57 Cents Moves Mountains
http://www.library.temple.edu/speccoll/hattie.htm
57 Cents
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A sobbing little girl stood near a small church from which she had been
turned away because it "was too crowded." "I can't go to
Sunday School," she sobbed to the pastor as he walked by.
Seeing her shabby, unkempt appearance, the pastor guessed the reason and,
taking her by the hand, took her inside and found a place for her in the
Sunday school class. The child was so happy that they found room for her,
that she went to bed that night thinking of the children who have no place
to worship.
Some two years later, this child lay dead in one of the poor tenement buildings
and the parents called for the kindhearted pastor, who had befriended their
daughter, to handle the final arrangements.
As her poor little body was being moved, a worn and crumpled purse was found
which seemed to have been rummaged from some trash dump. Inside was found
57 cents and a note scribbled in childish handwriting which read, "This
is to help build the little church bigger so more children can go to Sunday
School." For two years she had saved for this offering of love.
When the pastor tearfully read that note, he knew instantly what he would
do. Carrying this note and the cracked, red pocketbook to the pulpit, he
told the story of her unselfish love and devotion. He challenged his deacons
to get busy and raise enough money for the larger building.
But the story does not end there!
A newspaper learned of the story and published it. It was read by a realtor
who offered them a parcel of land worth many thousands. When told that the
church could not pay so much, he offered it for 57 cents.
Church members made large donations. Checks came from far and wide. Within
five years the little girl's gift had increased to $250,000.00 a huge sum for
that time (near the turn of the century). Her unselfish love had paid a large
dividend.
When you are in the city of Philadelphia, look up Temple Baptist Church, with
a seating capacity of 3,300 and Temple University, where hundreds of students
are trained. Have a look, too, at the Good Samaritan Hospital, and at a
Sunday School building which houses hundreds of Sunday Schoolers, so that no
child in the area will ever need to be left outside during Sunday school
time.
In one of the rooms of this building may be seen the picture of the sweet
face of the little girl whose 57 cents, so sacrificially saved, made such
remarkable history. Alongside of it is a portrait of her kind pastor,
Dr. Russell H. Conwell, author of the book, "Acres of Diamonds".
http://www.temple.edu/about/temples_founder/acres_text.html
May today there be peace within
May you trust your highest
power that you are exactly where you are meant to be....
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith
May you use those gifts that you have received,
and pass on the love that has
been given to you....
May you be content knowing you are a child of God....
Let this presence settle into
our bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance,
It is there for each and every one of you....
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