Big Tent Mission

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7007, 17 November 1932, Page 8

Big Tent Mission

INSPIRING OPENING ADDRESS The big mission tent in Broadway was comfortably filled last night, when Mr. Harry Dawson, the Australian inter-denominational missioner, inaugurated the Palmerston North revival campaign. During the day much activity was evident in equipping and making comfortable the big marquee which for the duration of tho campaign will bo used for tho special revival services. While many were engaged in prayer, the Salvation Army Band promptly at 7.10 p.m. played various hymns outside the tent. The mission is no more undei the auspices of the Salvation Army than any other organisation, but it is strongly supported by that great organisation. Ensign Thorne ably conducted most hearty community singing and welcomed to Palmerston North Mr. and Mrs. Harry Dawson.

Mr. Dawson gripped his audience with a very telling address on “Reconstruction.” Economic crises of tho world had compelled nations to reconstruct and reorganise tho w'holo fabric of society, said the speaker, and likewise commercial houses, confronted with problems no wizard of finance could predict, w T cre having to reconstruct. After quoting several most appropriate scriptures the speaker illustrated his address by describing the demolition of a shabby, dirty, disreputable pawnshop in Sydney, the tenant of which had ignored tho notico to quit given by the new owners of tho site, who required it for building purposes. At last the builders commenced to pull down the pawnbroker’s back wall and deposit the old bricks at his front door. For threo days ho and his staff hurled the bricks back at the workmen, until they exhausted themselves in foolish resistance. To-day there stood on the same site a palatial department store of 12 storeys, a positive contribution to the architecture of the city—a marvellous evolution of commerce. By persisting in our own way many of our lives w T ere comparable to the old pawnshop, when God would have us develop and expand to success, which was only possible by building upon our most holy faith. Faith, exthe missioner, meant forsaking all to*take Him.

Airs. Dawson immediately made contact and captured the hearts of all with her soulful singing of several pieces. Mrs. Prince helped greatly with her able interpretation and accompaniment with the piano to the singing. Iho service throughout was of a most interesting, instructive and inspiring character. The meetings will bo continued to-night, when Air. Dawson will speak on “The Dynamics of the Gospel.” Several meetings of exceptional interest are on the programme. At the conclusion of Friday’s meeting, approximately at 9 p.m., a half-night of prayer will be held in the Salvation Army hall opposite, to which all, irrespective of creed or church, are invited. On Sunday at 3 p.m., in the tent, Mr. Dawson -will address the men of the district on “The Manhood of Palmerston North.” No service is being held which interferes with ordinary church services on Sunday, but an after-church rally will be held in the marquee, commencing at 8.15 p.m., when the speaker will discuss “AVhat's AVrong with the AVorld s”