The Tucson citizen., 1902-01-06
Mr.. Smiths Revival
First Nights Service.

The large Gospel Tent was full to
overfowing last night at the nrst OF
tte series of evangelistic services. Rev.
Merton Smith must be proud OF the re-
ception given him and Miss Augustine
a: their opening meeting. The tent was
well lighted by the actylene plant and
made comfortably warm by half
dozen stoves. Just at the beginning OF
the service some miscreant stopped up
| the chimney of one Of the stoves and
for a time 1t looked as II the audience
would be smoked out. BY opening up
the sides of the tent. the ushers sue
ceeded in clearing 1t of most OF the
smoke. Miss Augustine's throat was
Eected by the smoke and she was un-
able to sing until after the sermon.
MIR. Smith SAID that they trled 10
drown him out in Phoenix by turning
water in the tent but that this meth3d
was a new departure.
The choir which assembled to as
s,st Miss Augustine last night was
small but she hopes for large addi-
tlons during the week. The music last
r,pht was not as enthusiastic, as 1t
| generally is at a revival meeting. The
p andience seemed little timid at first.
! After prayer and a number OF gospel
songs. the Rev. Smith announced MS
! text for the evenings sermon from
! Ephesians. Awake thou that sleepest,
and arise from the dead and CHRIST
| will give yor life" MIR Smith an
rounced at tie morning service, that
| he was not tLe preacher ana orator.
ttat he had been heralded to be. and
his talk last night seemed to NIL that
statement. IN fact, MIR Smith did not
nj first seem to fill the expectations
OF the audience. but as the sermon
progressed. appreciation OF him grew
and he overcame the first disappoint-
ment. It is a safe prediction that Mr.
Smith did not preach his best sermon
the first evening. He is a progressive
and forcibie speaker but not a man
who PAGES up and down the platform
and lifts the tent with his loud ex-
hortations He has quiet way OF say
ing things which will have It's effect,
The Rev. Mr.. Smith is every inch a
Scotchman ana the Scotchmen are
horn preachers. He has clear way OF
putting things as was evidenced in
both of his sermons yesterday. He
lntermingles his thought with anec-
dotes, a thing when every powerful;
evangelist does. TO hold the attention
OF his audience. Mr.. Smith did not
preach a long sermon last night. He
only talked about twenty minutes. but
was able to say a great deal In that
time. Miss Augustine sang beautifully
at the end OF the sermon. She is a
very small woman and one would
} think to look at her. that her voice
would not have enough volume to 1t
to fill the tent. but 1t is very strong
! and penetrating. The entire service
last night was very short. lasting not
over an hour. Mr.. Smith asked for nc
declaration of faith from any OF those
present Ine service as whole was q
great success and gives promise ol
better TO come.
. The Rev Mr.. Smith was present and
talked to the children OF the Methodist
| Sunday school yesterday morning and
conducted the morning service at the
Methodist Church. Miss Augustine
sang at both Sunday schot and church
Mr.. Smith announces that on next Fri
day night. he will hold special serv-
ice for young people, though Older
people are invited as we'll. On Satur-
day evening Mr.. Walter Hill Of Phoe-
nix, will give a sterioptican lecture on
: the Life of Christ" The afternoon
Bible talks will begin tomorrow and
continue through the week until Fri
: day. inclusive The subject of the tall
tomorrow Is The School OF Christ"
A number remained after the serv-
ice last night. by request of Miss
Augustine, who asked all that could
sing. to remain and practice with the
: choir. 1t is hoped that with little
practice after each service. she VIII
be able to organize good rousine
chorus before the end of the week.
The evening service will continue
every night this week and the after
noon service as already announced.