Footnotes to Long Island History
New Church Serves Great Need
by
Thomas R. Bayles
By Thomas R. Bayles
It was about
three years ago that Rev Clifton E. Barnes came to Medford and began
holding services in the home of Louis Rodriquez at 3105 Gull Ave in
Eagle Estates. This was a small mission was organized with only nine
members. Before long a former Lutheran church in Ridge was purchasecd
and moved to its present location on the north side of the Horse Block
road at Eagle Estates. A basement and small addition were added to it
and worship services started. Since that small beginning the church has
grown rapidly and now has a membership of over 200 with a Sunday School
enrollment of 234. Last year a Christian Education building was built
to the north of the church. It was erected with the only expense being
for materials, the labor all furnished by the men of the church.
Under the
active leadership of Pastor Barnes a program is carried out with worship
services for all ages. Especial attention is paid to the programs for
the young people. During July of this year a Vacation Bible School was
conducted with 339 children enrolled. A used school bus has been
purchased which picks up children throughout Eagle Estates, a community
of 8,000 residents. During July, 29 junior aged boys and girls went to
the Pocono Mts. In Pennsylvania for a 4 day camping retreat. In August,
52 teenagers with their counselors, went to Canada for a weeks camping
retreat. Many activities are conducted throughout the week.
Sunday
Worship Services are held at 8:30am, with Sunday School for all ages at
945 am. An evening worship service is held at 7 pm with the church
usually filled to capacity. A weekly prayer meeting is held on
Wednesday evening at 7:30pm Plans are under way to build a larger
building, in March of 1971, adjoing the church, as more room is badly
needed.