GIPSY PAT SMITH'S MISSION

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 115, 16 May 1924, Page 10

GIPSY PAT SMITH'S MISSION

- - ■ ,- ADDRESS TO CLERGYMEN. "If any proof were needed of the support which the local clergy and ministers are giving to the Gipsy Pat Smith campaign, it was to be found at the meeting held at the Farmers' Trading Company, when 64 ministers representing practically every denomination in the city, met the preacher at lunch, and were "afterwards addressed hy him .in the board room'of the company," writes one of the ministers present. Rev. Percy N. Knight, the campaign chairman, welcomed the ministers in the name of the executive committee, and spoke briefly on the progress of the mission, which thus far has surpassed the mot sanguine expectations. He was sure all present would appreciate the privilege of meeting. Gipsy Pat. who would explain the purpose of the gathering. The missioner expressed his own gratification at meeting so many of the ministers of the city, and assured them that it was ever his intention and aim wherever be went to so co-operate with them tbat when leaving a city every Church would feel the mission had given a distinct impetus to the work. He pointed out that it was his work as an evangelist to abide by the A.B.C. of .the Gospel; it was for the ministers to see to it that enquirers were helped to a deeper understanding of Divine things. It was not his to deal in "profundities," but in "simplicities," and he urged upon the ministers who, during the campaign, might receive enquirers' cards, to turn the shepherd heart toward the converts. One who was present is emphatic that Captain Smith is tbe sanest evangelist who has visited these shores for many years. All were captivated by his manly and brotherly talk. The absence of professional airs and a fancied superiority, together with a transparent■ honesty, disarmed any of whatever adverse criticism they, thought to give of the preacher. A vote of thanks to the missioner, and pledges of co-operation and loj-al support of the mission by the ministers having been cordially given, the meeting was dismissed with prayer by Archdeacon MaeMurray.