The Church by the Side of  the Road
(REF.)

TOPSAIL UNITED CHURCH

"The Church By The Side Of The Road"

Topsail, Newfoundland

Topsail is located on the east coast of  Newfoundland, south of the city of St. John's.  It is on Conception Bay and  part of the Conception Bay South Community.


The Church by the Side of the Road started in 1837 as a Wesley Methodist Meeting House.  The land was donated by the Butler family and is situated overlooking Conception Bay. A 30 foot by 18 foot building was erected from local timber by the community in 1836.

In 1871 a larger building with 2 rooms was erected to accommodate the growing congregation.  This is when it was named The Church by the Side of the Road.

In 1925 the church joined the United Church of Canada.

In 1977 another new church building was erected.  This larger church contains the original brass bell from the old church.

On 2002 another room was added to the back of the church.  This area includes a kitchen and new offices for the clergy. (Link 1.)

*****

Photo: Copy of photo in Reference book.
Reference: NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR, deVisser/Blackwood, 1979. 
                       (Used book bought at the North Vancouver B.C. Restore by Alan
                         Wilson  2017.)
Link 1: http://www.topsailunitedchurch.nf.net/Church%20Services.htm

Prayer

God, be with persecuted Christians throughout the world. Amen (SW.)

                                                                                              October 26, 2014

246 Ingram Street

Duncan United Church
Duncan, B.C. Canada

"Duncan (pop. 4,932) is a city on southern Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. It is the smallest city by area (2.07 square kilometres, 0.8 square miles) in the nation.^[1] 

"The city is about 50 kilometres from both Victoria to the south and Nanaimo to the north.

"Although the City of Duncan has a population of just under 5000, it serves the Cowichan Valley which has a population of approximately 80,000, many of whom live in North Cowichan contiguous with Duncan. This gives Duncan a much larger "greater" population than that contained within the strict city limits. People in areas of North Cowichan bordering on Duncan usually use "Duncan" as their mailing city.

"Duncan is the seat of the Cowichan Valley Regional District. The name "Cowichan" is an anglicization of Halkomelem Quw'utsun', which means "the warm land".

^{"Duncan's tourism slogan is "The City of Totems". The city has 80 totem poles around the entire town, which were erected in the late 1980s. (Link 2.)}

Stained Glass Window from Exterior

Stained Glass Window from Exterior

"A fascinating chronicle of the history of Duncan United can be found in our sixteenstained glass windows, thirteen in the sanctuary and the other three elsewhere in the building.  Crafted by artisans from England to the Cowichan Valley, every one has a story to tell.

Maple Bay

"In 1858, the Methodist Church sent a party of missionaries from Toronto to Western Canada. On the coast, most travel was by boat and, in 1869, the Methodist Missionaries held the first week-long "Camp Meeting" in British Columbia on the beach at Maple Bay. Soon after, the first church was constructed by volunteers, a log building lined with tongue and groove lumber.

"The first resident minister arrived in 1873 and preached at Maple Bay, South Cowichan and Somenos one week and at Burgoyne, Vesuvius and the Midnight Settlement on Saltspring Island on the alternate Sunday. Travel to these points was by horseback and rowboat.

"The second Maple Bay Church was erected in 1893 and later was converted to a home, which still stands on Herd Road. The last service at this church was held in November 1930, at which time the congregation was welcomed by Duncan United Church.

Somenos

"Somenos Methodist Church was built in 1878 and operated until 1928, when better roads made travel easier and members could travel to Duncan. The Municipality of North Cowichan bought the adjoining property and later took over the Methodist portion of the cemetery, now known as Mountain View Cemetery.

Alderlea Methodist Church

"By 1890, as the railway drew the population toward the settlement at "Duncans", a gathering was held at a home on Ingram Street, near the location of the present church. Over the next few months a decision was made to purchase property (for $25.) and erect a church on the lot at the corner of Ingram and Jubilee Streets. In July 1891, the congregation moved into their new home and in 1892, the interior was completed and painted. The total cost of the church was $797.10.

