The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1916-04-20
Big MEETINGS CLOSED
Sunday NIGHT with Over 500 Con-
yerts. 81 Converts Sunday.
Thank Offering was $3.50.

yerts. 81 Converts Sunday.
Thank Offering was $3.50.
The Harper meetings at the big
tabernacle, which have been running
continuously for five weeks, came to
a close Sunday at midnight, with the
greatest demonstrative service ana
harvest of converts of any service
during the whole campaign. In all,
there were fifty-four men and women
and children who answered the ap-
peal Of Mr.. Harper and went forward
when the invitation was given. Even
the lateness of the hour seemed not
to abate the zeal of the personal
workers or discourage the unchris-
tian folks, who fingered, and the line
.of converts formed in front OF the
platform continued to grow until 1t
extended one-third of the way back
on the north and south alsles. 1t
certainly proved to be fruitful re-
ward to the heroic and untiring ef-
fort of Mr.. Harper and all the other
christian workers.
The meeting Sunday evening be-
gan with lengthy program. With
the big tabernacle crowded to the
doors and many standing, the meet
ing opened with splendid song and
praise service. The '"Big Swede' and
his choir were at their best and the
OLD tabernacle rang with mighty
Chorus Mrs. Lloyd Smith and little
Miss Marguerite Adair, each sang
special selections to the delight OF
the big audience. Following spirit
Ell testimonial service in which many
told of the benefit the meetings had
been to themselves, personally and to
Leon, pledges were called for as a
thank Offering to be used by the
Fairfield Gospel Team in educating
young men for the ministry. Many
expressed regret that they could not
give money, personally, to Mr.. Harp
er for his unmeasured services and
time during the meetings. But Mr..
Harper will not accept penny Tor
his time and service and has all the
money which is received above the
actual expense of the campaign, sent
direct to the president OF the team,
Mr.. C, w. Wade, merchant of Fair
field. Mr.. Harper is greatly inter
ested in assisting young men VINO
aspire to the ministry, and that is the
only way in which anyone can per-
sonally express their appreciation by
giving money to Mr.. Harper is by
contributing to this fund for the edu-
cation of young men for the ministry.
At the morning service two hundred
and seven dollars were received by
pledges and the plate collection. IN
the evening pledges We're cont1nueu
and more than two hundred and hfty.
dollars were received. The total
amount for the three services OF the
day were four hundred and eighty
dollars. It's very probable that the
amount will reach the five hundred
mark when the final report is made
next Monday. The total cost OF the
tabernacle and the expense OF the
campaign, including the salary OF
helpers and entertainment amount to
about $11OO. This latter sum was
raised by the end of the second week
of the meetings. People were loath
to leave the services Sunday evening.
Personal workers were busy all the
while and sinners continued to hit
the saw dust trail until the final bene-
diction at midnight. There were
many requests for the meetings to
continue another week, but Mr. Harp
er had staid one week longer than
dL ulSL plduuOU anu AO ACAI IAo~S AN
could not stay longer. There Is a
movement on with local men to hold
the tabernacle as a public assembly
hall during the summer and fall. II
this does not succeed the tabernacle
will be torn down and the lumber
sold in lots Mr.. Julian Harris do
mated the use OF the lots during the
meetings.
The four hundred and ninety-seven
converts and fifty-four re-consecra-
tions, during the campaign, does not
tell the full value of the meetings. 1t
has undoubtedly been Leon's greatest
religious campaign. 1t has quicken
ed and stimulated the churches and
brought forth response from all
classes of the Leon people. 1t did re-
markable work in the schools of the
city. While the meetings did not
enlist all of our people and while
some did not fully agree with Mr..
Harper, yet no one could doubt his
sincerity and that he did what he be-
lieved to be the best for the cause.
The faces of Mr.. Harper, Mr.. Scott,
Mr.. Daggett and Mrs. Lanning will be
much missed by the Leon people.
They all worked zealously and great
ly endeared thmselves to the Leon
people. The Fairfield Gospel Team
certainly has splendid working
force in Harper, Scott and Daggett.
Mr.. Harper has executive ability,
quick in speech and action, always
holding the attention of his audience.
Mr.. Scott, The Big Swede,'' is al
ways there in all his glory and elicits
an eager response whether or not
he is singing solo or leading
chorus by that big hand and foot ac-
tion of his. While Mr.. Daggett is not
so prominent in the public work, yet
he fills place peculiarly his own and
most acceptably too. His ever smil-
ing, beaming countenance is a gen
uine greeting to all. Besides the.
work at the tabernacle, much work
has been done by these men in stores,
offices, shops and on the street and in.
the homes.
The president of the Fairfield
team, Mr.. c.. w. Wade, was in the