About Brooklyn Bible Chapel
Beliefs and History
The Gospel
We stand for and proclaim constantly, the old-fashioned, soul-saving Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, absolutely untainted by any modernistic teachings, and errors. This gospel we believe to be alone, “the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth” (Rom. 1:16); and is defined in I Cor. 15:3-4 as: “Christ died for our sins, according to the scriptures, He was buried, and He rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”
The true heart reception of this message of salvation, and through it of Christ, as Savior and Lord, will alone deliver from sin and hell, and bring the believing sinner into possession of eternal life, the forgiveness of sins and peace with God. (Rom. 10:9; John 3:16; Acts 13:38-39).
Doctrine
THE ORDINANCES WE OBSERVE
We believe Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church, left two ordinances for His people during this age. These are to be faithfully practiced during His absence: BAPTISM by immersion for true believers upon their confession of faith in Him (Mat. 28:19; Acts 8:36-39, 18:8; Rom. 6:1-5). THE BREAKING OF BREAD each first day of the week in remembrance of the Lord (Mat. 26:28; Acts 2:42; Acts 20:7; I Cor. 11:23-26). To the Lord’s Supper we welcome all (and only those) who are truly born again, clean in life and sound in doctrine.
THE COMMISSION WE OBEY
We believe the Great Commission of Mat 28:18-20 to be binding upon every Christian and to be carried out by all in dependence upon God- This includes the carrying of the Gospel message to young and old, at home and abroad, by every possible means. Especially do we realize the need of implanting in the minds and heads of the young the Word of Life; therefore we welcome all children and their parents to our Sunday School where nothing but the Truth is taught by born-again, consistent-living teachers.
BIBLE STUDY AND PRAYER
The study of the Word of God finds a definite place not only in the Bible Class but also at the weeknight service. and in special Bible Classes during the year. Prayer is realized as the necessary ingredient of every meeting; special time being set apart for it.
CHURCH ORDER
We believe in the priesthood of all believers whereby all are free, as led by the Spirit. to engage in worship to the Father (I Peter 2:5; Heb. 10:19-22).
We do not believe in Christian women exercising authority or leadership in the local church, in administration, preaching, praying or teaching in mixed audience. However, we fully believe that qualified Christian women have a wonderful sphere of usefulness among their own sex and with children (I Cor. 14:34-35; I Tim. 2:11-12).
We believe leadership is to be exercised by Elders, spiritual men, well known and approved by the Assembly. We also recognize the service of Deacons in the operation and conduct of Church business. (I Tim. 5:17; Tit. 1:5-9; I Tim 3:8-13),
We believe in the regular systematic setting aside of the Lord’s portion, and the liberal supporting of the Lord’s servants and service through the freewill offerings of God’s people. both collectively and individually. (I Cor. 9:14; 16:1-2; II Cor. 9:1-15).
ARE YOU UNSAVED?
Then you need a Savior! We are deeply concerned as to your eternal welfare, and invite you most heartily to attend our Gospel service at your very earliest opportunity. You will there hear words whereby you can be saved. Contact us if you desire to know Christ and His Gospel. (Rom. 3:23; 6:23; 10:9,10; 10:13).
History
The Brooklyn Bible Chapel finds its roots in Masonville, a little home like village of yesteryear. Masonville was a railroad town in the 1890’s that today is only a memory. At the turn of the century the village reached a population of a few hundred people.
A little church school was started in the community by the Leishear family. In 1918, Dr. Davis became an ardent leader of the early group. In 1922 a Sunday School Class was started which later rented then purchased a home in Masonville for their meetings. Mr. Sneppe went through the neighborhood to tell children it was treat day. It wasn’t long before friends and relatives from Curtis Bay and Brooklyn came to join the villagers in social gatherings and meetings. In 1927 Stan and Margarite Loizeaux joined the work followed in a few short years by other active families like the Grays, Tates, Voshells, and Warfields. This influx of families led to the purchase of an additional home next to the meeting house in 1933 to accommodate the growing group.
The congregation was mainly comprised up of the following families: Acree, Akehurst, Arnold, Carneal, Chaney, Cookus, Copper, Drinks, Edds, Ellsworth, Faber, Foster, Frances, Gleason, Gray, Harman, Holy, Jackson, Jeeter, Jenkins, Jensen, Jordon, Lancaster, Lemon, LeMaster, McNamara, Stewart, Tate, Voshell, Warfield.
In 1943 the name was changed to Masonville Gospel Hall. Attendance was over 360 and had no less than five meetings in three separate locations.
In the early 1950’s the Curtis Bay Terminal expanded and little by little the once peaceful hamlet of Masonville was taken over by the railroad industry. In a relatively short time, all the inhabitants were gone. The Masonville group purchased a location at Jack and Sixth Streets, in Brooklyn, Maryland, where they continued to worship, taking the name of Brooklyn Gospel Chapel. At first it was only a small building, but in 1960 an upstairs area was added and a sanctuary built.
In 1973 the name Brooklyn Gospel Chapel was changed to Brooklyn Bible Chapel. The work continued to grow and 1998 saw yet another expansion of the present facilities. A side extension and additional parking area were added to provide more Sunday School class rooms and offices.
We continue to thank the Lord for His grace and blessing in the work.