ABANDONED MEGA CHURCH - Akron Baptist Temple

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#abandoned #akron #historyof #urbex #urbanexploration

[@pamteubner2369]

As a young girl my grandparents went here. I remember when I was 13 or 14 attending a service. I will tell you that at the altar call I felt God pulling on my heart..it felt almost physical. I gave my heart to Jesus later in my bed next to my sisters. I am not baptist, never was. But that is where I first felt God so strongly. ❤

[@VictorianMaid99]

Why did this organization collapse?

[@robsanchez4819]

That was probably the meds kicking in. 😮

[@PianoMan-hx3ev]

💯

[@johnhasty3411]

@@VictorianMaid99it didn’t… he explained that they moved and is now part of connect church. They sold the building to another organization which had overextended itself hence the abandoned building.

[@JC-du6sn]

Look up Within Heaven's Gates by Rebecca Springer. Page 64 😇

[@billdetwiler4476]

Fortunately, a church building is not really the church. The church is all believers who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit after putting their trust in Jesus the Messiah. The local church is a gathering of believers. It may or may not actually be in a building. I lived near Akron but left before the whole city deteriorated due to massive loss of industry. The city to this day has never fully recovered.

[@tebelshaw9486]

These "mega-churches" are a far cry from the house gatherings in the book of Acts!

[@Por_El_Camino_Es_Ex_Test-pd2un]

BUT IF THAT'S SO, WHY WOULD GOD ALLOW THIS CONFUSION?.. NOW YOU GONNA SAY THAT ITS BASED ON THE BODY OF BELIEVERS, BUT HOW COME FOR SO MANY YEARS.. HUNDREDS OF YEARS, NOBODY SAID THAT?.. AND ALL THESE PEOPLE WERE FOOLED ABOUT THE TRUTH... WHY SHOULD THE TRUTH CAUSE SO MUCH CONFUSION?... EXPLAIN I BEG.

[@user-ee9vf5nx4u]

Yes, it is a common misconception of not studying the Bible. Another common mistake is the Ark is located at Mt Ararat when the Bible states mountains of Ararat. The more sinister teaching is Baptism of water saves you as opposed the blood of the Lamb. Lev 17:11, Rom 3:25 through faith Eph 2:8 Rom 6:23. It only the cross and the beautiful Lamb slain for a world of sinners. Isaiah 53:1-... What a Saviour!. The creator left his throne for "us".

[@kelvinola-deji5395]

I understand now… that’s too bad

[@christshiftoutreachcsochan9522]

Absolutely, you're very correct. The Church of Christ is never human physical building, but our bodies as temple of God built without human hands. Soonest, ALL mega churches of Christian Religious men in which they glory in, and cage God's people from seeking and knowing Christ would just be empty as this very one as the Holy Ghost REVIVAL OF CHRIST'S TRUE CHURCH INTENSIFY GLOBALLY.

[@joecampbell2529]

This is a good reminder that the church is not a building, it's the people of God together. Nothing wrong with a great facility where the work of God can happen well, but it's only a temporary house.

[@sA-ny2jl]

Sadly it reflects the state of Christianity today. Going so astray from God's laws Prayer and repentance 🙏

[@winduthree5937]

It's true. But to be honest, right now there's so many apologet Christianity to spread the kindness in other country such as Asia and Africa. But this doesnt mean in America suddently dead to worshipping Jesus Christ. Please be aware of this. Because lucifer doesn't want America to survive from revival. Jesus Bless Us.

[@keithrayeski6417]

@@winduthree5937 outstanding point! I understand taking the gospel to all the world…but why is it the focus of every “missionary” I hear from and of, are trying to save the lost all over the world while so many right here in America need that desperately. Church’s like this one, gone to a “cool place to explore” are becoming common place. Do we really do enough here? Are missionaries called only to outside where they already live? Interesting.

[@ravendixon1099]

I wonder how many ppl here were saved or were simply "churchgoers"? When ppl don't have Christ in their hearts it doesn't matter what the building looks like.

[@therealcaptainredbeard]

Well not in Catholicism as much. Our buildings still inspire awe even when they are empty and abandoned (at least the old ones do)

[@OneCrayGuy89]

Not a Baptist. But it always saddens me to see an empty church building. Thanks for making the video. The chorale singing It Is Well With My Soul at the end was lovely.

[@iworkout6912]

We seem to have so many empty churches now. This is especially true in the northern states, for some reason. In the southern states you see so many small churches. In the big cities it seems like most all churches are 'out of fashion now'. Not many store front churches in the inter cities, I guess the population has turned a way from the church. Now drugs are the new religion.

[@OneCrayGuy89]

@@iworkout6912 Yeah, it's sad to see. Most big cities have beautiful churches that either sit empty, have been repurposed, or are occupied by an increasingly liberal mainline denomination. This is especially true in the Midwest. Way wayyyy up north are some gorgeous little Lutheran churches out in the country founded by Scandinavians. Those are some of my favorites to see, as usually they're still in use, either regularly or at least for special occasions like weddings, funerals, and baptisms. Christian history in America is super interesting to me.

[@ThinkGenius]

Same 😢

[@MiguelGarcia-ev8jm]

People make such a big issue and focus on denominations, versus really focusing on your RELATIONSHIP with JESUS CHRIST. I’m a follower of Jesus, not really concern with man made denomination doctrines!! I was a member of an AG church, where the pastor gave almost more attention to by laws rather than use the Bible as his primary go to relating to church and staff matters

[@dresdondill3908]

Yes. Any abandoned church so sad.

[@Beencouraged777]

Everything here is temporary, (even “church”) so please don’t get caught up. “ The just must live by faith” “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might.” “ The glory of man like the grass withers,” but the word of God remains forever.” Get your eyes planted on God.

[@manasseskamau5327]

Those were my thoughts exactly.

[@orangemanbad]

Uhhh. It’s important to pass on church to our posterity to preserve.

[@tpmash]

No! Not at all! In South Africa old white peoples churches are being bought up by black people! They continue to be used and propagate the gospel. There’s a particular ministry that’s targeting old abandoned churches and preserving not just the buildings but the Gospel. America is trying to destroy everything, not gonna happen. This is a sign of how America has strayed, let’s not try make it seem spiritual or end time worthy! NO!!

