The Church’s Heating Plant

            A few years ago, OUR DAILY BREAD told the famous story, perhaps apocryphal, of five young college students who were spending a Sunday in London:

            It was the mid-1800s, so they went to hear the famed C.H. Spurgeon preach.

            While waiting for the doors to open, the students were greeted by a man who asked, "Gentlemen, let me show you around. Would you like to see the heating plant of this church?"

            They were not particularly interested, for it was a hot day in July. But they didn't want to offend the stranger, so they consented. The young men were taken down a stairway, a door was quietly opened, and their guide whispered, "This is our heating plant."

            Surprised, the students saw 700 people bowed in prayer, seeking a blessing on the service that was soon to begin in the auditorium above. Softly closing the door, the gentleman then introduced himself. It was none other than Charles Spurgeon.