In 1937, for ten dollars and other considerations, including the following caveat, a couple sold the land that our church will soon occupy to the couple who, in 1957, would donate the land--including the same deed restrictions--to the Baptist church trustees who eventually
built the church building God is giving to us.
"Subject to taxes for the year 1937. Also subject to the following conditions: That no land shall be sold, leased or mortgaged to, or occupied by, any persons not of the white caucasian race, except that non-causcasians may be employed as servants. That no building shall be closer than 15 feet from the front property line; and that all sewage shall be disposed of in septic tanks."
Such are the things you uncover when you read through the title search report issued to us in anticipation of closing escrow this coming week. The rawness of it breaks my heart. Lumping mundane things like septic tanks and taxes with hideous racism. We will occupy the building, if the Lord wills, on Super Bowl Sunday (go Cardinals!). I intend to pray against that hideous 'condition' above and to take delight and rejoice in the beauty of people like Lea, Roman, and Tamaki and others that God has given to our community as a sweet, sweet gift. It is painful to
realize the racism inherent in the American system I grew up a part of. I will pray against any demonic influence that still attempts to take hold of our hearts and that may well believe that the land we will soon steward is under their influence because of that awful stipulation. By law, of course, the restriction can no longer exist. Thank God for that. Now we should inform the darkness that they have no place on this land or in these buildings that we will dedicate to bringing light to people of every tribe and nation.
Rod |
