A REFORMED ATHLETE.

Press, Volume XLVI, Issue 7359, 11 July 1889, Page 6

A REFORMED ATHLETE.

Next week an evangelistic mission will be opened in Cbristchurch in connection with the Primitive Methodist Church, by Mr G. T. Sullivan. Mr Sullivan is a brother of the famous pugilist, John L. Sullivan. H& was born lnßoeton, and is about thirty of age. He possesses a remarkably fine physique, and though he has gained, considerable renown as a professional athlete he is well cultured mentally. A gentleman took him in hand while he was young, and gave him a liberal education. Mr Sullivan has a special liking for physical science, but his special feature is his musical attainments. He has a splendid voice, and has sung in St. Paul's Cathedral, London, ana also at the Melbourne Exhibition. As an athlete Mr Sullivan won a swimming championship, and he also swam across the Golden Gates, the entrance to San Francisco harbor. This latter performance was a severe task of endurance, and Mr Sullivan was washed up in an exhausted condition. Some two years ago he was assisting to. suppress a fire in New Orleans, when some would-be thieves attempted to loot the property saved. Mr Sullivan and others resisted their efforts, and he received a shot in the leg. He came to the colonies for the benefit of his health, and whilst in Melbourne he taught music for a living. In the early part of this year he came on to Auckland, and through the agency of members of the Primitive Methodist Church, who were conducting an open air service, he was converted. Mr Sullivan has been conducting a three-months' mission in Wellington. His meetings have been largely attended, and on occasions many were turned away. His singing is a great attraction. He is expected to reach Christchurch on Monday.