Code,915031
Subject,Betty Meyers
Date,7/30/12
Interviewer,Gabriele Haligan-Taylor
Abstract,"Betty Meyers is a member of the Baptist Church in Shaker Heights. In this interview she relates the history of the church, the interactions that the leaders had with the Van Sweringen brothers along with detailing some of the architectural aspects of the edifice. "
Tags,
Special Notes,
Minutes,26 minutes
0,Introduction. Baptist church was built in 1833 with 17 members. First attended what was known as the academy downtown. First church was built behind what is now Terminal Tower.
1,Two of the members were black and the members were not wealthy at all. Looked east from downtown. Built a church at East 9th and Euclid in 1855. 
2,Built yet another church where Prospect and Carnegie intersect. Church continued to grow and began sending out missions. Started Shiloh Baptist. In 1924-25 began looking for land in Shaker.
3,Was always Baptist. The first to be baptistized were done so in Lake Erie in January. Had to break the ice to do so.
4,Churches like this have a worship time and a Sunday school. Describes service.
5,Describes early development and growth of the church. Property in the east belonged to the Van Sweringens.
6,"Church in Shaker was started in 1929. Church had $75,000 they were willing to spend on property."
7,Van Sweringens gave them the whole lot for that amount. Vans also wanted a say in the type of architechure and was so pleased that they did not make church pay last payment on land note.
8,Continued discussion on influence of Vans. 
9,Discusses the architectural features of the church.
10,""" "" Relates the influence of Ambrose Swasey. "
11,"Swasey pledged the $50,000 required to erect the tower. Meyers describes some of the symbolism of the church's features. "
12,"Not sure the Vans had too much say in the design, only final say on the approval. Opened morning service with the orchestra."
13,Describes how a typical service was held. Relates how the church congregation continued to grow. 
14,Church has always been involved in the community as well as nationally and internationally. 
15,Describes relationship with Nicaraugra and how it began. Polio efforts relief in that country.
16,""" ""  "
17,""" """
18,Relates more local outreach efforts of the church.
19,""" "" Describes the various ways in which the church building is used, concerts."
20,"Describes some of the various types of worship conducted in the church, both formal and informal among others."
21,"After school program held by the church is described by church. ""A fortress in the community."""
22,"""The building itself speaks volumes."" Walker and Weeks were the architects."
23,James Philips did the woodcarving. Relates some of his other works. Stained glass done by top people who were Clevelanders.
24,Other windows done by nationally renowned stained glass artists. 
25,"""Didn't settle for anything but the best."""
26,End.