[@georgesotiroff5080]

@@orangemanbad Dear Sir: There is right now a worldwide fertility problem. China will undergo a disastrous population collapse in the next 30 years. Russia and Eastern Europe are experiencing a population decline as their birth rates drop below replacement needs and young people move west for better employment opportunities. The USA too is experiencing lower birth rates but at the moment is being saved by the arrival of immigrants. As a baby boomer I watched as our parents furiously built new schools to accommodate all of us children. Today many of those same schools are being closed because there simply are not enough children to fill them. It is the same with many churches in my city, beautiful buildings with wonderful histories and no children to inherit them.

[@adelphosgames2996]

The building is temporal but not the Church, for the church is the mystical body of Christ.

[@jacobcherie]

It reminds me of the abandoned malls across America. Once filled with life, they are now dusty relics. I pray our nation turns back to God.

[@debbiemcclelland3507]

Amen

[@davidcattin7006]

Did it work?

[@brucereynolds7009]

Or back to unfettered and direct interface consumerism.

[@Grock620]

Gobbless borther, God fill our malls agin

[@nothx512]

For those wondering what led to this outcome of this church 1. After the Founding Father passing there was a fire that destroyed one church. 2. Its expensive to rebuild from scratch with their insurance premiums double in size 3. The population shifted due to segregation and shift in economy throughout the 1970s 4. Lack of membership significantly declined during 80s until early 2000s 5. 2018 the building was sold but the new ministry couldn't pay its mortgage and defaulted. Sold it back to the City. 6. The City owns it currently without a groundskeeper to maintain its company. Many breakins ruined this chapel in the condition that its in.

[@Cavs1975]

They are in the process of tearing it down

[@BabyDale-cw8ib]

@@Cavs1975 so sad heartbreaking

[@BKNeifert]

That's exactly how Satan destroys a soul, too. Good fodder for poem.

[@TjaMadison-oh5il]

To have 6,000 members attending down to whatever is no reason why it closed the doors. I doubt 9,000 members just got up and moved away. Where was the faith that church people have

[@rogerioreckel6335]

The question that remain in my mind…what good segregation brought to this country??? If none , who had this “ brilliant “ idea???

[@gailgalford3698]

I was married there 53 years ago by pastor Robert Lee I attended this church with my grandma it was a great place very with loving caring people

[@jean-claudematala]

What really happened for the building to remain empty?

[@user-mu2tr8gm9l]

Can someone tell us what really happened to the church and its church members, asking from Papua New Guinea.

[@MiguelGarcia-ev8jm]

What a massive place! To think, the very first church in Acts, was conducted in a home, the upper room. Churches have become a massive corporation and sometimes they get too large, so sad! I love small churches because you can build great relationships when there’s not so many people. Just my experience

[@gailgalford3698]

@@MiguelGarcia-ev8jm that is true to some degree I attend a larger church now but we have groups which you can join and you do things together then join another when the groups are open for these are small groups of Christian’s meeting together inside a larger church it allows the great relationships also helps when you have other believers who know you and can lovingly hold you accountable or vise versa

[@jean-claudematala]

@MiguelGarcia-ev8jm the church began in a room grew up to have about five thousands people. There's nothing wrong with having a church of thousands, all depends on the organization inside to disciple everyone.

[@EternallyThankful-os6pz]

I have seen many abandoned site videos with a wide variety of personalities dictating the narrative. You handled this one very respectfully and with a sense of compassion for those that will watch with fond memories of this church....especially the folks that considered it their "home". Thanks for the tasteful and mature handling of the material...it speaks well for you guys...and you earned my subscription in just one video.

[@englishincontext4025]

How terrible that no-one thought to preserve the archives of tapes. Very very nicely put together, guys. Thank you.

[@didoburns]

my major concern watching this

[@TheChristianNomad]

I did but was kicked out due to church-politics before Mike and I could digitize more than a few years of masters. As the deacon board used to say "Let the past die slowly and quietly." And honestly, now that it's gone, I agree. I'm glad she's gone, and hopefully soon forgotten.

[@carmenlomente2081]

​@@TheChristianNomadKopp

[@trollking99]

@@TheChristianNomad Interesting. I think most people imagine the recordings to be of the people, or perhaps even loved ones. But if they're simply preachings, then it's unfortunate but not a tragedy in the grand scheme.

[@vincentooko6205]

@@TheChristianNomad you make it sound like Titanic The movie. What can I say, This is pretty Frustrating followed the cam crew felt like I was there. It hit me This could as well be the condition of the temple of God That human body that everybody is talking about here. So sad

[@emorel48]

I heard Dallas Billington preach and he was a dynamic preacher! How sad to see how far America has strayed from the Lord! I grew up in that time of revival in America! To see the post Christian status in America today is heartbreaking! If Our country does not turn back to the Lord we are doomed! The only thing that will last is trust and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His glorious word!

[@joannemichel7264]

Amen

[@johnstudd4245]

The 50's, 60's, and further back of course, when there was respect for religion, godly living. When even many non believers and out right ungodly people still had a certain sense of respect for churches and the bible. When most of stores and businesses were closed on Sundays. You are right, it is heart breaking to see the changes. There maybe pockets of revival in some places before the end, but overall I'm afraid the Country will fall into chaos or what ever terms you might want to use. It will all fit in into the end of the age. We can see it happening before our eyes.

[@jesusnameaboveallnames6048]

Along with all the good and right done I wonder what exactly wasn't right that led to this. It is a micro study that equals what has happened across America. The public has become secular in just a few generations. It seems not that we are a nation under judgement. The time to turn back has passed. However Christians individually and collectively can take a stand right here and now and say as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. That doesn't necessarily mean that America will be the great Christian powerhouse it once was though. It's up to God. But we can certainly pray and beseech and live our individual lives in a way that sets us apart.

[@michman2]

We don't need fiction anymore. We have each other.

[@junglelord1608]

​@@johnstudd4245"Godly living" that promoted segregation, racism and dehumanization of people who didn't look like us? Thank God we have gone way past all that absolute evil.

