The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1896-10-16
CITY MISSION WORK
A New Departure In Eyangeisilc Work In
The City Recently Instituted.
PREACHING IN THE HEART OF THE SLUMS
Rev. II. w. webb. An Experienced
Evangelist, Ens Undertaken the
Work of a City Missionary ia Nor.
roik-A Very Successful Start With
bright Promises OF Grent Results.


been instituted in this city 1 system of
city missionary work similar to that of
Richmond and other large cities. 1t l.;
conducted by Rev. Il. w. Webb. who
has had a wide experience in evangel!stic
work OF this character. and his meet
ingS have thus far been most successful
In Norfolk.
Every night when II is not too inclem-
ent to hope to draw a crowd, this earnest
worker plants his stree; pulpit in some
street but little known 10 even the most
Jealous among the missionaries OF up
town chui ches. Some Of these streets.
TOO. are almost in the shadow of the
which although they themselves seem
unable to do the work. the street evan
geEst accompanies among those who
nevc think of entering the portal of
chu.~ b, stand ready TO receive those re-
claimed by him.
is light platform about one foot high
by three square. y hinged upright sup
ports his Bible, and to the side of this
lcctern, is fastened Il bicycle lamp by
which the minister sees to read. The
whole arrangement is very light and
portable, and can be folded up in Il
small compass.
The evangelist carrie; this portabl
pulpit around with him ana selecting
some promising locality in Avon. Union.
lower Church street, or some other thor
oughfare unfrequented by most and al
most totally unknown TO many of the
church workers in other localities. he
sets 1t up. opens his Bible ana begins
his cNhortltion. Very shortly the crowd
begins to gather. The people come
some from curiosity, others for a fpur-
pose They gather about the preacher
and take up the thread of his theme.
The are silent, always most respectful :
A. .Nf t1,..
out into the crowd, carrying its message
or peace, cheer and hope, coupled with
me solemn warning TO sinners Pres
entity some poor woman unknown to the
wives and mothers of happy homes, will
come very close to the pulpit and kncel
ON ihe cobbles, and some rough fellow.
with an honest tear in his eve and n
good resolution in his heart. will come
forward and give the preacher his hand.
So the work goes on.
MI. Webb. however. does not confine
himself TO street work In addition he
breaches twice week ut the city Jail,
ana once a week at the Critteuden
Home. Visiting on shipboard tho
evangelist greets the sailors, weary from
some long voyage with the assuraur
mat IN foreign land even there are
those who think of the spiritual good
oil the storm tossed mariner
The distribution of tracts and other
way.
The preachers personal work in the
Sums constitutes. OF course the most
important part of his work. and through
these direct personal appeals. and by
Keeping track of his converts the first
Impression is made permanent.
During the winter months it is pro
posed 10 utilize available vacant stores
as comfortable places of meo. ing. In
the summer time vacant lots will be
used for the large meetings.
The work has proven remarkably sue
cessful.
over 200 requests for prayer have been
received. and over fifty vows 10 serve
GOD made In the last two weeks
In spite of the inclemcnt wea her, Mr..
Webb preached seventeen sermons on
ne ;tleet, and in Jail, &c. during tina /
Zine, and has had good crowds Is
pecially have the services been good on
Avon street The work is supported hv
contributions from the Christian neople
and request Is made tn those who feel
Ike they could contribute a small
monthly amount TO this work TO notify
Mr. NJ l. Dodson, druggist, Atlantic Ho-
tel.