GIPSY SMITH.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 205, 30 August 1926, Page 10

GIPSY SMITH.

OPENING OF THE MISSION. TOWN HALL CROWDED. THOUSANDS TURNED AWAY.

The opening of the mission of Gipsy Smith in this city was most successful ypsterday, as long before the hour fixed for starting the services in the afternoon and also at night, notices were placed outside the Town Hall stating that the place was full. It is estimated that thoso seeking admission outnumbered the audience inside. The address in the evening was broadcasted. A choir of COO voices occupied the platform behind the speaker, Mr. E. Young officiating at the grand piano. The musical portion of the service was most enjoyable, as the cvaf\gelical hymns were sung with great enthusiasm.

In the course of his address, Gipsy Smith streesed the point that religion must be a matter of conviction and personal testimony, lie emphasised the great need for prayer. "The Church," he said, "has never had better preaching, never had more scholarship in the pulpit, never had better singing, never had such beautiful edifices, and never had more money. The weak spot was the prayer meeting, and without prayer the Church was dead."

There was little in the address that could be classed as emotionalism, the whole service being simple and impressive. The speaker delivered his message with comparatively little gesticulation, but at times rose to the declamatory style. He condemned those who made a profession of Christianity, adding: "The world feels insulted at such a religion, and it has a right to, for it is a hotch-potch. But the world has the greatest respect for the real thing. Religion that costs nothing is a cheap religion, and, like all cheap services, is not worth having."

The signing of decision cards took place at the end of each service. The speaker pointed out to the audience that it meant the signatories committing themselves" to a declaration for Christ.

Mid-day service will be held in the Opera House througlitout the mission, and each Saturday night there will be a combined prayer meeting in the Unity Hall. On Friday a young people's meeting will be held in the Town Hall. Mrs. E. Young will address a children's gathering to-morrow afternoon in the Concert Chamber at the Town Hall. At the Y.W.O.A. on Thursday there is to be a high tea for business girls and women, which will also be addressed by Mrs. Young. The Rev. Lionel B. Fletcher, when announcing that the offertory would be taken, explained that none of the money went to Gipsy Smith. All sorts of expenses had to be met in connection with the mission, totalling to about £50 per day. The evangelist reminded the audience that many local citizens had signed guarantees, and if those who attended the meetings did not give, the guarantors would have to find the money.