[@mlneale1959]

This makes me cry. My dad pastored the Ravenna Baptist Temple just a few miles away in Ravenna. I attended many special services with some of the great preachers of the day as guest speakers. My dad would take visiting missionaries and evangelists to meet Dr. Billington and shop the bookstore. I got to tag along and I still remember being absorbed by the overstuffed office chairs. I wish I had been a little older so I could remember the stories he would tell. I did love the bookstore, especially the leather bound Bibles. I had never been in a church that had escalators and elevators. I get that time moves on and the church is the people not a building, but it's still hard to see what has happened to such a lighthouse of the Gospel. I think the greatest heartbreak are the recordings just scattered and abandoned.

[@irenevilla3857]

What happened to the church and people???

[@ThinkGenius]

😢

[@lcoolman100]

@@irenevilla3857 The Congregation moved buildings and rebranded as "Connect Church" They still have services today.

[@mindycollier9087]

​@@irenevilla3857After Billington moved to Florida membership had greatly declined so ABT sold the property to the Word Church!! The Word Church didn't have the funds to maintain the church so they abandoned it and put it up for sale!! Since then vandals, scrappers, drug users, and squatters had severely damaged the entire property to the point of disrepair!! The church is now being demolished as we speak!!

[@EternalImmortal-zx9gi]

​@@lcoolman100 Do you have more information on how to reach the church now?

[@andrewbrendan1579]

Even if someone doesn't share the belief system of the church shown here, it's sad that someone with a sense of history didn't or was unable to collect the many recordings that were strewn all over the place. I'm not familiar with this chuch complex or how it ended, but I'm sure there are many, many recordings there with teachings that would still be helpful to people today.

[@larrydewein]

Correct! I'm sure there are MANY Baptist historians who would love these also!

[@user-jv8ht9wg9r]

propaganda

[@charlesrobert6211]

@@user-jv8ht9wg9r The very heavens declare the glory of God.

[@jeniferalley8866]

False church, there is only one true church

[@sarah2.017]

I'm surprised they weren't donated to the library, or a local museum. OTOH, maybe some copies were.

[@RickyMcGill-qu3gn]

You did a great job with this video. I really like the transitions from old to new. And the ending with the church choir singing. It really gave me a sense of nostelgia. As sad as it is to see such a transistion from new to old. It is just a building. Be not of the world. We are only here for a short time. No matter how much you aquire in your life. At the very end you take nothing with you. Our rewards will come when we enter heaven.

[@calebmusyoki46]

Amen

[@linda5278]

I was saved at the church in 1963 at 10 y/o. Where does the time go?!? Precious memories...

[@davidcattin7006]

Did you ever consider giving it some critical thinking?

[@barbaraferrell5451]

This is so heartbreaking. I was raised at the Akron Baptist Temple. My dad was an usher and sang in the choir, and mom taught Sunday school. I was saved at the altar and baptized in the old church. It was wonderful on one hand to see pictures of all the people I knew then - I recognized the Hess's, Doyle Lott, and Imogene Garner who was my Sunday school teacher. But it's so sad to see what has happened to the building. It would be great if the city could develop the property into low-income apartments or a homeless shelter instead of it sitting empty and vandalized.

[@joannecampbell5895]

Do you remember the name of all BBB the pastor s?

[@joannecampbell5895]

This music gives me the chills. I wish I had that on a playlist.

[@barbaraferrell5451]

There was Dallas Sr., Charles, Dallas Jr. and Ed Holland

[@barbaraedgley2634]

What happened to the big congregation? How did it end up empty???

[@barbaraferrell5451]

@@barbaraedgley2634 As I recall the Billingtons were no longer leading the church, the grandson either left or didn't want the responsibility of running the place. And the congregation was older, a lot of the members died. Slowly the congregation got smaller and smaller until they couldn't afford to run the church.

[@robertwallace2743]

To see the House of God come to such ruin is sad. But thanks be to God for all the souls won to Christ in that once great church. Thank you Jesus.

[@pamelafrazier1056]

It was not of God that's why it didn't stand.

[@Por_El_Camino_Es_Ex_Test-pd2un]

SO IT WAS/IS THE HOUSE OF GOD? WHAT DENOMINATION WAS THIS CHURCH? AND THE DOCTRINE?.. THE WAY THEY BAPTIZED? ETC... PLEASE EXPLAIN SO THAT WE CAN QUALIFY THE CHURCH IN THAT WAY.. IT MAKES NOSENSE WHATSOEVER. ALL THESE PEOPLE CRUNCHED INSIDE THAT PLACE ONLY TO DISCOVER THAT IT FELL APART.

[@davido3026]

The house of God will never be destroyed! Acts 5:38-39! She is 2000 years old! These ' churches are pastor-owned business units! Tithing driven

[@Por_El_Camino_Es_Ex_Test-pd2un]

@@davido3026 FIRST, WHICH CHURCH THEN.. AND PROVE IT... SECOND, WHAT ABOUT THE ZILLION CHURCHES THAT ARE ALL FROM DIFFERENT DENOMINATIONS OR DIVERSE BELIES OR INTERPRETATION OF THE BIBLE?... WHAT ABOUT THEM? I MEAN, ONLY ONE IS SUPPOSED TO BE THE CORRECT, COULDNT GOD WITH HIS POWER ENSURED IN THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF PEOPLE THE CORRECT CHURCH?... IT MAKES NO SENSE MAN... ITS CORRUPT THE WHOLE CHURCH TALK.. ITS FALSE... ITS TOO MUCH CONTRADICTION AND TOO MUCH FIGHTING AND HATE GOING ON AMONG CHRITIANS, AND I ASK HOW IS GOD IN CONTROL OF THAT..

[@user-yh1co3gc4h]

A building built with brick and mortar house of God?

[@marynduta9456]

This has really saddened me. Jesus revive us once more. Kenya 🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪

[@sassysue6472]

Love the history you give-and the choir at the end. Great ending. Those are the songs I remember singing in church. What a huge building. Very expensive to try and maintain now.

[@totallydomestic433]

First the church, then the nation. Has the spirit departed our nation because of sin & depravity & materialism? What a terrifying warning.

[@user-jv8ht9wg9r]

lol simpleton

[@totallydomestic433]

@@user-jv8ht9wg9r We have Potato Head as president running this nation in the ground as fast as he can & you call me a simpleton?🤣

[@CherylAnderson0]

It is definitely a picture/example of the state we are in today. God help us.

[@petervallejo5603]

You can thank the Liberals n Progressive from.the Democrat Party. And yes, I second the comment about "we have Mr. Potatoe Head running the Nation."

