The emphasis in the 1940's seems to continue that of the past few years. (1940 starts off with two special meetings, one in April the other in May.

April 4,1940

Gospel Chapel Holds Series of Meetings

"A series of meetings of special interest will begin at Lombard Gospel Chapel, next Sunday evening, April 7. The speaker during this series will be Leonard E. Brough of Yakima, Wash., former pastor of the Baptist Church of that city.

Subjects announced for his four addresses are as follows:

Sunday evening- "The First Bible Passover"

Tuesday evening- "From His Cross to His Coming"

Thursday evening- "Altars of a Pilgrim"

Friday evening- "The Church- The Body of Christ"

"On Wednesday evening, April 10, Adam Ferguson, a missionary from South Africa, now home on furlough, will speak at Lombard Gospel chapel at 8 p.m. Mr. Ferguson and his family will sail for South Africa on May 4 and this will be his final appearance in these parts. Following his address there will be a social half hour."

May 2,1940

"....an invitation to attend a series of special meetings by

George Eraser of Hamilton, Ontario, formerly a missionary in

Venezuela."

"Mr. Fraser is a gifted speaker and the group promises some very interesting meetings."

"Meetings will start Sunday evening, May5, and continue through Friday, May 17, except Saturday. Sunday services are at 7:30 p.m., all other evenings at 8:00 p.m. Meetings are free, no offering will be received."

"Other services of the church are also open to the public and the church is issuing a special invitation to newcomers in Lombard."

After these two special meetings, very little information is available in regards to the affairs of the Chapel. The Young people's group stopped meeting with the Bible Church. The Mother's Meeting on Tuesdays has been dropped from the schedule. Articles in the newspaper are non-existing until fall 1943. Much of this is probably due to the effects of the Second World War.

Pacific Garden Mission, in Chicago, was very busy during this period of time. Many servicemen passed thru the Service Men's Center at 646 South State Street. Lombard Chapel had an ongoing part in this ministry. The following helps explain their part:

Lombard Spectator-December 16, 1943

"Women of the Gospel chapels in the Chicago area are supplying food for the 400-500 men who pass through the Service Men's Center in Chicago. Lombard ladies take charge of the Center on the first and third Friday of each month and also plan to be there on New Year's Day."

Remember growing up and being part of your church Christmas Programs? Lombard Chapel was and is no exception to that tradition. Stated in 1928, this event still carries on today! This one before us, December 28,1943, had a special bonus. See photos below.

"A special Sunday school Christmas program is being prepared by the youngsters to be presented Tuesday evening, December 28 at eight o'clock. The Bible will furnish the theme for the program. At that time the children will also receive their awards for perfect attendance."