Duncan United Church

"The time of church union in 1925 generated much discussion and, although Alderlea Methodist voted solidly for Union, there were a large number of non-concurring members at St. Andrews Presbyterian. In the end, those members who voted for Union joined with the Alderlea congregation, while a government appointed Commission awarded St. Andrews church and contents to the non-concurring members for a sum of $250.00. It was agreed that in the best interest of Union, both ministers should leave and the new "Duncan United Church of Canada" called Rev. W.F. Burns in 1926.

"Rev. Burns' ministry of twenty years took the congregation through many difficult times, including "the Hungry 30s" and World War II. He was much loved and is remembered as "a citizen of Duncan and a friend to all" on a plaque in the church hall bearing his name. The "Good Shepherd" stained glass window in the sanctuary was donated in memory of Rev. Burns.

Duncan United Church Grows

Heritage Hall

"When the church hall burned down in 1935, it was replaced by the hall now known as Heritage Hall. After the burning of the mortgage in 1939, a fund was started towards building of a new church.

"The opening service for the new Duncan United Church was held on Wednesday, December 3rd, 1941, with the first Sunday service held on December 7, the day Pearl Harbour was bombed.

"After the war, a great influx of people resulted in crowding of hospitals, schools and churches in the area. In 1949, the Young Adults extended the hall - now the stage, Thrift Store and basement.

"In 1954, the church was lengthened to increase the seating capacity. This addition included an office (now the minister's office) and meeting space on the lower floor.

"In 1960, the church purchased the property just to the north of the hall, now the parking lot. Duncan United is located near to Duncan's former Chinatown and the property was the site of a laundry run by Mr. Jack Wong. A provision of the sale was that he would continue to rent the buildings from us and for three years, Duncan United Church was in the laundry business.

"In 1964, another building project was undertaken as the space between the church and the hall was developed to create the Christian Education Centre. This created Burns Hall, the office and nursery as well as room in the basement for the Sunday School's Primary department.

Sunday Worship 10:00 am

"In 2001, the sanctuary was renovated, replacing carpets, painting and reconfiguring the chancel area. As our worship style focuses more on including the children and lay people of our congregation, this new area accommodates our music team, dramas and other special activities." (Link 1.)

Note: September 1971 to June 1972, Suzanne Wilson and her family lived on Somenos Road in Duncan and attended Duncan United Church .

Photos: Taken in August 2014 by SW.

Link 1: http://www.duncanunited.org/
Link 2: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duncan,_British_Columbia

Prayer

God, be with persecuted Christians throughout the world. Amen (SW.)

                                                                                 3/23/14

North Lonsdale United Church, 1915 
131 East Kings Rd.
(REF 1.)

Posthumous
Bethel Methodist Church/North Lonsdale United Church
North Vancouver, B.C. Canada

The 1993 District Heritage Inventory, page 117 (REF 3.)-"1915-Secondary List-This plain and modest church is simply detailed in the Craftsman tradition, with triangular eave brackets, exposed rafter end, and pointed verge-boards. Originally the Bethel Methodist Church, which became part of the United Church of Canada, (1925), it has served Baptist congregations since 1953." 

"By 1915 a small church was built on East King Road, first called Bethel Methodist Church but the name was soon changed to North Lonsdale Methodist.

" A Sunday School was with Mr. E.T. Bailey as superintendent. At the time of organic union of the Presbyterian, Methodist and Congregational churches in 1925, this church became North Lonsdale United, its congregation augmented by those who transferred from St. Stephens Presbyterian. From 1914 to 1919, North Lonsdale was a joint pastoral charge with West Vancouver, from 1919 to 1934, with Lynn Valley, and from 1934 to 1957 with Capilano.

1930 Fire Insurance Map

131 East Kings Road (on south side of street)

"The King’s Road church was bare, with plain wooded chairs for the congregation and a little pump organ. There was a small kitchen at the rear with a stove on which the ladies prepared hearty congregational dinners. This room was used also for meetings, as a Sunday School classroom, and as a dressing-room at Christmas concert time. Until 1948 North Lonsdale Church, received financial assistance from the Board of Home Missions, but from that time it was self-supporting, the minister’s salary and expenses of the manse being shared with Capilano.

"By 1948 it became evident that the little church was no longer adequate, and in 1950 two lots were purchased at the corner of Lonsdale Ave. and Osborne Rd. A building which was to serve eventually as a Christian Education Centre, but was to be used as the church in the meantime, was erected largely by volunteer labour and was dedicated on December 13, 1953." (Link 1.)