[@jamesrawlins735]

I don't think it's quite that simple. I think it's also about the changing demographics of the US in this day and age. People are much more likely to move due to changing jobs as compared to previous generations. When a congregation has such fluctuations in membership, members don't necessarily feel compelled to continue attending these mega churches. Often they will end up going to smaller churches where they truly can feel like they are part of a community. Sometimes megachurches biggest success is tied to a charismatic minister/preacher, and when they leave (or in a few cases are too flawed to continue), you will see a certain percentage of the congregation leave. Donations can also start falling (or the cost of sustaining such a large church becomes much more difficult). It's also generational. Older people tend to have more loyalty, younger people less likely to develop strong ties to a specific church. The obvious closest comparison are the large cathedrals and churches found in Europe and some American cities, mainly Roman Catholic, Episcopalian and Lutheran. They are found in places with large populations and strong traditions of families attending these churches for several generations. There is also a much stronger backing from the denomination itself - a Roman Catholic cathedral has major financial support from the Catholic church itself, whereas the megachurch financial support comes almost entirely from the congregation itself (plus fundraising over tv and radio - and if a scandal hits the minister or leaders, donations will dip and fundraising may never return to desired levels.) Cathedrals and large churches were also built in a different time where they were symbols and intended to last for hundreds of years - I don't know that anyone really thinks of the megachurch building as standing the test of time. (Btw, this isn't making a value statement of which is better - that's up to the individual.)

[@irionsfamily9194]

I'm shocked that the stain glasses window is still standing. You can see graffiti and broken glass in the building but the stain glass hasn't been smashed yet. That's amazing

[@englishincontext4025]

It is. A miracle in itself. 👍

[@petervallejo5603]

Don't give the evil ones any ideas, please!

[@joshuawang5859]

Although I am not an US citizen, I don't want to see US losing the soul. God bless America!

[@zombillyboogie9370]

Thank you Josh we need your prayers. May the Lord draw us to to repentance through the love of the Holy Spirit, amen.

[@rotisaksang]

welp, christian is the majority for now in US and many preachers took advantage on it by milking money from congregation. now muslims slowly grow in US because people look bad at christianity for what they've done till now so no wonder US loosing souls.

[@maxmarrero-sb5ej]

Welcome to atheism. 🤣

[@joshuawang5859]

@@maxmarrero-sb5ej welcome to communist China, hope you enjoy it

[@JayYoung-ro3vu]

We're not losing our soul. We keep getting suckered by these charismatic preachers to believe in GOD through the preacher. Add to that the politicians who claim piety but are just 'despicable', or more so than the rest of us.

[@cootumrebel]

"God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands" (Acts 17:24 KJV).

[@jamesrecknor6752]

Amen amen

[@jaymonster125]

Hebrews 10:23-25 ESV Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. [24] And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, [25] not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

[@jeffreyhall8195]

Kudos for this video. I grew up at this church from 1959 until I left for college in 1977. My grandmother was a Sunday School teacher there for many decades. Many terrific memories there from serving on youth groups to camp counselor at Ohio Baptist Acres. ABT was very important to me and many others. Thanks

[@dougbeer2697]

This is so sad to me. My grandmother taught Sunday School for many years. My parents were married in the old sanctuary. My parents used to attend many Blackwood Brothers concerts there. To see how it has been destroyed by vandals just makes me sick. Even though it is only a building, it is sad to see what has come of it. Thank you for record this though. It is good to see what has become of it.

[@fullarmourC]

This us very painful to watch. My parents attend a church in florida where there are zero youth or young people. The average age is probably 68yrs. They are constantly holding funeralsfor members, not a moth goes by without a funeral. It's so sad to see a dying church...

[@Yeshua964]

UNLESS THE LORD BUILDS THE HOUSE, THEY LABOR IN VAIN

[@joemuchmoore]

This could be the caption. Amazing how the next ministry came in and it out in 1 years time. Sad.

[@malcolmscrivener8750]

Arminians

[@PeterWilliamson-nn9et]

Ask god to pass you a hammer but be patient

[@Pilot.Lindsay]

What a Great Job of Editing. Then and Now with the Music is So Perfect. I have to Watch it Again Because of This. Thanks for Sharing.

[@marcrowd]

THANK YOU THANK YOU for this! I’ve wanted to know more about this building having driven past it several times while passing through Akron. Always left my heart so heavy. Loved this.

[@stansmith4054]

Excellent video as usual. Appreciate the historical research that you all did, too. Showing the old pictures really adds an interesting aspect.

[@pauld.everts1586]

Wow!! What an emotional 15 minutes. With all that is happening against Christians this story is a microcosm of the spiritual war against Christianity! Thank you for the work. God bless our nation. Christ. We need you!!

[@debbiemcclelland3507]

Amen

[@didoburns]

I appreciate the respectful way you handle this. Well done.

[@xnihilo64]

This is reminiscent of Lakeland Florida's Carpenter's Home Church that opened in 1985. It too was a 10,000 seater. I was a student at Southeastern College at the time who was the denomination that supported it (Assemblies of God). After two years there was a church split which definitely hurt attendance. Then the pastor's son went to prison for a ponzi scheme where he embezzled hundred of thousands from members. They tried to maintain by having special speakers/concerts on Sunday nights. Eventually they sold their radio station (WCIE) and even the roofing material(!). The "church" sold out to other pastors who just could not support the massive project. It was later abandoned as well. Eventually the city took over and demolished the sanctuary. Hard to believe all the $ that people donated for the project that fell within a couple decades. All of these mega "churches" will eventually fall.

[@annsam2111]

Wow! I didn't know that Carpenter's went through all that.

[@thatguyisbackagain]

Never underestimate the average person’s fear of the dark. This cycle will continue forever.

[@ythserver]

I remember that church and it was a blessing to me when I visited it. I was blessed and inspired. I am saddened it fell apart.

[@truthhurtsalways4u]

@@annsam2111the crystal cathedral is now catholic cathedral .it was sold!

[@AZVIDE0Z]

Wow! I drive by there some times and hardly can believe that it used to be there. I remember seeing the steeple over the horizon on my way home from work in Plant City.

