Dr. Torr's Mission.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXII, Issue 6698, 16 October 1905, Page 2

Dr. Torr's Mission.

Dr Torr, who by the way, does > not, as some people think, belong to the " cloth,'* commenced an evangelistic mission at the Baring Square Church, oa Saturday night, when he addressed a meeting of workers. There were about thirty persons present, pome of whom belonged to other denominations, The doctor is quite unconventional in his style and methods, and from the quaint homely way of expressing himself, as he did on Saturday evening, it is easy to understand how many people of the Commonwealth speak of him as " Old Oxford," apparently a tribute to the affection with which the missioner is held by those who know him best, and a reference to the university where he took his degrees. In a straightforward candid talk with the workers, Dr Torr made it very clear that his mission to the churches i 3 more to encourage and stimulate Christinas ?o activity than any personal effort oi J^is own to deal with the unsaved.

Dr Torr conducted tk,va& services at the Baring Square'Qhuifch yesterday, the afternoon meeting being especially for young , folk. The. church was crowded at night i w,ith an attentive audience, whioh appeared to be intensely infeerestecJ, and at the after meeting several, made their way to the enquiry room. The morning subject was "Soul winning." In the afternoon the doctor spoke on " The power of choice," and at night concerning " The development of soul life." E*ch of his discourses showed a remarkable knowledge of men and things, and it was only at intervals that what "is termed the " scholarly " was in evidence,. Dr Torr's eagernesss to kelp poor, hwiaaity to a higher level, impelling jfc,im, to deal with profound subjects. i,a the simplest language, which bristle's with pathos and humour Probably his euocees as a religious teach,er ia largely due to the manner in \7hioh he draws on a rich store of personal experience and reminiscence, and his old time connection with college and university, with their sports and customs, makes the doctor's addresses particularly afct.'ra.ofeka to young men. j

The mission will ..fee, eostinued this evening. c