The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1888-04-28
coLoRBo SINNERS ALARMED.
An Eloquent Blind Revivalist in Mount
Olivet Church.
From The Neio York sun.

The overtlowlngs of Brother HarrlSons
revival in the Methodist churches have
started revival current among the colored
Baptists, which bids fair to grow into a
food. They have all caught the spirit to
some extent, but it centers in the biggest
Of the colored Baptist churches, Mount
Olivet Church, in West Fifty-third street.
About two weeks ago, Pastor d. w. Wisher
noticed deeper religious feeling than usual
in his flock, and called to his aid the Rev.
ID. w. Ford, the blind revivalist of Mary
land. Mr.. Ford began his work ten days
ago, and up to Yesterday tifty-seven sinners
had professed conversion, and large num-
bers were under conviction. Yesterday
Brother Ford armed himself with renewed
zeal, and the number of converted and con-
victed were considerably augmented. Mr.,
Ford has been blind for twenty years, but
such is his freedom of action in the pulpit
that no one would know 1t unless told of
1t. He is past middle age, stout, and wears
beard. He is a clear and strong talker,
with large command of words. His SER
mons are series OF emotional climaxes,
| aided to their completion by appeals to the
| congregation, which the congregation never
fails to respond to by cries, in unison, Of
YES" or NO" as the question may de-
mand.
The church was very full last night, and
crowds were gathered around the door, for
the fame of the wonderful preacher had
gone forth among the colored folks of the
| city. The pastor, the Rev. A. F. Johnson
the Rev. Mr.. Robinson, John F. Seaman,
w. h. Coots, and Deacons G. H. Randolph
Weldon Hawkins, and Moore, were among
the many crowding the platform. The
three front seats were cleared, and in them
sat seventeen convicted sinners, bowling
their heads penitentially, and weeping bit
ter tears. Revivalist Ford spared none.
He, figuratively, jumped into the congrega-
ton, slashed feariessly right and left re-
gardless Of who was hit, and preached the
terrors of hell and the delights of heaven.
The congregation was powerfully affected.
At times shrieks, screams, and groans
drowned the speakers voice, and many
women were overcome to fainting. At
other times the revivailst was fired to the
point of incoherence, and shouted words
not understood, but the terrible import Of
which was felt if not realized by the con-
gregation. At these moments were enacted
scenes of wild excitement. He talked about
the steps leading to hell.
Everything about sinner is second
hand, )" he shouted; 'his clothes, shoes, hat,
gloves. all were worn before him. The
Christians hope is the only first-handed
thing. Glory to God Isn't that soP
"Yesn shouted the congregation.
"You can't deny it, can you'"
''No' shouted the congregation.
ooh, if had my voice tonight, we'd have
to carry these people home. Where are
you going? To hell. Look out What is to
be your part! Eh3 Oh, what is to be your
part? | hear a mother cry: Nv hat is to be
my sons partp
The congregation was terribly aroused,
but as this last question Numbered through
the house woman rose up and shrieked
long and loud. Another shrieked Then
another. They rose all over the house and
shrieked, while some had to be Gained by sis
tiers gathering round and patting their
hands and shoulders.
Are you on the stepsW the preacher
shouted. Then he sang:
Oh you'd better let 'em alone
And join the Church of God
Or else you'll go to he'll.
This refrain he brought in many times in
the last words of a climax, and some to a
weird refrain. 1t never failed of effect.
''You don't pay your debts" he thun-
dered. That's another step to hell. Here's
woman with three or four lovers All,
| there's lots of you here. God sees you!
Look OUT"
The sensation was immense Several cried
out: That's right. Tell 'em the truth
Talk it outn
Woman, you've got another womans
husband! Look out. You're ON the
stepsl'
This was when the widest excitement
reigned. A woman shrieked piteously. She
stood up. She gasped when she couldn't
shrek more, and threw her arms in the air
A dozen gathered around her. and man
helped hold her, but with convulsive move
ments she threw herself alternately into her
| seat and out until overcome by her eff
forts. Others were shriekIng all over the
house, too. The preacher was shouting, but
for time was not heard.
you come in here and pray and go out
and swear!" he cried. You contend with
speak. You kneel at the same altar and
don't speak. You play cards. You play
checkers and casino. And some of you
Christians sing your little love songs. Look
out! You're on the steps You go to all
the balls that come. Did you find Jesus at
q ballf You're on the steps. And to-mor
row morning you'll be playing policy. All,
this room now. Come, get off the steps.
I'm giving it to you straight. You don't
like it, But come off the steps"
A man in the altar was seized with con-
vulsive twitchings. lie rolled his head,
stiffened his elbows, and jumped up and
down, fairly shaking the church. The ex-
ample caught. Other men all over did the
Sdilb. Ou6 l6ll uOWn TlSlC. w omen
shrieked again, and some tainted. Mr.
Ford pictured heaven in what sounded like
a song; il had certain melody and regu-
lar cadence, but the lines were impromptu,
they did not rhyme. They had little CON
nection with each other, but the whole had
weird picturesqueness about it that
wrought the congre CATION to a great pitch
of excitement. He appeared utterly uncon-
scious of himself at the time, and swayed
back and forth mOnotonously.
When Mr. Ford sat down there was
great hush. Deacon johnson proposed
collection He said they would collect the
small sum of $400 Mr.. Ford Interrupted
by saying they would raise 81, 900 to pay the
debt on the church. The aises were
cleared, and the whole congregation filed
before the alter, and deposited, each one in
turn, his contribution. Mr.. Johnson said
it amounted to $40 only. He really ex-
pected 800 anyhow Mr.. Ford said they
would pass the basket. The basket was
passed, but didn't help much. Mr.. Ford
said they wanted TO have a revival meet
ing, but must get this collection taken first.
He ask for a show of hands of these who
would give dollar each. Meanwhile the
penitents still kneeled in the front seats
When the reporter left the collection was
still being taken. Meetings will be held at
noon and night every day this week. The
revival will be continued indefinitely.
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Diamonds and ,Jewolry,