[@herbrawlings2073]

This is sad, my father Dr John Rawlings, one of his closest friends preached there many times and now they are enjoying heaven. Herb Rawlings

[@squireparsons6795]

Herb, your father, Dr. John Rawlings, was a great encouragement to me. I sung at ABT many times and was also privileged to sing at your father's great church. Blessings. I hope that you are doing well.

[@janetmartin8048]

@@squireparsons6795 Very glad to read your comment Squire!!!been fan of you since Kingsmen quartet and also attended concerts when you went solo!!! Heard both Dallas and son Charles as guest speakers where attended when was young Jim m

[@d.jasonmcneese2730]

I just bought some LPs of your Dad’s great preaching!

[@JesseHughesNC]

Thank you to your family for its contribution to Liberty University, an institution I just graduated from!

[@Butler_Buck]

Good piece. The narrator hit it on the head. Lose jobs, lose population, you have to adapt very quickly.

[@KJBpreacher]

This was one of the great Fundamental Baptist churches of all time. This saddens me greatly to this facility in such shambles

[@californigirl]

Hopefully they spread the Gospel far and wide. God's Word isn't in a building.

[@user-jv8ht9wg9r]

its no where, because there is no proof of a god.

[@lilblackduc7312]

@@user-jv8ht9wg9r Right after you 'kick off' discuss it with the Almighty. He will be waiting for you. (Good luck with that ;-)

[@altonbrek]

I pray that the God whose existence you reject will ​speak directly to your heart and show you His love@@user-jv8ht9wg9r

[@boomer1049]

​@@user-jv8ht9wg9r You are proof there is a God. Something can't be created out of nothing!

[@neil2831]

God's word is everywhere.

[@njaneardude]

Bravo for the unbiased report, history, the transitions and music a great urban explorer video.

[@Petertronic]

Amazing how it is allowed to get to this condition. Loved the then-to-now transitions. The chunky video cassettes near the beginning are Sony U-matic tapes. I used to repair the machines that played them.

[@VictorianMaid99]

I noticed those also Sonys also.

[@IAmNotAFunguy]

I think those are Betacam L tapes.

[@brade7951]

Nicely done. I used to attend there (80s), so this was hard to see. But nice job matching the “before” video pieces with footage you shot of the aftermath of the looting. Well done!

[@detroitblack258]

What happen to the church?

[@larrydewein]

I am SHOCKED to learn of this! I went there in the 1960's and attended the adult Sunday School class. It was cold miserable rainy day. There were around 7000 or more in that Sunday School. The Church membership was around 16,000 at the time. The teacher was DISAPPOINTED and said there should be at least 10,000 which apparently was their average. I sat there STUNNED as I had NEVER seen that many people or heard of that many even in a Church service. I know we do today, but that was ASTONISHING for that time. I was there that day because the Rebels Southern Gospel Quartet were there for the morning and evening services. I'm a big Southern Gospel Quartet fan!

[@jamesrecknor6752]

Times have changed, and today we have much larger churches in South Korea and in India. It appears that China now has the largest number of believers, South Korea may have the largest percentage, and Mizoram India is an almost entirely Christian state.

[@jayt9608]

I think my Dad had some of the Rebels cassette tapes back in the day, and he still might. I am not certain when they left the scene, but I think it was in the late 80s or early 90s.

[@larrydewein]

@@jayt9608 Yes, they were most popular with London Parris as bass. When he left to form London Parris and the Apostles, there were continual changes. A group reformed around 2012 ending around 2015 and the name was retired.

[@peachhead1928]

May the members from the past that worshipped in this temple rest easy..the Songs and the prayers lifted up are not in void..it is well with my soul...God Bless them all from allbthe decades..

[@v.o.n3495]

I HAVE CONTINUAL PAIN IN MY HEART FOR THIS UNFORTUNATE SITUATION, HOW I PRAY THE LORD TO SHOW MERCY AND RECOVER EVERY BACKSLIDERS BACK TO FIRST LOVE, IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST I PRAY......

[@OKOTification]

Very heart breaking to see father's house abandoned. Yet it had played a significant role in the lives of many citizens at the time.

[@sandylynn2965]

I attended an IFB for a time, this video brings back anxiety, but i love your Channel! I cannot believe they just walked away from that beautiful building, and just left everything behind 😮

[@iworkout6912]

Much like today's malls. Everyone shopped and visited malls, now so many are a shell of their glory days and just waiting for the wreaking ball.

[@epicemmalee2000]

I was IBF for all of my teenage years. It was awful and I hope you found healing.

[@sandylynn2965]

​@epicemmalee2000 I still have PTSD from the IFB cult, but I found a really good church now, and I avoid IFB members at all costs

[@mistiinseattle]

Beautifully done. I think this is the church I attended once many years ago when visiting Ohio with a friend. But the church is the people. Sad to see this so neglected but it is just the building.

[@brucebeamon5460]

You are saying just what I was thinking it’s JUST a building…. The CHURCH is the PEOPLE IN FELLOWSHIP !

[@ucol2068]

Then where went the people?

[@mycharmedunicorn8715]

And what does it say about the “people” who were blessed with this building to continue reaching Akron. Maybe this is one if the reasons Akron is such a hole

[@mistiinseattle]

@ucol2068 they just moved. New location to Killian Road and renamed to Connect Church, which remains active. :)

[@mistiinseattle]

@mycharmedunicorn8715 y9u need to google lol. The church moved to Killian Road and is now known as Connect Church. And we still live in this world. Things happen thst we don't always understand but thst does not mean God is not still at work. He very much is. If you study the Bible you will find that it predicts the crazy stuff going on on this world today. :)

[@mindycollier9087]

Although I'm not a fan of mega churches it's very sad how the building had heavily deteriorated in a short amount of time!! Kudos to Akron Baptist Temple for refusing to conform to the ways of the modern world and refusing to preach ear tickling sermons!! Hopefully someone will salvage those videos and tapes before the building gets demolished!!

[@VictorianMaid99]

I so not like mega churches either. The collapse tells why they cannot stay running.

[@iworkout6912]

The world is full of vandals, who will destroy anything that is unattended. Never understood the need to spray paint crap on walls. Probably teens who have nothing else to do.

