HICKSON MISSION.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17938, 5 December 1923, Page 2

HICKSON MISSION.

SERVICE IN DUNEDIN. (raiiss association tblbceaw.) DUNEDIN, December 4. From an • early hour this morning a number of observers gathered in front of the Anglican Cathedral to watch the preliminary proceedings in connexion with the Hickson Spiritual Healing Mission which opened at Dunedin this morning. A little later a stream of motorcars, .bringing their pitiable freights of stricken humanity, halted at both entrances of the Cathedral. They were met by a band of nurses, clergy, intercessors and other helpers and taken to their allotted places in the building. By 9.30 there were several hundred in their seats, whilst in front of the Sanctuary were several stretcher cases and a number of afflicted in invalid chairs. The pews to the right hand side were occupied by children and their parents, and the wistful appearance of many of tho poor little sufferers added a most pathetic touch to a scene that in many respects was most heartrending. Most of the front pews were occupied by elderly people whose physical disabilities in most instances were only too manifest..

After the service, which was similar to the one conducted, in other towns visited by the Missioner, the laying on of hands began. Mr Hickson first went round the stretcher and chair case 3, and thoso patients who could not go up and kneel at the altar. He placed both hands on the head of each patientjat the same time saying a short prayer. He was, followed by the Bishop or one of the clergy, who gave the Church's blessing. The little children were, in the meantime, sent into the Sanctuary, where they received the ministrations of the Missioner andlater the same procedure was followed in the case of adults, those in the front pews going forward first. The work went on quietly and with method and precision. After the patients had received the Missioner's ministrations they passed out by a door on the left hand side of the' Sanctuary and proceeded to two marquees at the rear of the Cathedral, where refreshments were supplied. A majority of the patients as they left the Cathedral appeared to bo greatly affected, but many of them entered the marqueen with smiling faces, and talked cheerfully with the attendants and others, though one or two collapsed. Tfrere were about thirty nurses present, and the patients were highly eulogistic of their kindly assistance. Enquiries made this afternoon elicited the fact that already Borne local cures have been reported,.but they have not been authenticated. One woman who had been blind for some time was stated to have been able to read her card in the refreshment tent after this morning's service. ; Another patient who had been unable to raise his arm is reported to have received considerable benefit, and a third who was deaf is able to hear, as a result of the laying on of hands.

THANKSGIVING SERVICES. The thanksgiving services in the Cathedral next week in connexion with the Mission of Healing have been so arranged as to give all those vitally concerned an "opportunity of attending. Admission will be by ticket. There will be two evening" services, on Thursday and Friday of next week, and one afternoon service, on Friday. The lastnamed has bepn arranged to meet the needs of country patients and of chair cases. Patients are advised to apply at once to their vicars or ministers for tickets.