GOSPEL CAMPAIGN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22694, 5 April 1937, Page 12

GOSPEL CAMPAIGN

MRS. C. BOOTH-CLIBBORN MEETING AT TABERNACLE The Baptist Tabernacle was packe< to its utmost capacity last evening, ii spite of the unfavourable weather, whei a gospel campaign was opened b; Mrs. Catherine Booth-Clibborn. eldes daughter of General Booth. Wide!; known as the Marechale on account o her work in Paris in the early days o the Salvation Army, Mrs. Booth-Clib born has held very successful mission in Australia and in Dunedin and Well ington. She was a prominent speake: at the Easter Christian Convention ai Ngaruawahia. It is striking proof o: her vitality and vigour that at he] advanced age she is able to undertak< her heavy programme of public duties An address of welcome was tenderec to the Marechale by Dr. Alexandei Hodge, and the audience stood t< signify their pleasure at her visit. Sh( read the fourth chapter of the Gospe of St. John in a very impressive ant unconventional manner, with very appropriate comments emphasising the beauty of the passage. Her address was based on the story of the Woman oi Sychar, to whom Christ said: "If thou knewest the gift of God thou wouldst have asked of Him living water."/ Men spent many years, the Marechale said, in search of scientific, medical, historical and other kindred knowledge, but the knowledge of supreme importance was the knowledge of God. Paul reckoned all his other attainments as of no value compared with the excellence of the knowledge of Christ as his Saviour. For that knowledge there was no substitute. The Woman of Sychar came to see in Jesus Christ one who knew all about her sinful past and yet made Himself known to her as a pitiful and patient Saviour. He had severe words for hypocrites and Pharisees, but only tender terms for penitents. The Marechale held the attention of the large congregation for almost an hour. Her manner is very dramatic and animated, her statements being emphasised by forceful gestures. She tells a story with consummate skill, with delicate touches of humour and pathos. Her intense earnestness and deep sincerity made a lasting impression on those who heard her. Items contributed by the Tabernacle Choir included Jude's setting of Miss Havergal's Consecration Hymn, sung in a very effective manner. The campaign is to be continued this evening, when the Marechale is t.o speak on the Work of the Holy Spirit. A special mectine for women' only is to be held on Wednesday afternoon. On Thursday week, April 15, an address will be delivered in the 'Town Hall by Mrs. Booth-Clibborn, who will j give an account of her life and work, j At all the meetings during the cam-! paign special hymn-sheets are to he' used, arid amplifiers will be placed in j the School Hall for the benefit of those who are unable to gain admittance to the Tabernacle.