[@mycharmedunicorn8715]

You can tell by the lack of care the people of the church had in its history to leave all those recordings. Whoever took over was not of God. And they way churches are changing their names to turn their back on God 😢

[@mindycollier9087]

​@@mycharmedunicorn8715agreed!! The Word Church got too prideful and bought ABT in haste without taking the time to calculate the cost of maintaining it beforehand!! They then had the audacity to just up and abandon the church thus leaving it wide open for all of the shenanigans that had been going on!! What hurts the most is having all of that blasphemous graffiti on the buildings and all of those bibles that were left behind!! The city Akron gave the Word Church plenty of opportunities to remove stuff from the church prior to the demolition but they never lifted a finger to do so!! The good news is that the city of Akron is holding the Word Church liable and will be aggressively seeking repayment for the cost of the emergency demolition!! Meanwhile the pastor of that church is still puffed up with pride and is confident that he will be able to sell the property once the demolition is completed!!

[@mindycollier9087]

​@@mycharmedunicorn8715hopefully the bibles, hymnals, tapes, and videos were removed before the demolition began!!

[@bobr7867]

The buildings are gone now as of the end of April, 2024. There’s nothing there now but dirt where the buildings were and the remnants of the parking lots and ball fields.

[@Baruk-gq6oi]

Sad

[@moparedtn]

Once again, bravo on your research and delivery of some of the history of this, a most impressive facility. I always appreciate your attending to the viewers' curiosity and presenting what you've discovered with us. This one in particular is excellent, in no small part due to the coordinated "then and now" sequences. Very well done, sir. Looking forward to the next one. - Ed on the Ridge

[@JohnPotts-kq7kk]

Many years ago, I heard an old country pastor in a small church say that the larger a church (mega) becomes, the further they stray from God's word, the pastor/leader becoming a false prophet appearing in sheep's clothing but inwardly is a ferocious wolf (Matthew 7:15), twisting the scriptures for their own agenda of money, wealth & prosperity and the church no longer caring for or about each others needs. When the foundation isn't rock, but the foundation is sand, the fall will be great (Matthew 7:24-29)

[@elysian95]

I heard a good baptist pastor say once that those mega churches are full of goats.

[@rockhopper01]

@@elysian95truth. Church leadership cannot truly handle a congregation this size. Too big to pastor to, too big to attend every sick bed, too big to administer church discipline.

[@georgegallant4812]

In a MEGA Church, there is no talking to the Pastor because he is always too busy.

[@carlc5748]

Yep, great point, I've noticed your same observation! Pressure to perform and do what the leaders/denomination prescribe for "successful growth", to conform to the current megachurch trend. These trends usually run for about 20 years, then the megachurch pastors/leaders copy the next trend. I refer to it as "christian guruism". I will stick to the home church cell structure, where you can get to know, and disciple people, imo, more long-term life changing. Can God use the mega churches, yes, he can, and does, I just prefer to steer clear of them!!

[@fernschannel]

This is probably one of the saddest videos Ive watched on KZbin. Think of all the families that have attended here? baptisms, marriages, special events, food drives, etc. There is a beginning and an end to everything. God help us all. This is exactly what Satan wants with all houses of worship

[@totallydomestic433]

So true!

[@brotheramartey777]

It's not Satan. Sometimes God Himself would pull down structures.

[@fernschannel]

That’s also true

[@fernschannel]

@@brotheramartey777 I also agree with that

[@Baruk-gq6oi]

I am a pastor and I believe the LORD is raising me as a rivivalist as I've seen and witnessed many stony hearted come to the LORD, get trained and today are serving in most Churches. Many have witnessed the LORD use me to raise the dead, give the barren children, make the sick healed and above all, people who were formerly against Christianity and Church, are now in churches as born again believers and serving the Master's Will.. etc. Many times in prayer I see visions of the American flag roll down from the skies to me, preachers have prophesied many times to me that God is going to use me one day to cause a Revival in America. Can some believers come together to help make this come to pass.... I need people to connect me with other preachers/believers in the States.. Note for financial support but to see how the LORD would use us to contribute to the rising of vibrant believers in the State again.. Anything is possible with God. It breaks my heart seeing such documentaries on abandoned church buildings in the United States of America. I have read, studied and learnt a lot from great Revivalists God raised in America decades ago. Dear believer, it is up to us to allow God to work with us in our time. Anyone who has interest in this vision should kindly contact me here([e-mail])

[@pacificoceantsunami8497]

I recall attending here in 1994. it was huge, they had parking lot attendants and lots of people...

[@JohnnyTyrone77]

Thank you for sharing this treasure with us… You did an awesome job.

[@kenh8925]

Thank You for the before and after photos. It brought the church back to life for a few minutes.

[@druid1952]

After watching this video I see where Dr. Jack Hyles got most of his ministerial ideas. I attended First Baptist Church of Hammond Ind for 10 years. The two churches look like mother and daughter to me. Dr. Billington was well-known at our church and at Hyles-Anderson College. It is saddening to see this ruble now but only because of the people who loved this church.

[@miked1254]

This is incredibly sad. It looks to have been a very vibrant church community at one point.

[@totallydomestic433]

One of the saddest things imaginable. To see the spirit depart a church. Especially one that was vibrant & over flowing. What happened? I am talking about spiritually. “If i be lifted up i will draw all men unto me.”😢

[@elwoodblues9613]

I suspect that most people in this club equated going to church with being saved, and were proud of belonging to the biggest church in town. The Lord had to do a little shaking. If the church gets so many people that they're going to see a show instead of loving one another as Christ loves them, then it's better for the Kingdom to see which part of Akron has the largest number of people coming, and plant a church there. Now you have two churches that can reach Akron. And if that fails because the new church doesn't have Brother Billington, then that demonstrates that it's practically Billington's church and not Jesus' church.

[@johnstudd4245]

Always remember, the building is not the "Church". It is just a building. I admit though that it is depressing to see. The people are the Church. With anointed leaders dying or leaving, changes in local demographics and economic conditions, this can happen. Just think and remember all the teaching and salvations that had to have happened there where the Gospel was reaching tens of thousands of people. There is a season for everything under the sun.

