The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1900-12-25
THE LIGHTHOUSE MISSION
Pen Picture of an Old Mans
Conversion.
Little Band Of Worshipevs In Csnton's
. Bowety HAS Struggled BraveIy
to Save Souls.

- q 4. T. = aaH . J..
The conversion OF an old man was at
stake. This caused q. feeling of in
tensity to prevail at the meeting of the
South Cherry street mission, Wednes-
day night. There was singing and pray
ing and such expressions of joy that
people who were passing could hardly
believe their senses. 1t was a surprise
to the tenderloin district. 1t is a long
time since the red light district has
witnessed the holding of religious
services.
The work was first undertaken several
years ago when the light house" mis-
sion was established, practically in the
heart of the district. Services were
held almost every night. Many con-
versions were secured from among the
lowly ones. Then there was a con-
troversy started among the keepers Of
some Saxton street places and the mis-
sion people. One night while the latter
were kneeling in prayer a half a brick
came fyin5 through the window. 1t
didn't strike any of them but it fell in
the midst of the people.
The police were called and the crowd
outside scattered. On many occasions
thereafter curious people gathered at
the door while services We're in progress.
The mission was opened in Cherry street
near the Pennsylvania tracks. Night
after night the minister who had charge
of the services prevailed upon his little
flock to follow him among the places
in Saxton street. There they prayed and
sang and the minister spoke feelingly.
But the keepers remained inexorable
4 ,s,t
| reflections upon them. The minister re-
mained obdurate and would not heed
the command of the dive keepers to
move on. They remained, and so much
more earnestly they prayed and sang.
But the end came long ago. The mis-
sion was reared on small collections
from citizens. At last the rent could
not be paid, and the owner of the build :
ing had to order the mission moved.
The flock resumed their quarters in
South Market street, where regular
services are still being held.
The new mission in South Cherry
street is not in close proximity to Sax
ion street, but just near enough to re-
ceive attention from the residents of the
tenderloin. The little band of worship
ers has been struggling bravely for the
conversion of such characters from
Cantons bowery who may fall into their
hands. The little scene witnessed We'd
nesday night by a News Democrat re-
porter, was only one of the many which
have occurred there within the past
month. -.-.....
While very few are In attendance at
these meetings the enthusiasm heard
by neighbors, and pedestrians passing
along outside, is manifeIdly greater
than in many alarger religious gather
ing.
The first words which greeted the ear
of the reporter were from the scriptures,
announcing the doom which will befall
those who fail to repent Then there
was an outburst Of song, although dis
cordant and mellifuent as the tunes of
the street grind organ. Then came loud
cries: You're saved; man, you're
saved!"
The old man who knelt at the mourn
er's bench, laid his head in his arms,
upon the bench, and sobbed loud. Then
he arose. There followed handshaking
and swinging Of the hands and weep
ing and laughter. The man was led to
a seat and surrounded by worshipers.
After listening to brief remarks by some
one present, the meeting was adjourned.