The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-04-23
THE CHURCH CROWDED.


Building In the Evening.
The late-comers at the Francis Murphy
meeting ct the Meridian-street Church.
last night, were met with disappointment.
At 1880 O'Clock there was not vacant seat
in the house, and before the meeting began
every window was crowded and the aisles
were packed to the doors. Those who came
after o'clock were compelled to go away
again, for they could not get within five
feet of either door.
1t was the largest and most enthusiastic
meeting that has been held by Mr.. Murphy
during his present sojourn In the city. Mr..
Murphy spoke very briefly, and the re-
mainder of the meeting was devoted to the
experiences of those who had been helped
to better life by Mr.. Murphy. Among
those called upon by Mr.. Murphy was
James Martin, who spoke with such ear
nestness of the wonderful change that had
been worked in his life through the efforts
of Mr.. Murphy. that the whole audience
was deeply moved. Said he: Twelve years
ago I staggered into the Y. NJ. C. A. build
ing. where Mr.. Murphy was lecturing at
the time. I was drunk, so drunk that !
could scarcely see my hand before me. /
away from there a man. signed the pledge
because Mr.. Murphy asked me to- At that
time my mother had about given up all
hope of me, and I think 1 can truly say to-
night that If 1t had not been for Mr. Muir
ply would have been lying in a drunk
ards grave tonight over in potter's field.
But from the day that / signed the pledge
I was a different man. The smile came back
to my mothers face and she began to live
again. Those at home were no longer
hungry when they went to bed at night.
obtained good position and, thank God,
| have kept it ever since. Tonight can
look any man or woman in this church in
the face, for realize that am redeemed.
And turning to Mr.. Murphy owe Ii all
to you. When you saved me that time, you
saved more than you knew, for am proud
TO say tonight that not only myself but
my two brothers as well, are Murphy Tenn
perance League men,"
When Mr.. Martin had concluded he was
warmly applauded. Mr.. Murphy. in speak
ing OF Mr.. Martin, said that those who saw
him now would never recognize him as the
James Martin of twelve years ago There
were many others besides James Martin
who told of the great difference there had
been in their lives since they had abb
stained from drinking intoxicating liquors.
Mr. Murphy made a strenuous plea TO the
parents present for closer relationship
between parent and child. He said there
were many parents who were totally alb
sorbed in money getting and who utterly
neglected their children in the wild scrarn-
bic for wealth. Said he: "Our young women
and our young men are being stolen from
us every day, because the children are
alienated from their parents. They seek
other confidants because we parents are
not sympathetic enough with our children
We are too severe with them. I will tell
you one thing 1 want you to remember
Have confidence in your boy and believe
what he says and you will cure him OF
lying" At the close of the meeting Mr.
Murphy invited those present to sign the
pledge. and there were many who ac-
cepted the invitation. The meetings will
close with Mr.. Murphy's lecture Tuesday
night.