The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1898-02-25

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REV. RALPH GILLIAN.
Rev. Ralph Gillian, the evangelist
who opened the union revival meet
ings at Pearson Hall, Haverhill, on
Washington's Birthday, was born in
Belfast, Maine, about thirty years ago.
From his boyhood until he was twenty
years old he lived in Boston, during
the last few years of which he was
merchants clerk. At the age of twen-
ty he was the president of an inidel
club of young men, but under the
preaching of an evangelist he was con-
yerted and Immediately his attention
was directed TO christian work. After
q year of study at the Revere Lay
College and two years at Moody's
Bible Institute in Chicago, he entered
the field as an evangelist. The first
three years there were spent as an as
sociate with some OF the leading evan
gelists of the nation. He was ordained
To- this ministry in January, 1895, by
tie New England Eyangelistic Asso-
citation.
In his style of preaching Mr. Gillian
is sympathetic, direct, fervid. Though
every word and gesture are pointed to-
ward inducing men to an immediate
decision for Christ, he is full of kind
liness and patience. Words of warn
ing are uttered from lips of love. His
strong physique and apparently per
feet health, assist the impression of
manliuess and strength that is convey
ed by the message. His musical direc-
'Qr and gospel soloist, Mr., o. W..
Wv ell, who accompanies him, is a
most efficient helper. Many point is
clinched, impression deepened. and
heart melted by an appropriate solo
at the right moment. I'M
A large chorus choir under MIR.
Cromwell's direction will be an at
tractive feature of the meetings in
Haverhill at Pearson Hall which com
menced Tuesday evening, Feb. 22d, at
7.30.
HAvERHILL.-UNlONR REVIVAL SERVICES.
The Rev. Ralph Gillian and his assist
ant Mr.. Crowell, arrived Tuesday even
ing. They were greeted with large au-
,dieAee, about 200 being present at the
opening service in Pearson Hall, and they
made an excellent impression. The solos
by Mr.. Crowell and the chorus singing by
the choir were highly commended. Rev.
w. r. Webster opened with prayer and
introduced Mr.. Gillian, who read a por-
ton of scripture with copious exposition,
and then he preached a powerful sermon
from the words, HE that winneth souls
is wise" 1t was demonstrated that the
living representation of Christ by chris
tians and well illustrated New Testa-
,nau+ vUara essential tn tbp glory of God
and the salvation of souls.
Mr. Gillam's personal appearace. is re-
markable. He has good robust frame,
and a bright intelligent face glowing with
good health and good nature. 1t is good
face with great purity of expression.
One element of his power is undoubtedly
his singleness of devotion and intense
fervor. No one can doubt that his one
purpose is to serve the master and to
bring men into the kingdom. Every ar
row in his quiver is shot with well
aimed infleXible intent to transfiX the
conscience. Then again his voice, he has
a royal voice with clear enunciation with
out ever losing its soundness and sweet
ness. His goodness shines out from him.
He looks kind, frank. sympathetic. He
has no regard for long faced sour visaged,
disgi unified christians. He has a big
warm heart, a sunny countenance, and a
pure, simple Christ-like spirit. We pre-
dict that Pearson Hall will be crowded to
overlooking in the near future. Go early
to secure seats; The ladies' prayer meet,
ing, TO which all women are invited, will
be held daily at 2 O'Clock in the upper
room OF Pearson Hall. Mr.. Gillian will
preach daily except Sunday, and Mr..
Crowell will sing at and 7.30 p. m. Sum
day services at 1870 a. m, 3 and p. m.
THE GOSPEL soLoIsT.
The musical director of the Ralph Gill
am evangelistic meetings, Mr.. o. W.
Crowell, is native of Hopkinton, n. H.,
where he lived until about IL years ago,
when he removed to Concord and WAS en-
gagged in business until Oct. 1895 Mr.:
Crowell was then called to enter the field
as gospel soloists with several eyangelists
of national reputation, and was their as
sociate in many of the cities of Kentucky,
Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan,
PENNSYLVANIA, New York, Connecticut,
Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
Mr.. Crowell was a member of the quar-
tet of the North Church, Concord, for
or years. He received his instruction
in voice culture from an eminent instruct
or in that city, and also under Prof.
Coffin at Mr.. Moody's college in Chicago.
Mr.. Crowell was converted to the Lord
Jesus and united with the church in Hop
! kinton about twenty years ago.
I Rev. J. NJ. Wathen of Lisbon writes,
al rejoice with you in the prospect of
/ having Rev. r. Gillian with you. He is a
/ GENTLE man, and as an evangelist earnest
/ and forcible as he must be he is always
4 refined and sincere. His singer is one of
the most cultivated and sw eet spirited
that / have met. These qualifications
I will be especially appreciated by the peo-
ple of HaVerhill, especially as they are
combined with thorough conservation.
If The faithful men and women of both
churches are banded together in loving
faith and prayer that Gods blessing come
viii With these men you certainly will
see great things from God. The
/ Hsverhill churches have been united IN
I - = -, "a tory MEETINGS for seven