Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1916-09-23

The story OIL aus. dui . --. = -.'5@s = :
told in the 9th chapter Of the Act
Of the Apostles, was selected as TN
subject Of his sermon at the tent .!
Rev. Gypsy Smith, jr., last evening g
The fact that the evangelist had
spent nine years of his life as
sailor previous to entering the min min
5 istry. enabled him to make use OF ap
and interesting illustrations, taker
from some of his own stormy exper
fences while onsthe sea, in describ
ing to his audience the importan
happenings which marked Paul,
eventful trip.And as if to assist in NAL
ing his description of the wind ant
storm which overlook the ship OF
which Paul was, still more reals
tic and impressive, nature took
Hand in the proceedings, when the
evangelist was in the midst of thai
part of his sermon and came on the
scene with real storm. The vino
(and it was a south wind, too, the
same kind the Bible tells us that
Paul experienced) began blowing
and was followed in few moments
by drenching downpour Of the
wettest kind Of rain. If the reader
has any doubt regarding the latter
statement, large number of people
whose word would be readily ac-
cepted in any court could be produced
who would verify the truth of it
and they might also be able to bring
forth this morning numerous arti-
cles such as coats, hats. gowns and
shoes still showing the effects Of the
storm, as further evidence.
IN the most exciting part Of the
ageeAer,4 TIE :e.s:a=: ~
clydon, which overlook the ship on
the Mediterranean, what seemed to
be an euroclydon struck the tent. The
wind. for a short time. "blew great
guns lightning flashed and rain
poured down in torrents. The roar
of the elements and the swaying OF
the tent naturally caused alarm to
many, and numbers arose from their
seats and started towards the exits.
The more composed members of the
large crowd counselled all to remain
in their seats, alleging there was no
danger, although aware of the fact
that there was cause for apprehen-
sion-not, however, SO much from the
elements but from panicky conduct
on the part ,of some in the assemb-
lage which was likely to cause a
stampede. The evangelist grasped
the situation at once. stopped preach
ing, and started the choir to singing
a hymn. The effect was magical, and
the congregation joined heartily in
the singing, while the storm was
roaring, the rain coming through
the tent and the electric lights going
out. Ali the electric lights but one
became "short-circuited" and went
out. Occasionally. some of the au-
dience would manifest anxiety, but
some pleasant remarks on the part. OF
bystanders would nip the tremors ir
the bud and bring smiles to the faces
of the anxious ones. The assembly
was animated by the spirit of the
songs which included "Dixie" "The
Star-spangled Banner" and "Co
lumbia the Gem of the Ocean," which
followed the gospel hymns.
Fortunately for all concerned, nc
serious accident occurred and al
though many people were given q
bath with their clothes on free OF
charge, all got away safely
The High school students were pres
ent in body, $50 strong, part O
them appearing in uniform. They gave
their yells for evangelist Smith, th'
High school and Professors Blantor
and Motley who were also with them
Their flags and colors were given ;
prominent place on the platform. AM
how they. all sang! There was also {
delegation in attendance from tn
Washington Y. M. C.. A.
PrayeR was offered by the Rev
Kensey. Johns Hammond of St. steph
ems church, Culpeper, following whic'
came the sermon. which, as abov
stated, Mr.. Smith was compelled to Gu
short on account of the storm. !
is possible he may deliver the SCI
mon he intended to have preache
last night on Friday evening mex
therefore the Gazette withholds fror
its columns today any further refe,,
ence to his remarks of last nigh,