Akron Baptist Temple, located in the southern side of Akan, Ohio, was once a majestic establishment representing one of the first mega churches in the United States. Its journey began in 1935, led by Dallas F. Billington, a southern evangelist who had migrated to Akan to work for Goodyear Tire. What started with just 80 members would grow significantly, demonstrating the church’s robust influence in the community.
Early Growth and Expansion
Within a mere six months, the church’s membership soared to over 500. This rapid growth necessitated the construction of its first building in 1937. The church continued to expand, utilizing outdoor spaces to accommodate the growing number of attendees, and by 1948, membership reached an impressive 10,000. To assert its prominence further, a 2,800-seat auditorium was erected.
Notably, the church was a pioneer of various ministries, even before the establishment of its first building. The following milestones highlight its innovative spirit:
- 1938: Pioneered bus ministries, acquiring two school buses to bring children for Sunday school.
- 1969: Achieved the distinction of having the largest Sunday School in the world, with approximately 6,000 students attending weekly.
- Media Ventures: Developed a record label and various radio programs, broadcasting services on W AKR TV weekly.
A Cultural Hub with Declining Membership
As the 1970s arrived, the church reflected its status as a cultural hub. This included an extravagant jungle-themed Sunday School area and community engagement through sports activities. However, after Billington’s death in 1972, a 24-hour vigil was held to honor him, demonstrating the affection the community held for its leader.
Despite its prominence, the church encountered challenges towards the end of the decade. As Akan’s economy faltered, so too did the church’s membership. Some objections were raised regarding its conservative stance on:
- Fundamentalism
- Segregation
- A perceived focus on evangelism over educational initiatives
Transformations and Decline
In 1978, the original temple was replaced by a 4,000-seat building, capable of sheltering a growing congregation. Yet, just two years later, suspected arson resulted in a devastating fire. Although the church was rebuilt, attendance continued to decline. By the 1990s, the church looked and operated differently compared to its zenith—its grandeur diminished, and areas became rundown.
In 2018, Akan Baptist Temple sold its building and transitioned to the Connect Church, situated outside of the city. The original church was acquired by another congregation but soon faced challenges of its own, leading to a listing for sale just a year later.
The Current State and Future Prospects
Today, the once-grand Akan Baptist Temple is in a state of dilapidation, reflecting years of neglect by scrappers and vandals post-sale. In 2023, the city applied for $12 million in grants to demolish large structures, including the former mega church. The story of Akan Baptist Temple symbolizes a broader narrative of decline and transformation in religious institutions, revealing the socio-economic shifts within the community.
Despite its current condition, the legacy of Akan Baptist Temple serves as a poignant reminder of a thriving era, illustrating the complex dynamics of faith, community, and societal changes.
This summary captures the major events, sentiments, and transformations associated with the Akan Baptist Temple, threading together its historical significance and contemporary challenges into a cohesive narrative.