1964-131 Kings Rd. became Kingscrest (Kings Road-REF 2.) Baptist Church with renters from First Baptist and One Spirit Mission Church-serving a Korean congregation. (REF.2) and since 2008, the WestCoast Baptist Association.  In 2014 the building was still owned by Kings Road Church.

For more information on WestCoast Baptist Association see Blog Post 5/18/14.
For more information on North Lonsdale United Church see Blog Post 1/23/11.
Link 1: Link 1:http://nluc.org/about-us/history-of-the-church/
Reference 1: The Story of North Lonsdale 1913 to 1990-The Church on the 
                           Hill  is available at the North Vancouver Archives.
Reference 2: 2014 e mail from Janet Campbell, Office Administrator,  
                          WestCoast Baptist Association.
Reference 3: 1993 District Heritage Inventory, North Vancouver.
Reference 4: 1930 Fire Insurance Map available at North Vancouver Archives.

Prayer

God, be with the persecuted Christians through out the world. Amen (SW.)

                                                                                                                    3/16/14

3660 Hillcrest Avenue

(Watercolor by Elwood Hewgill, 1989.)

Posthumous
Capilano Highlands United Church
North Vancouver, B.C. Canada

3660 Hillcrest Avenue

(Link 2.)

Capilano Highlands United Church was built at 3660 Hillcrest Ave. in the Capilano Highlands area of the District of North Vancouver.  This area is on the side of Grouse Mountain and just north of Edgemont Blvd where the later Highlands United Church was located at 3255 Edgemont Blvd. 

"Activity leading to the establishment of the former Capilano Highlands United Church began in July 1946, but it was not constituted as a Pastoral Charge by Vancouver Burrard Presbytery until September 25, 1950.  The budding congregation erected a cement block building at 3660 Hillcrest Avenue in 1951." (REF.)

The Building Permit book at the North Vancouver Archives also lists the church being built at 3660 Hillcrest in 1951 at a cost was $10,000.  A permit for a $2500 addition was applied for in 1951 as well.  "A neighboring and well established church, Capilano United Church (See Blog Post 2/24/13.) in Pemberton Heights, and its minister, offered considerable assistance to the new congregation in their formative years." (REF.)

"In February, 1951, Vancouver Burrard Presbytery changed the name Capilano Highlands Untied Church to Highlands United Church.  The growing congregation erected a new church building at 3255 Edgemont Boulevard in 1957." (REF.)   The North Vancouver Archives Building Permit book lists the new church  cost of construction  as $100,000.

" The original cement block building on Hillcrest Ave. was re-named Hillcrest Hall, and the  building remained in use for Sunday School and other purposes and was eventually demolished." (REF.)

Photo: Taken by SW in January 2014 of Capilano Highland United Church
               watercolor that now hangs in the Edgemont Avenue church office.
Reference:  Congregation member.  
                        Link 1: http://www.memorybc.ca/highlands-united-church-north-vancouver-b-c-fonds;rad
Link 2: (map) https://www.google.ca/search?q=Hillcrest%2C+North+Vancouver+B.C.&oq=Hillcrest%2C+North+Vancouver+B.C

*****

Prayer

God, be with the persecuted Christians through out the world. Amen (SW.)

                                                                                          September 22, 2013

5500 Old Island Highway/Highway 19A

Front and side of Church-note stained glass windows.

(2013 photo)

Union Bay United Community Church
Union Bay, B.C. Canada

Front of Church
(REF.)

"Union Bay in British Columbia, Canada is a small community approximately 15 kilometres (9 mi) south of Courtenay, British Columbia, the largest city in the Comox Valley. Union Bay is populated by about 1200 people and is an unincorporated site within the Comox Valley Regional District. The main drag along Highway 19. A features a boatlaunch, sports/coffee shop, bistro and market/cafe. Also along the highway are the heritage Gaolhouse museum, Post Office, church, and now closed school that is currently used as the District Improvement Offices. The community has a rich history that is intertwined with that of Cumberland, British Columbia.

"Union Bay was first established as "Union Wharf" back in 1887. The community was developed as a port for the thriving coal mines at Union to the Northwest (later reincorporated as Cumberland)....Some of Union Bay's history has been preserved in what is called "Heritage Row". This row along Highway 19A includes the Gaolhouse, Post Office, Church, and School. It is preserved and maintained by the Union Bay Historical Society." (Link 1.)

