Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-09-03

ranging from one TO four by the same
little band. are held throughout the DAY.
This movement, while comparatively re-
cent. has spread until il embraces prac-
ticaIly every faith.
These meetings have become so COM
monplace. in fact, that passersby on
Pennsylvania avenue and other streets
where they are held are no longer sur
prised 10 see large gathering. or TO hear
the voices of the singers aud the
far-Teaching tones Of the speaker. so
numerous have these meetings become
that they may almost be termed the
''creees OF the curb" And they not
only embraces practically every faith, but
are the means of attracting people OF
practically every station in life, from the
men who. In the winter time, are con-
cerned in the government OF this country
down 10 the poor wretch who contem-
plates suicide.
These out-of-doors meetings can be d.
vided into two ciasses-regular and gos-
pei services. The missionary, or gospel.
movement has been in the field the long
est Its meetings are held for the most
part down on the business streets. where
the class of people they wish TO attract
is mostly 10 be found. Their methods are
not those OF any one particular faith, but
are Observation-Disclosures Their aim IS 10
attract the unfortunates.
The other class il that which holds
meetings in the circles and parks around
the city Their meetings are generally
similar 70 a regular church service. A
folding organ furnishes the music. while
q string and wind orchestra even has
been added at times There Is always
singing OF high order. while the sermon
is delivered by one of Washington's prom
inent pastors. To this class Of meetings
come those who might not otherwise at
tend church service i'm hot weather.
One OF the most familiar meetings of
the first type Is that held by the Cen
trail Union Mission Its gospel wagon
has become well known in the city and
may be seen outside the mission build
ing every evening during the summer
months. In speaking OF the work Of
the gospel wagon Mr.. o. Is. Brown.
chairman OF the board Of directors.
said:
Our idea is not 10 prove any Of the
fundamental doctrines of the Bible, but
only to teach men and women To use
what they already know and 10 apply
IT"
In speaking OF the attitude OF the
people toward these meetings Mr.
Brown continued:
There is never any disturbance. The
quiet is that OF a regular church serv-
ice. I have even seen young men very
evidently under the influence OF liquor
restrain themselves when they came
within hearing distance OF our meet
ings.'
The gospel wagon is considered TO be
among the largest. IL not the only one
or It's size in this country. II is drawn
BY four horses and accommodates
thirty-odd people. Arrangements are
such that there is room for choir and
an organ. There are sometimes as
many as ten I'm the choir. From the
gospel wagon practically every minis
ter In the city has at one time or an
other spoken, while prominent citizens
have also made addresses. In speaking
OF the work done by the mission Mr..
Brown told story of well known
senator.
Senator Redfield Proctor of Vermont.
before he died was attracted one evening
BY our meeting. He listened until the
conclusion and then left. Later he sent a
check for 500. stating that he had been
20 impressed with the work that he de-
sired 10 help the cause along.
Abreast OF the Central Union Mission
Is the Salvation Army. For many years
its meetings have been held at the
Franklin statue. 10th street and Penn
sylvania avenue. and at the drinking
fountain at Tth street and Pennsylvania
avenue. At both these places the sound