The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-01-01
WATCH NIGHT SERVICES
AN INTERESTING PROGRAMME AT
THE RESCUE MISSION,
Rev. w. A. QuayIe's Talk Feature
Programmes at Many of the
City Churches.

1t is doubtful II I'm any of the churches,
In the clubs, or In the homes of Indian
apolis where the ceremony of watching the
old year out and the new year in, and the
passing of the nineteenth century, there
was service more interesting to the par
Elephants than that at the Rescue Mis-
sion, at 4O6 South Pennsylvania street.
There were probably not less than $50
persons assembled there early in the even
ing The chapel was crowded and many
were cared for in the living apartments Of
Superintendent Wheeler.
The programme opened with song serv-
ice in which everyone took part. Great
enthusiasm was displayed, and it was not
long until the usual invitation for seekers
of salvation to come to the altar was
given. There were a number who re-
sponded and then began the enactment of
a scene in the way of a revival the like
of which has not been seen in any of the
recent REVEALS here There was singing.
and shouting, and praying, and laughing,
and exhortations all at the same time.
Children sang when others talked; women
continued the singing. drowning out the
voice of Superintendent Wheeler when he
started to make announcements; men with
barrassed because their voices did not har-
monte with the organ or with any other
voice in the congregation. And with all
there was a spirit of earnestness which
was surprising to one who had never be-
fore been in such place. The refrains OF
songs were sung and resung and then sung
again each time with more ardor than be-
fore and about the time the last note died
orf-
ing a new song would be heard above the
other voices and then the organist would
catch the air and the new song would be
sung to music and gone over many times.
The Rev w. A. Quale was one of the
speakers of the evening and his talk had
been set for 1890 O'Clock but it was nearly
11:30 before he was able to proceed be-
cause of the general interest In the song
and altar service.
The talk of Mr.. Quayle was evidently a
treat for many, who apparently did not
know him until his name was announced.
Then there was general movement to Sc
cure advantageous positions from which
TO hear him. Those who had been seated
in the living apartments brought chairs
with them, crowding into the large room,
and with DR.. Quayle in the center of an
interesting group.
Dr. Quayle's subject was taken from the
parable of the two men who builded
houses, one of them upon the sand and
the other upon the rock. The demolition or
and the stability OF the other TO the rock
foundation which was likened unto faith in
and obedience to the teachings of Christ
He said IL was great thing TO be able TO
listen to what is said by someone else, and
also great thing to be able TO listen for
certain voices. He impiored his hearers 10
listen--to listen to the words of Jesus, who
has promised relief from the troubles of
the storms of business, sorrow, and pow
erty. He gave a number of humorous
illustrations ending each with a pathetic
story appealing for haste in listening to
and for the voice of Christ. He also tried
to impress upon his hearers that one who
ing the truth of them and did not heed the
admonitions was no better than he who
did not hear. In concluding he said: IF
you have Jesus in your life and in your
heart you can meet the storm. Do you
think If you were TO step across into the
unknown at the beginning of the new year,
and the new century do you think God
would say! You are my wholesome daugh-
ter. You are my wholesome son. II you
do ii will be happy New Year for you.
Do not, / implore you, go out of the old
year into the new without Christ"
DIR. Quayle concluded his remarks a few
minutes before IL o'clock and haste was
made to give another invitation to rise for
the prayers of the Christian people present
and to come to the altar and number who
had earlier in the evening raised their
hands asking for the prayers of the as
sembled, and whom Superintendent Wheel
err addressed by their given names, re-
sponded. Most Of those going forward pro-
fessed conversion and after the bells and
whistles had announced the passing hour,
there was a general congratulation that
several had started the New Year with the
declared intention of leading the life of
Christian.