Entrance to Sanctuary-on the side.
Note Stained Glass Windows
(2013 photo)

The opening service of "Institutional Church" was on the rainy morning of December 3, 1906.  The church was built by volunteer labor on land and rough lumber were donated by the Canadian Collieries Ltd. "The building and furnishings cost $2, 551,..." "A reading room at the front of the church and the tower were added about five years later." (REF.) In 1925 the church became part of  The United Church of Canada.

An organ is mentioned from the time he church was built.  In 1959 the church acquired an old pump organ from a church in nearby Cumberland, B.C. It was restored and used until 1984 when a new Hammond organ was donated.  The antique organ was donated to St. Andrew's Pioneer Presbyterian Church on Mission Hill.

Pre 1984 Sanctuary
(REF.)

The above black and white photo of the Sanctuary shows the 1959 pump organ sitting on the left side of the chancel.  

"The chancel was renovated from the original choir loft in 1973. Windows (memorial or dedication)  were replace due to frame rot before that." (REF.) Pews were refinished in 2004.

Stained Glass Windows
(REF.) 

"The windows (added in 2006), designed by Karin Clark and Nancy Morrison, and crafted by Nancy, follow the life of Christ clockwise from the cross. The bevelled glass represents the colours of the rainbow and the promises of God.  The first dove faces down as the spirit descents to earth, then the doves fly clockwise with the last dove rising at the tomb window.  The front windows show Jesus after his resurrection.  The red trim around the windows represents the blood Christ shed for us.  The bevelled glass will split light into rainbows reminding us of the promises of God.  The wheat coloured trim reminds us of the gifts of the earth.  The women depicted in most of the windows remind us of the support women haven given the church over the centuries." (REF.)

Sanctuary
( REF. 2006 photo)

The colored photo from the booklet Union Bay United Community Church, 1906-2006 shows the 1984 electric Hammond organ on the left side of the chancel.  It also shows the light box stained glass windows mounted on either side of the original cross.

Over the years this very active congregation has sponsored and participated in many groups: Sunday School, Choirs, Ladies Aid/Ellen McKay Circle, Missionary Society, U. C. W., Evening Circle, Bible Study, C.G.I.T*, Explorers, Brownies, Guides, Youth Clubs, Boy's Clubs.

Sketch of church by Diane Etherington
(REF.)

*C.G.T.T.: Canadian Girls in Training, a group for girls grade 7 to 12 based on

                     the scripture Luke 2: 52, "And Jesus increased in wisdom and in

                     stature and in favor with God and man." Suzanne Wilson was a 

                     Provincial Chairperson in the 1980's.

Thank you: To Nora at the Union Bay P. O. next to the church for the Reference
                      booklet below.
Photos: Taken in June 2013 by SW.
Reference: Union Bay United Community Church, 1906-2006.
Link 1: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_Bay,_British_Columbia

******

Prayer

God, be with the persecuted Christians through out the world. Amen
(SW)

17553 58A Avenue (Bond Street)

Cloverdale United Church
Cloverdale, B.C. Canada

5757 176th Street "In 1891, the Cloverdale Presbyterian Church (5757 176th Street) was the tallest building in Cloverdale. In 1925, the United Church of Canada was formed with the combined congregations of the Methodist and Presbyterian churches. Services were held in the original Presbyterian Church for about 25 years.  "At this time, a new Cloverdale United Church was opened in April 2, 1950, on Bond Street (17553 58A Avenue). The bell tower on the church had gothic windows, which have since been removed and replaced by a false front." (Link 1.) "The Cloverdale United Church is a stucco-clad Gothic Revival-inspired church with a later bell tower and spire at the southeast corner. Its height and massing, combined with its prominent location adjacent to the Cloverdale by-pass on a slight rise, make this a local landmark. (The church is the the directly to the west of the jog in the Pacific Highway that then heads directly to the Pacific Boarder Crossing.) The church is situated within a context of single-family residential housing, an asphalt parking lot and a playground, and there are several significant trees on the site.

