The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-03-13
A WESTERN EVANGELIST.

The Rev. j. E. Reyes, lately pastor at
Mt. Pleasant and Bloomfield. Ia, now
proposes, il adequately encouraged, to
devote himself to evangelistic work.
Because l heartily believe that such
work when judiciously done is greatly
needed. and that Bro. Reyes has marked
qualifications for doing it we'll. | venture
to express my satisfaction with his I'M
dertaking and warm hope for his sue.
cess.
Bro. Reyes has rendered excellent ser
vices as pastor in several Iowa parish
es, having in every instance, l think,
left his charges stronger than he found
them. able and glad to go on in their &C.
tivities without interruption. He has
shown special strength in increasing the
membership of the churches, building
thus for spiritual ends and permanance.
He is strong preacher, particularly in
doctrinal and expository lines. is coura
geous, industrious, a man of faith and
of character, whose personal influence is
inspiring, and who labors not for him.
self but for his Master and for his
church. Withal he is good singer, and
the musical features of his meetings are
always at once an element of popular
attraction and of devotional impression.
An unmarried man, foot-loose, ply sically
vigorous and capable of protracted hard
n hi % in for fod
purpose, forceful in speech. and winning
i'll manner, he seems to be especially fit
ted to do the work which he himself so
much enjoys, and which when done
with wisdom is essential for arousing
the dormant churches. organizing the
scattered. strengthening the weak, and
energizing the languid.
Bro. Keyes's methods are simple, d.
rect, and calculated to produce good re-
suits without danger of reaction. He
aims to indoctrinate the people, making
plain the Universalist position, without
waptonly antagonizing other COM
munions. On this basis he appeals for
that expression of allegiance to the
cause and to the Master which is i'm
piled in church membership. By per-
sonal visitation he seeks to correct mis-
apprehensions. smooth out difficulties.
and recommit the people to individual
support Of the church. Where there is
need. he assists the pastor in canvassing
for funds to maintain services, or pay
debts, or repair buildings, and in this
business he is particularly efficient. If
called to revive dormant church. he
would stay on the field until sufficient
interest was excited, canvass made
and If possible pastor settled.
1t is Bro. Keyes's custom at the close
of his series in place. to invite the best
local talent to assist him in musicale.
Invariably he succeeds in presenting
fine program, of which he himself is able
to furnish a prominent part, and the
proceeds from the sale of tickets goes
far toward defraying the expenses of the
meetings.
have been firmly convinced for many
years that the Universalist Church
needs the active service of several
strong men in this sort of work, and l
hope others may follow the example of
Bro. Reyes. Meanwhile, it seems to me
that all the time of our one Western
Evangelist should promptly be claimed
by the pastors. If am not mistaken.
it will be found that his help. so far
from proving tax upon the resources
of the parish. will leave it in every res
pect stronger ard richer than before.
@. ELLwooD NASH.
GALEsBURG, March 6.