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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.
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 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 School goers, 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.Russel H.Conwell, author of the book, "Acres of Diamonds" A true story, which
goes to show WHAT GOD, CAN DO WITH 57 cents.
Please send this back. You'll see why. St.
Theresa Prayer (cannot be deleted) REMEMBER to make a wish before
you read the prayer. That's all you have to do. There is nothing
attached. This is a powerful novena. Just send this to four people
and let me know what happens on the fourth day....
Do not break this, please. Prayer is one of the
best free gifts we receive. There is no cost but a lot of reward.
(This is true) (Did you make a wish?) If you don't make a wish, it
won't come true Last chance to Make a Wish 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 your
bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, and dance, It is
there for each and every one of you. |
Here is the true story as told by the pastor
himself from the pulpit in 1912. A first-hand account of it is in a
sermon delivered December 1, 1912 by Russell H. Conwell, pastor of
Grace Baptist Church in Philadelphia. Rev. Conwell said the little
girl's name was Hattie May Wiatt. She lived near a church where the
Sunday School was very crowded and he told her that one day they
would have buildings big enough to allow every one to attend who
wanted to. Later, Hattie May Wiatt became sick and died. Rev.
Conwell was asked to do the funeral and the girl's mother told him
that Hattie May had been saving money to help build a bigger church
and gave him the little purse in which she had saved 57 cents. Rev.
Conwell had the 57 cents turned into 57 pennies, told the
congregation the story of little Hattie May and sold the pennies for
a return of about $250. In addition, 54 of the original 57 pennies
were returned to Rev. Conwell and he later put them up on display.
This was in 1886 when 57 cents was no small savings account
for a little girl from a poor family. Some of the