to build. Elder Smallwood led the congregation in sacrificial giving. Within two years, the growing congregation had given more than $200,000. Under his devoted and dynamic leadership, the dream of a southeast church home became a reality. Gerald Penick, the present pastor, is responsible for the magnificent job of furnishing and decorating the church.
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