FAITH-HEALING MISSION

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 11734, 23 January 1924, Page 6

FAITH-HEALING MISSION

MR HICKSON AT INVERCARGILL. CHURCH FILLED WITH SUFFERERS. Per Press Association. INVERCARGILL, January 22. Trcmen<S*us interest was focussed on the Church of St. John the Divine this morning where the healing mis sion, conducted by Mr Hickson, was continued. At an early hour patients and others interested began to arrive, and by 10 o’clock the big church was filled with sufferers and those accompanying them. There was no confusion, everything being perfectly organised and rhe arrangements being carried out quietly and without delay. Nurses and other attendants took charge of those requiring assistance Cots cases and those in chairs were taken up to the front of the choir stalls, others being seated in the body of the church, in the transcepts and lady chapel. When the service commenced at 10.30 o’clock the building was completely filled and hundreds outside though unable to obtain admission stayed to watch the patients and attendants moving quietly between the church and the various rest tents, which gave the green lawns the appearance of a hospital camp. In the ohurch itself hundreds of people waited in quiet patience. The expectancy faces of the young and old radiant with hope could be seen amongst those who awaited the laying on of hands. Nurses in white whose countenances reflected some of the fervent enthusiasm of those to whom they ministered moved about soundlessly, and the reverend atmosphere in which the huge gathering waited, made t deep impression. LAYING ON OF HANDS. The service took the form of piayer, the singing of a hymn and a preparatory address by Mr Hickson, in which he emphasised the importance of prayer and faith. At the conclusion of his address Mr Hickson, preceded by one of the clergy who took the patients cards and told Him the nature of the various complaints, moved round the pews containing those unable ia~ walk, and laid his hands on each with a prayer for their relief both iu body and in mind. Bishop Richards followed and pronounced the benediction over each patient. When all these case* T;ad been administered to, the party of clergy moved to the sanctuarv and a long line of pathetic figures, all with a gleam of hope upon their faces, knelt in turn along the altar railings and all received the ’aving on of hands and a prayer for their recovery. Moving out after the Bishop, or another of the clergy had pronounced the benediction, the pealing of the. organ and the steady muffled tread of the patients’ feet were only sounds, everything being carried out iu an orderly manner without any undue waiting or nervous strain. When the whole 600 odd cases had been dealt with, a short service was held for nurses, stewards and intercessors. NO DRAMATIC CURES. So far no cases in which dramatic cures had been effected have been re. ported, but many patients declare that they are considerably relieved in loth mind and body, and it may bo expected that results in regard to phys' = cal healing mav follow. The patients dealt with to-day numbered just ovei 600, and came from all parts of Southland. To-morrow another 600 rest dents in the town of Invercargill will be presented.