Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1912-01-17
THE REVIVAL MEETINGS.
Union Gospel Meetings at Marsh's
Hall Meeting With Success.
Close Next Sunday.

Last Sunday was the crowning day
in connection with the union meet
ings in progress at Marsh's hall. The
milder weather assured large audi
ence at each service. The day began
with union morning meeting at the
Methodist church, at which time
Evangelist Smith spoke upon "Oc-
casions of Backsliding." From his
years of experience he pointed out
the pitfalls, the principal one being
the removal of christian people from
one community to another, who leave
their christianity behind, or bury it
in a trunk or bureau drawer in the
form of church letter. To say he
handled the subject without gloves"
would be the truth. This service
was followed by a union Sunday
School, at which scores of older stu
dents in most thoughtful manner
decided for the christian life. At
mass meeting for men in the hall
at 800 p. m. the thrilling story of
railway engineer Mcclure was relat-
ed. 1t is certain it never will be
forgotten. At the same hour Mrs.
Simmons conducted prayer meet
ing for women at the Methodist
church. A great audience gathered
for the evening meeting at the hall.
Mr.. Smith delivered what many call
ed Ibis best to date" sermon upon
"The Greatest Question" During his
discourse he had some pointed things
to say regarding popular amuse-
ments." He did not attempt a stat
ed address, but nevertheless made
perfectly plain just where he stood
upon the subject. Some significant
things said were these: Every
evangelist is the mortal foe of these
things, because he is on the firing
line and knows which help and
hinder the church, and has been
forced to observe that they are a
curse to the church" Il have never
known a spiritually minded card
player or dancer" ''My whole de-
sire is to lead you to honestly in
vestigate from every angle, and not
to cram down you my views whether
or no." While many no doubt diff
fered with Mr.. Smith, all were de-
lighted with his kind and fair spirit,
a thing which marks all his work.
Tonight "wednesday Mr.. Smith
will speak upon Difficulties in the
Way" He announces it as his most
important subject to the non-chris-
tian. Byers, the railroad engineer,
will be present and assist in the SER
vice. One of the interesting features
will be that Mr.. Smith is to tell "A
Byers story" without the knowledge
of the latter. No one should miss it.
Thursday-The evangelists will
conduct a woman's meeting at the
congregational church at $3.50 p. m,
at which time Mr.. Smith will repeat
the win" Mcclure story of the res
cue of railway engineer. A rail-
road duet will be sung. "A Sure
Thing will be the subject at the
evening meeting.
Friday-At $3.50 p. m. the last
bible talk will be given at the Con-
gregational church, subject, "A
Christian Inventory" At 6:45 p. m.
young ladies meeting will be held
on the platform at Marsh's hall. In
the evening Mrs. Smith will speak
upon "A man loved by Christ, but
| lost
Sunday-Plans are on foot for
making next Sunday "the great day
of the feast" The following splen-
did meetings will be held: Union
morning service at the hall. Subject
"A Strong Man Mr.. Smith and
Miss Auchmoody will sing Porter's
"Oh, Jesus Thou Art Standing
Union Sunday School rally Prof
Colburn will be the superintendent
Confidential to men with Spanish
American war experiences, Marsh s
hall at 800 p. m. WOmen's meet
ing at the lecture room of Congre'
gational church at 800 p. m. lee
by Mrs. Lemen. Great farewell SER
vice at the hall at 700 p. IN. Mr.
Smith will have final word for all