[@Baruk-gq6oi]

I am a pastor and I believe the LORD is raising me as a rivivalist as I've seen and witnessed many stony hearted come to the LORD, get trained and today are serving in most Churches. Many have witnessed the LORD use me to raise the dead, give the barren children, make the sick healed and above all, people who were formerly against Christianity and Church, are now in churches as born again believers and serving the Master's Will.. etc. Many times in prayer I see visions of the American flag roll down from the skies to me, preachers have prophesied many times to me that God is going to use me one day to cause a Revival in America. Can some believers come together to help make this come to pass.... I need people to connect me with other preachers/believers in the States.. Note for financial support but to see how the LORD would use us to contribute to the rising of vibrant believers in the State again.. Anything is possible with God. It breaks my heart seeing such documentaries on abandoned church buildings in the United States of America. I have read, studied and learnt a lot from great Revivalists God raised in America decades ago. Dear believer, it is up to us to allow God to work with us in our time. Anyone who has interest in this vision should kindly contact me here([e-mail])

[@erikarussmischa]

That is so so very sad! Why would they leave it that condition and not clean it out. Could they not sell the facility or donate it to make it a homeless shelter. What a shame... grieves the heart of the Father.

[@HennesysHernandez]

Great example of what it will look like, when the King of kings return for His bride. Temples will be left, empty.

[@dovetales3]

God never wanted a building. Just people with a true desire to know of Him more. ❤

[@bobwhitebread1887]

I think this should be a warning for churches looking for Pastors. If you get the wrong type of Pastor your church will fall.

[@eyesthatsmile-heartthatlov8050]

It's only a building. The church is the people that worship in the physical bldg; and this church sold the bldg and moved to a different bldg at a new location.

[@nancystreet6566]

The pastor is not why it failed. Economy - loss of jobs then people. Moved to suburb to smaller church.

[@user-yx6sj3ux7x]

You guys did an incredable job on this video. The plending of your exploring, to the other the other man narrating the facts and the past and present was very moving. Thank you and look forward to move. Mike

[@benjaminwallace4626]

Loved your shots panning between then and now. And the music that went with it. What a great video! 😊 Praise be to God.

[@fabianneagle9087]

This is a beautiful video and I appreciate your effort to show me how Great that church was. I would like all their tapes. I am not a Baptist but I love the word of the lord. The doctrine seems to be sound if it's a fundamental beliefs they were preaching. You know the classic hell or heaven. I am impressed I never say a Baptist church sing and preach so well. God bless you and I hope they don't throw away those tapes.

[@jonathantaylor9988]

It is a sad video. I am reminded, as others have already stated, that buildings are just buildings. They will come and go. I sometimes focus too much on the temporary and loose sight of the commission of Christ. His commission was not to focus on structures, but to evangelize and make disciples. The video was very well done. Thank you for sharing this.

[@MarkAlexanderBuchanan]

This was a really well put-together video and you handled the subject matter very sensitively - thank you.

[@BIGGER_RED]

Exploring a church and being respectful towards, much respect. For this I subbed

[@voiceofjeff]

The video cassettes were U-matic format and had 3/4-inch videotape. They were used by TV stations but we're not the best quality you could get. The large reel at 7:25 is indeed videotape. Two-inch tape was the standard back in the 1970s. The women's and men's baptistry areas were dressing areas. Then they would go down into the baptismal pool to be baptized (dunked under the water). That was a beautiful church. I'm sad to see it abandoned and so run down like that! Thanks for sharing!

[@pomegranate6221]

So why wasn't it turned into some kind of housing for the homeless???? Ridiculous!

[@albundy3696]

Those people there for Their own benefit not to support other People , they all die from old age and no one there to continue their food prints .

[@pomegranate6221]

@MistyDayz- Ahh, ok, thanks for the info.. But, people could have volunteered, state could've help, other churches could've helped... The old saying. If there is a will, there's a way ✌️

[@wakkogn9351]

The maintenance costs would be prohibitive. Now that the building is demolished, it remains to be seen what happens to the land. @@pomegranate6221

[@natestewiu]

​@MistyDayz- Hold on. The pastor who refused to demolish the building was not the pastor of Akron Baptist. They sold the building to another church, who then let it fall into disrepair.

[@Vfieldsone]

The homeless don’t have money or enough to renovate or upkeep such a facility

[@dfromcool]

What a very beautiful, interesting and sad production you have done. Thank you so much! Subscribed.

[@EastTexasProductions]

Very well done. I have been involved in UE for a long time, and this is one of the better videos I've seen. I really liked the history, and showing the "then and now" just really brought this to life. Well done!

[@ehbiscuit]

8:35 Women's and Men's Baptistry labels would be so that the women could change and enter and exit in modesty and privacy as well as the guys. The baptistry was the whole space that you walked down into, basically a large tub.

[@timandshelleybauer4082]

I think we're going to see this more and more. The church is not merely a building, it's His people. You can't destroy that! It's a shame that all of that money, didn't go to missions in and throughout the world.

[@tarawhite4419]

I love watching videos of old abandoned places

[@vickyschieman2694]

Thanks for doing this video! It's sad to see the state of disrepair the church is in but I was impressed that the stained glass windows were intact. I also loved the ABC's rendition of "It Is Well" at the end; pretty sure there's still a few Akron Baptist Temple records in Dad's attic somewhere. They didn't attend but he and Mom enjoyed their music.

[@karenroot450]

Wow this is the biggest church I’ve ever seen. Good job! Thanks

[@samoluwafunbi8061]

Have you seen Living Faith Church Ota Canaanland or Dunamis Glory Dome or Salvation Ministries Cathedral all in Nigeria.... 100000

[@karenroot450]

@@samoluwafunbi8061 hello no I’ve not seen them but tomorrow I’ll look them up. Thank you for the information I appreciate that and you. Have a great day! Oh by the number100000 do you mean in attendance?

[@samoluwafunbi8061]

@@karenroot450 Hello karen, by attendance and number, some do more than a service and have many other branches, I pray God sustain His church,

[@debrahjohnson1279]

You have to wonder why all their recorded sermons were left behind. This another sad situation for mega churches.

[@jimmymccoy967]

Very cool video love how you incorporated the current state and how it was as you was panning the camera very cool. It costs a fortune to operate a large building like that.

[@crazycooper1024]

Yeah…I wondered why everything was torn up like that. Thought from overtime deterioration and possible thunderstorm damage, tornadoes, high wind gusts, etc. In which that may have been apart of it too. Break-ins where people would just come in and destroy the inside for no reason other than just to destroy it and be ugly to the building, disregarding any respect for it and stealing things too, especially without some sort of security for the building like a groundskeeper or something like that. Very very saddening to see this though still, with all of the hard work, labor, and love that was obviously originally put into this. I always knew and heard of Akron being one of this bigger church cities and known for having legendary gospel singers from there.

