Arizona republican., 1914-03-03
HUNDREDS IN
 FIRST SERVICE
Initial Meeting of Great Union Revival Held In Converted Skating Rink Last Night. Big Chorus Choir Planned

Four hundred and fifty people -at- great evangelistic union meeting hich was opened last evening in the skating rink on First and Monroe streets last night. The deterrnina : ton of the churches to have a big meeting, which shall run for a full month, and to make that meeting a success was well demonstrated at the gathering The men who have been engaged for the services did not ar rive, but this made no hitch in the proceedings. Rev. Dr. Sims of Cen tral Methodist church preached the first sermon, and the congregational singing led by Dr. J. c. Norton was as enthusiastic as any that has been heard here. Because of the possibil- ity that Brown and Curry, who are to conduct the revival for the churches will not arrive, the services will not be postponed awaiting their arrival for a single night, but each evening services vii be held. This evening in the event that Brown and Curry do not arrive, Rev. Claude C. Jones of the First Christian church will preach.
 There remains yet some work to be done in converting the big skat- ing rink into an auditorium. One thousand chairs have been secured fnr h., aIn fs.,. the big chorus choir that Prof. Curry will direct. Should this not be enough, the arrangement has been made for enough more chairs to make the audience reach 2000.
 Excitement is a necessary part of every revival.'' Thus spoke Rev. w. J. sims at the opening service of the night. Tt is not true that the church is out of sympathy with the man away from God. Prayers are going up from hundreds of Christian hearts tonight for the lost and unsaved of Phoenix. Our expectations have been set high. The influence of this re- viVal vii be felt throughout the state It will mean a better and cleaner Phoenix and do much to bring right to all the great Southwest We are seeking in a spirit of love all who GO not know Jesus Christ-the basest sinner, the most self satisfied busi- ness man, the tenderest child. We lave put our trust in God and are l looking for great results" Such was the enthusiastic tone with which Rev. l MT. Sims opened the services that are to continue nightly for a month or more.
 At a meeting of the ministers Of tn city yesterday morning, it was | decided not to postpone the revival, | but to open last night with a rous- | ing song and conservation service un- der the leadership of pr. J. c. Norton and Rev w. J. Sims.
 Rev. R. C. Harker, chairman of the ministerial alliance, opened the re- vival campaign with prayer. Rev. | MT. Sims, who spoke on the nature and privileges of revivals. was fol- lowed by a strong appeal from Rev. | H. M Campbell for earnest conse- | Crated prayer on the part of all ! Christian men and women for the success of the meeting. Other minis
 ters and laymen followed with short l talks and prayers.
 | Professor w. T. Boyd sang f+Are
 You of the Ninety and Nine" a song of his own composition.
 l Dr. Harker made the announcement | that it was doubtful whether or not
 Brown and Curry would be able tC
 reach Phoenix in time for the service I tonight. In case they do not, Rev c | c. Jones, of the Christian church will have charge It is possible that the evangelists will arrive in time 1 for the service, but in any case there
 vii be a service and special singing