Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1897-05-10

The Gospel Wagon made its first ap-
pearance yesterday and attracted a
great deal of attention as it passed
through the streets. 1t is a commodi-
GUS vehicle with seats on each side, COW
cred with an awning A portion of one
side is arranged so that it can be drop
ped and forms a stand and pulpit desk
for the preacher.
1t will accommodate about twenty
persons. Yesterday ii was lilled with
a number of preachers. choir compos-
ed of ladies and gentlemen and others
who took part in the services held at
four o'clock yesterday afternoon at
Market and Tenth streets. \ crowd or
several hundred people congregated
around the wagon, including those Of
both colors and of various classes, many
of whom no doubt never attended
church service. The meeting, which
was the first of the kind, which is eX-
pected to be held every Sunday after
noon in various parts Of the city. was
undoubtedly a success and a spirit Of
earnestness prevailed that was impress
sive. Even those who were apparent
" attracted by curiosity and the novel
" of the meeting gave the most re-
spectful attention. The services were
In charge of Rev. B. c. Bartlebaugh,
pastor of the Peoples Tabernacle. a
number of ladies who are prominent in
religious work at the Tabernacle, and
who have helped in the movement to
get a Gospel Wagon. were present with
hymnals and lead the singing.
An organ had been placed in the
wagon and one of the ladies rendered
the instrumental music. After num-
Der of stirring hymns had been sung
and several prayers had been uttered,
Rev. J. /. SOOy, pastor Of Fourth Street
VI. E. Church. made an address. He
stated that he would not preach from
a text or deliver sermon. but would
make only a talk. He expressed his
qualification Of the number of people
who were present. and was proud OF the
Gospel Wagon. for which so many Of
those present had so generously con-
tributed. Rev Mr.. Sooy stated that
such movements were clear evidence to
his mind. that instead Of a gulf exist
ing between the churches and the
masses. that they were getting closer
every day. As an evidence Of this he
mentioned a number of institutions in
this city such as the Children's Home,
the Home for Aged and Friendless Wo-
men. the Rescue Home. Day Nursery
and the Emergency Shelter which had
been established by the churches in this
locality for the benefit of unfortunate
humanity. and said he hoped for an as
sociated charity in this city which
would be one effort through which all
money may be distributed for charitable
purposes.
Commencing his talk Rev. Mr.. Sooy
said that there was nothing to-day
which the masses want so much as the
gospel. the old fashioned gospel that
will save man. and save him fully.
What does God say he will do for a
man when he comes to be saved? He
saws he will forgive him. He will cover
all his sins. Blessed is the man whose
sins are covered and his sins are for
given, This does not mean that his
sins will be covered in the way many
people try to cover them. but that they
will be healed. Again, God says he
will blot cut their sins. Also. sins will
be removed. As far as the east is from
the west. so far will He remove my
transgressi0ns from me. They are put
behind God and He stands between rs
and our sins. Also. God says that they
will be forgotten. You say YOU Will
forgive each other but cannot forget.
But God not only f0rgives but he for
gets all our transgressions and they be-
come as nothing He also assures us
that none Of our sins will be mentioned
against us at the judgment day if we
come to Him, trustingly and ask for
The salvation which he can and Will
bestOw.
At the conclusion of Rev Dr. Sooy's
talk he asked those who wished to be
prayed for to hold up their hands, and
number of those gathered about the
wagon signified their desires in this
manner.