[@andrewhay7371]

Appreciate the video it makes me sad to see it go but I had the good memories of it when it was here went in 2013

[@bebeautiful6613]

I find it completely gross that “godly” people would let Gods land be in shambles and ruins. One would think Gods people would be better stewards of the land they were given. 7:04 the preaching had all this world had to offer. Gluttony at it’s finest 😢 You did a great job making this video! I found I felt a lot of anger while watching it. We are called to stewards of what is given to us. At the end you played “It is well with my soul” One of my favorite hymns. My soul was not well after watching this. 😢 Again, this is a good, short documentary of this building. Just makes me sad what humans do to God’s land 😢

[@williamdixon1992]

Our choir at First United Methodist Church sang this song 2 Sundays ago. It was nice to hear it again. I sang along with it!

[@randywebb7023]

Wow, i wold have never thought that the Temple would have ever ended up like this. God raise this place back up to the Glory it once stood for. Has our society turned its back against the God of heaven. I sang in this church as a part of the "Creations" as a young group of singers in the 70's. I remember it well.

[@leechjim8023]

This is symbolic of this entire nation!!!👎☹️

[@mariannatexas]

I pray they save the glass before they tore it down. SO sad that vandals didn't leave it untouched. So much history in that building to save for future generations.

[@iworkout6912]

I think of all the spray paint cans that are used to make what some consider 'Art'. Do kids and young adults always carry spray paint cans around with them all day. I saw this in Europe also, any blank wall or even historical monuments are sprayed with useless scribbles.

[@mycharmedunicorn8715]

@@iworkout6912 that is demonic activity. A way to ruin God’s world

[@k.b.142]

You and your team did a really great job with this educational post.

[@slug..]

This is my home town I'm a big fan of your channel I now live in chicago it's sad to see my once bustling city reduced to just a broken shell keep up the great work I really enjoy the serial killer videos you do!

[@doug3819]

I remember as a child born the 1950s we were always told Akron ohio the rubber capital of the world ! Home of the goodyear blimp. Only yrs later I was a commercial driver and was at one of the tire plants in Akron and a shipping clerk there told me this is the last plant in Akron were shutting down. Akron reminds me of Youngstown, Dayton, Mansfield, once great medium sized cities. No more.

[@AmericanExplorer]

What a magnificent building! Those stained glass windows are beautiful! It's surprising they haven't been vandalized. It's sad to see the building left to decay and all of the things left behind. Those recordings are irreplaceable. The reel at 7:29 is a video reel. These were used in television to play prerecorded programs. Do you know if the organ at 7:22 is a pipe organ? I didn't see any organ pipes, but that organ sure looks like it could be a pipe organ. This was a very well done video! I like the before and after, and the video from when the Baptist Temple was there. I'm glad you were able to film it before it's gone forever. I really enjoyed watching! Thank you for sharing!

[@buttbirder253]

The windows were vandalized/broken. Also, the Connect Church managed to save a few panels and removed them. The filming must have been done a while ago.

[@arspredicandi]

It is a 3-manual Allen (electronic) organ; one of the "second generation Allen computer organs. These were really nice organs and offered probably the best organ sound you could get at the time without going to the huge expense of a real pipe organ. The huge organ speakers could be seen back in that room just off the choir loft when the tour headed up to the baptistry. He remarked on the videos that they appeared to be associated with the sound system, but Allen always prefers to put their speakers where the sound will reflect off hard surfaces to give it a more real, pipe-like sound. Here is a demo that Allen put out using an organ similar to the one seen here at ABT: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2aWk2aQmbR8p7M Enjoy!

[@AmericanExplorer]

@@arspredicandi Thank you for answering my question and the detailed explanation. The demo sounded awesome! It's really sad this one got left behind.

[@carolynl4553]

I had no idea this was up in Akron. Such a shame it fell into disuse. Thanks for sharing.

[@JohnLake-nf2ii]

@5:30, those mostly buried tanks (and the associated pipes) look like it was for an ice-storage array used in running the air conditioning system. Charge the tanks (make ice) at night when the electricity was cheaper, then run the chilled water during the day. @7:30 - yes that is videotape! Back in the 70's I used to work with that media. Those are the forerunners to Beta (which you picked up earlier) and VHS.

[@louissherwood7485]

There must be an archive repository somewhere in the area that would be interested in the tapes and other items you saw in there. Many of them nay not be in great shape, but may be salvageable. I hope they will see this and act accordingly, as I think there may be stuff there wirth saving.

[@typeorulz]

I'm just surprised that it's not occupied by squatters. Which is happening everywhere.

[@ohhello3234]

Great video, really liked how you blended in the audio.

[@zarron221]

Thank you for the videos nakama friend Shalum!

[@arogers-zh3nl]

I wish every pastor could see this video, because fancy buildings today could be shacks tomorrow...members tire of building projects

[@adornadodelavega9838]

It so sad to see building being abandoned while we are here in the philippines dreaming to have someday a lot and building for our worship. I am a baptist Pastor by the grace God I never ceases to pray that someday God will provide a buikding for his own people

[@Baruk-gq6oi]

We call it done. God is faithful. The Church shall march on

[@Baruk-gq6oi]

Sending prayers

[@jade-oh5wn]

Wow, amazing how that church grew. Change does not stop.

[@SpitzPrincipal4]

Quite impressive, actually- just a 3-manual early Allen Digital organ for that size an auditorium! Pity this whole building fell into disrepair and neglect. What a beauty!!!!

[@donnyhendricks6772]

Wow!! If that happened in my native South Africa, one of two things. That building would be stripped down to its foundations. Every brick, the ceiling and everything else sold off. Or, it would be occupied by drug addicts and derelicts, who would strip it down to the bone, while occupying it.

[@talonbreck]

regarding the two baptistries, back in the day the conservative churches didn’t allow, “mixed bathing.” There are still some summer camps in the south that have two identical pools right next to each other one for the girls and one for the boys.

[@dr.thuomburu4943]

This is a very sad story indeed. Could someone please help to put me in touch with the current custodians of this kingdom property.