Article June 1, 1907 Issue

In view of the fact that the series of revival services just...

The Tribune

In view of the fact that the series of revival services just closed at the Alhambra fell short of results, not only of the reasonable expectations of the local Ministerial Association, but of church people generally, an analysis of the cause is interesting and perhaps not unprofitable. Nothing was lacking in the way of preparation for the success of the meetings. Largely advertised; a building of ample dimensions provided in the center of the town; propitious weather after the first few nights; a stageful of the best singers the city affords, comprising the choirs and the Oratorio Society and led by a noted singing evangelist of wonderful powers; an audience of fifteen hundred people to start with, and waiting only for the magic words that would stir the hearts of the careless and unlock for them heavenly treasures. A golden opportunity, it would seem, and yet the days glided into weeks, showing no appreciable awakening. ...

Summing it up, it would appear that the disappointment regarding the late meetings was due mainly to the many violations of good taste shown in the disparaging comments made upon the character of our citizens, including the sneers cast at the Christian Scientists. The pastors of the Ministerial Association were much chagrined at these faux pas, and felt that no audience would or could be otherwise than unresponsive under such unwise treatment; showing up the weaknesses and shortcomings of professed Christians, while in the same breath exhorting sinners to join the ranks of those in the church, being justly regarded by the ministers as a grave inconsistency. In short, such aggressive evangelistic methods were not suited to the temper of the audience. And this is not saying that the evangelist is not capable of doing good work elsewhere. Doubtless he is a man of large sympathies, but failed here to size up his hearers correctly and get in proper touch with them.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

In view of the fact that the series of revival services just...

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access