“Jesus Saves” – one of the iconic signs in Granville and surrounding districts.
Visible for many blocks, even until very recently from the train, the Jesus Saves signs have long identified the Granville Baptist Church. They have been a strong, silent witness to the grace, power and ultimate purpose of God for over 80 years.
In the Church’s Centenary Celebration booklet, previous Secretary H C (Harry) Law writes:
At a special Church Meeting on 25th April, 1936, the church had voted in favour of the purchase of a property immediately next door to the church buildings; a two storied building occupied by the Balmain Co-operative for 800.0.0. A loan from the Australian Mutual Provident Society was contracted for the purchase and repair of the building. The building was purchased and repairs completed and the words ‘JESUS SAVES’ painted on the three parapets of the building in large black letters. On Saturday, 20th March, 1937, the building was officially opened and named ‘The Baptist Jubilee Hall’.
Today they still remind us of the Church’s primary message: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:16-17 NIVUK)