THE REV. JAMES FLANAGAN.

Temuka Leader, Issue 5680, 13 June 1908, Page 3

THE REV. JAMES FLANAGAN.

The -Rev. James Flanagan, of London, who has now been conducting special ■ missions and lecturing in (the ■dominion lor 'the -last six months in connection with and under the cUreeMon of the -(Primitive Methodist Church has made for 'himself a great 'reputation, especially as a reformer of sluindent. About eighteen years ago hu was appointed to a weak and dying church in Sputh-east Loudon, right in the midst of one of the very worst slums 'of f tho groat city. In a remarkably short time he had organised a great, mission centre, ■which now embraces fetrty separate institutions!, with Ht. George’s Hall us his headquarters, St, George’s lias cost fully TNb'OOO, and Mr Flanagan raised every penny pay for it before using it. Since it was opened it hair never been closed day or night, and thousands of the poorest and most degraded have found there shelter, food, clothing, and kindness, which has resulted in many remarkable cases of reform. Country and seaside hornets -have been built, and to these many) .suit(king ones have been taken with Uto best results. Homos for cripples, employment and advice bureau, girlk’ institute, fatherless children’s guild, gymnuTnnn for Hooligans, are but a feiw of the many •efforts to rescue and bless even Darkest London. The outlay is oven Thb )«;r -week, and the mission, is inaintaindd by voluntary subscriptions The London. County Council in a very signal 'manner hois ce,cognised the beneficient work done by Flanagan and his co-workers in what is admitted to lie the very worst slum in the greiat metropolis. Many of the worst buddings have been 'demolished, new and wider streets made, large and well-ar-ranged model dwellings have been built. The achievements -of the mission have been more than the most ■nrdcfnt and optimistic reformer could have ever dreamed of as possible, in such a comparatively short space of time. Mir Flanagan’s story of the work is a thrilling one. The largest in the fFoiunuou luwn puAi<d far too small to hold tho vast crowds that have thronged tu_ hear him preach and lecture. This is It he only chanoo the people of -Geraldme and district will have of hearing Mr Fhmaganf He concluded his .hist ,ni *‘ siOn in New Zealand in Christ church lust Thursday, and returns to .London 'about the end of the month. He comes to Geraldine for one day only next Thiuwday, the ICSIh. A service will bo held in the afternoon in the Volunteer Hall, commencing at J p.m. .Sankey’s hymns will bo list'd. 1-hose who have books are asked to bring ( them. A. collection will be taken up. In the evening Mr Flanagan will deliver his popular lecture entitled ‘‘Fourteen years in Darkest. London. The deputy-rnnvor. Dr Hislop, will preside. The lecture will commence prompt at S p.m. Admission, 1,--. Doubtless the hall will bo crowded.