*Rear extension of church

"Cloverdale United Church is significant as a demonstration of community spirit in Cloverdale, at a time when this was the administrative and commercial centre of Surrey. The local population was increasing rapidly after the Second World War. As the local United Church congregation grew, a larger church was required, and this building was constructed using volunteer labour. This church continues to have an active congregation, illustrating its ongoing role within the community as an important place of worship and kinship.

Sanctuary

(Modified Google photo)

"Built in 1949-50, Cloverdale United Church is valued as a good and late example of the persistence of the Gothic Revival style, and as a transitional example of the influence of Modern architecture. While the traditional influence is seen in the Gothic pointed-arched windows, steeply pitched gabled roof and bell tower with spire, the influence of modernism may be seen in the plain smooth walls and overall lack of applied ornamentation.

"Key elements that define the heritage character of Cloverdale United Church 

  include its:
- prominent location situated on a slight rise on a corner lot, with significant 

  mature trees
- continuous use as a church since the time of construction
- ecclesiastical form, scale and massing as expressed by its one-storey plus

   basement height and irregular, rectangular plan with transepts, prominent

   bell tower and *rear extension

- steeply pitched front gabled roof with side gabled extensions
- concrete foundation and wood-frame construction with stucco-clad  

   exterior

Front Gothic pointed-arch window

- Gothic Revival style elements such as its steeply pitched roof, Gothic 
   pointed-arch windows, leaded windows, pegged wooden front doors with 
   original hardware and front entrance with pointed-arch opening
- additional exterior elements such as its partially inset bell tower with 
   pyramidal bellcast roof, rectangular nave with transepts and plain wooden 
   window surrounds

East side of church with leaded pointed-arch windows

- fenestration, including: stained glass panels; leaded pointed-arch windows
  containing  operable pivotal insets on the side elevations; pointed-arch 
  stained glass window with floral motif on the front elevation; and leaded, 
  multi-paned double-hung wooden-sash window
- original interior features, including: chamfered-profile nave ceiling with 
   applied acoustical tiles: cantilevered balcony; fir woodwork such as pews,
   wainscoting, and  door and window  trim; halfpace stair in narthex with fir 
   balustrade; hanging glass globe ceiling fixtures; chancel opening with
   impressed design and coved ceiling in chancel; and Gothic
   arched detailing used for the chancel niche, panelling, pulpit, 
   lectern and railing 

  - associated landscape features such as mature trees, (Link 2.)

Both Hazelmere United Church (See May 5, 2013 Blog Post.) and Cloverdale United Church are served by the same pastor.

Photos: Taken in February 2013 by SW.
Link 1: http://www.itsmysite.com/cgi-bin/itsmy/go.exe?page=11&domain=1&webdir=cloverdale
Link 2: http://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=5691

1614 184th Street

Hazelmere United Church,
Surrey, B.C. Canada

The closest British Columbia church to the US border is probably Hazelmere United Church.  It is about 2 miles north of the border and 1 miles east of the Pacific Highway that leads the the Pacific Border Truck Crossing.

"Hazlemere United Church is a simple pioneer church and an adjacent church hall, at the northeast corner of 184th Street and 16th Avenue in Surrey.

"Hazelmere United Church is significant for its association with the development of the Hazelmere area. Opened up for settlement in 1860, by 1879 Hall's Prairie was one of four small communities that had grown in Surrey. Until 1881, when a road was built through the area down to the American border, the only access was by the Nicomekl or Serpentine Rivers or by a rough trail. Henry Thrift settled in the area and called his farm Hazelmere after the hazel bushes that grew there. When the New Westminster Southern Railway was built through the area in 1891, the local stop was called Hazelmere. Over the years the agricultural focus shifted to dairy farming, due partly to the completion of the BC Electric Railway interurban line in 1910 which allowed greater access to markets.

Sign in front of the church

"As the first church built in Hazelmere, Hazelmere United Church is valued as an indication of the importance of religion in the lives of the early settlers. By 1905, Henry Thrift had donated the land for this church on the condition that it be non-denominational. This allowed members of different denominations, such as the Congregationalists, the Methodists and the Presbyterians to share a common space. The small population of the community meant that separate denominations could not afford to build individual churches, thereby necessitating the jointly built church. Following the union of the Congregationalist, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches into the United Church, it became the Hazelmere United Church in 1925.

