FAIRHALL.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXIX, Issue 222, 5 October 1906, Page 3

FAIRHALL.

(A Correspondent.) A goodly number, principally of ,Young people, assembled m the locaJ schoolroom last night, when the RevsCharles Penney, of Blenheim, gave att interesting talk on the life ot Jwiin Vassor, the celebrated American homo missionary. Being in the interests ol home missions in connection with the Methodist Church, the subject of the address was very apt. John Vassar, who afterwards became so familiarly known as Uncle John Vassal, was born of parents in humble circumstances, on January 18. 1813. His educational advantages were few, for he had only three "winters" at school. It was not until after his marriage that his "conversion" took place. A great trial befei him, in tlws loss by death of his wife and two children. After this sad loss Vassar desired to take up Christian work, a^d entered into the employment of the American Tract Society, tie was sent to the Western States of America, where he laboured faithfully and well. He came, into contact with people in the home, the street, and the market-place. He had a keen sense of devotion to duty, -asrd threw his whole energy into the work of his -Master-, whom he loved so well and served so faithfully. He h&A such a winning and successful wa.y ,(<iwif..srtunately peculiar to so few Christian workers) of dealing with jpeqple ;personailj-, and with few exceptions succeeded in his objects. Many stories were -related by the speaker, showing his .unique method of personal Christian dealing. When th© 'Civil War broke-out Vassar became a-chaplain in the "Northern Army, hat ;soon afterwards was taken prisoner by the Southerners, and charged with being a spy. On examination hewras found to be a-preacher of the Gospel, and before he was liberated gave abundant proof that he was a Chiastian worker. Addressing the geneoail whom he Was charged as a spy, he said: " General, do you love the Lord Jesus?" Nee"dless*to say, he\was set free, on the promise that he would not reveal the Whereabouts of the army. Uncle John Vassar left his mark in such a way that few men can do, and there was no man of his day 'better known and more genuinely loved -than this American home missionary. Mr Penney spoke of home mission work in the remote parts of our own land, and commended the cause of home missions to the warmest and generous sympathy ■of our people and friends.