|
 The
church's mission in the Big Apple gets bigger and brighter as a new house of
worship rises in Forest Hills, Queens borough. New York, giving birth to the
newest addition to the roster of locales in the Northeastern Seaboard district,
USA.
After
more than a year of construction, the new worship building in Forest Hills
finally saw its completion and dedication to God on June 28,2003, during a
special worship service, which also served as the official establishment
ceremony of the locale of Forest Hills.
Two
ministers from the Central Office in Quezon City, Philippines were sent to
officiate the historic occasion on the Executive Minister's behalf. Brother
Isaias T. Samson Jr., read the written message of Brother Erano G. Manalo to the
brethren, while Brother Villamor S. Quebral delivered the homily during the
worship service.
Also
present in the spirit-filled worship service were ministers and evangelical
workers from various districts headed by Brother Richard J. Rodas, secretary of
Foreign Mission, and Northeastern Seaboard District Minister, Brother Raniel
Serreno.
Brethren
from various locales in the US and in Canada trooped to the beautiful chapel
early in the morning to witness its dedication. The function hall had to be
opened and tents had to be built at both sides of the chapel's compound to
accommodate the throngs of brethren who were eager to take a first look at the
newly built house of worship and be part of such a momentous event.
The
brethren in Forest Hills were more than delighted to have their chapel
architecturally designed in the way that the Iglesia ni Cristo houses of worship
are known for. For some Filipino brethren who attended the worship service, the
worship building's distinctive design reminded them of home, while the homegrown
American brethren could not help but be awed of its beauty. In a video interview
taken during the get-together that followed the dedication service, some of the
brethren gladly shared their thoughts.
"It's
beautiful!" remarked Brother Raymond Frank Jr. "It has a different
look."
"This
dedication day [is truly blessed]," quipped Brother Steve Marchant.
"Today's the best weather that we've had for the past six months."
"We
have envisioned [the construction of] this chapel some time in the past,"
Brother Rogelio Edralin Sr., one of the pioneering brethren in New York,
recalled. "But we never thought we would be seeing [its realization] while
we're still alive."
The
chapel's magnificent features did not escape the attraction and admiration of
nonmembers. During its construction a couple of months ago, motorists and
passersby would stop to take a closer look at what was being built. Even the
neighbors expressed how interested they were about the house of worship.
"They
[the neighbors] wanted us to invite them in the chapel's dedication,"
Brother Al Casanova, Forest Hills' first and current resident minister,
narrated. "We did invite them, and they did attend."
But
more than its grand outward appearance, the newly dedicated house of worship
serves as a newfound center of religious activities for the brethren living in
the area. It is in that sacred edifice where they can now hold their devotional
prayers and worship services, all for the glory of God. This was what the
Executive Minister, Brother Eraño G. Manalo, reminded the brethren during the
dedication service, through his letter read by Brother Samson:
"God
has designated this [house of worship] to be the dwelling place of His honor,
the place where we can call upon Him. He promised us. His people that His eyes
will be open and His ears will be attentive to the prayers to be offered in the
house of worship."
The
establishment of Forest Hills Locale and the completion and inauguration of its
new house of worship prove that the Church in New York has gone a long way since
its modest beginnings in the early 70s. As the city bounces back on its feet
after reeling from the 9/11 tragedy two years ago, brethren in Forest Hills
Locale and in neighboring Long Island City Locale are optimistic that the Church
will continue to succeed in fulfilling its sacred task of providing spiritual
enlightenment and salvation to many more souls throughout the city "that
never sleeps". q
By
Marlex C. Cantor
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IGLESIA NI CRISTO