Heritage Plaque

"An important part of the value of this site is its association with the local community and its efforts to work jointly to construct a place of worship for their community. A century later it continues to serve the spiritual and social needs of this rural community.

"The church is valued as a representation of a modest pioneer church, designed in a simple manner with vestiges of Gothic Revival influence. The adjacent hall, a former Hall's Prairie School built in 1923 and moved to the site in 1949, demonstrates the growth of the local population and the continuing need for public facilities in the area."Key elements that define the heritage character of Hazelmere United Church include its: 

- location of the church at a prominent corner of Hazelmere
- form, scale, and massing of the church and the hall on one property
- Gothic Revival inspired wooden-sash pointed arch windows of the church

North side church window

- front gabled steep pitch roof with gabled vestibule and shed roof vestry at rear
- drop siding
- groupings of mature coniferous trees on the property

Cement pathway to adjacent church hall

- the adjacent church hall, including its exterior elements such as wooden siding and original wooden-sash windows, and surviving interior features such as original woodwork." (Link.)

Photos: Taken in February by SW.
Link: http://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=1915

                                                                                        2/24/13

2260 Philip Avenue

Posthumous (2015)

Capilano United Church
North Vancouver, B.C. Canada

Capilano United Church is nestled near the northern border of Pemberton Heights, the high residential bluff in the south western section of the District of North Vancouver.  North of the church is the Upper Levels Highway, the homes in Capilano Highlands, and then the peaks of Grouse Mountain. 

Sanctuary

"Capilano United Church was established as Capilano Congregation of the Presbyterian Church of Canada, and served by a student from the Presbyterian College in Vancouver, Westminster Hall. Services were held in the community schoolhouse until the construction of the Capilano Union Church in 1925. It was formally instituted as a United Church in 1927 and in 1938 became a part of the North Lonsdale-Capilano Pastoral Charge. In 1957 the charge was divided and Capilano United Church became a charge on its own. A Christian Education Building, to house an active Sunday school program, was added to church in 1961..." (Link 1.)

In the sanctuary, the cross below the round stained glass window and the baptismal font were both made by Joe Lightheart, an early member of the congregation.  He cut the inlay pieces for the cross with an old Singer treadle sewing machine with needle replaced by a saw blade. The communion table was a donation from a different congregant. (REF.)

The round stained glass window is also a cross. It was designed in the 1990's by congregation  member Doug Bentley.  Its symbolism also includes references to the North Shore mountains and trees. (REF.) The colors pink, yellow, blue and green echo those on the top sections of the side windows.  the original round window also included these colors, but was made up of eight pie shaped pieces.

All the triple side windows include the pink, green, yellow, and blue colors along the square panels of the top frame. However, the square panels of the bottom frames are different on the north and south sides of the sanctuary.  The south facing windows are opaque to diffuse the sunlight. (REF.) The north facing windows are clear allowing the congregation to be inspired by the trees and mountain view.

Clear Glass North Windows of Sanctuary

The west wall of the narthex is floor to ceiling colored glass.  It is shown in the interior photo below as well as on the exterior wall in the top photo. 

West Wall of Sanctuary Narthex 

(See left exterior side of church in top photo.)

"According to the little history that was written up about the church, with information taken from the church archives, on March 25, 1925, the congregation voted to build the church building at a cost of $2,000...  The church building was opened and was filled to capacity with over 200 people on October 1, 1925..." (REF.) The actual building of the church was done by members of the congregation.  The land for the church was donated by B.C. Electric. The church site at this time was near the end of the B.C. Electric Tram line.  The narthex addition on the west side of the church seems to have been built in the 1950's.  The church entrance was changed to the south side of the building.  At some point the original church was lifted and a basement added.

Thank you: To office help Dianna Wilson for a tour of the church.
Reference:   E mails from Board Chair Sandi McIntosh Kocaba with references
                 from her mother Gerry McIntosh and her mother's "little church
                 history book".
Photos: Taken in 2013 by SW. Link 1: http://www.capilanounited.ca/
Link 1: http://memorybc.ca/capilano-united-church-north-vancouver-b-c-fonds;rad

Note: Spring 2015 the church was bought by  North Vancouver District and will
            be used as a Community Center.

Prayer

God, be with persecuted Christians throughout the world. Amen (SW.)