HICKSON MISSION.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 January 1924, Page 1

HICKSON MISSION.

[nv TF.r.Ec.RArn —ter tress association.] INVERCARGILL, Jan. 22

Tremendous interest was focussed on the Church of St. .John Divine this morning, where the healing mission conducted by Mr Hickson was continued. At an early hour patients and others interested began to arrive, and by 10 o’clock the big church was filled with sufferers and those accompanying them. There was no confusion, everything being perfectly organised, the arrangements being carried out quietly and without delay. Nurses and other attendants took charge of those requiring assistance. Cot cases and those in chairs were taken up to the front of the choir stalls, others being seated in the body of ihe church and in tlie transepts of the Lady lTiapc-1. When the service commenced at 10..10 the building was completely, filled, and a hundred outside, though unable lo obtain admission, -fayed to watch Luc patients mid attendants moving quietly between the church and the various rest tents, which gave the gi'.-on lawns the appearance of a hospital camp. Tn the church itseli, hundreds of people waited in quid patience, and expectancy. The faces of young and old radiant with hope, could he seen amongst those who awaited Ihe laving on of bands. Nurses in white, whose countenances reflected some of the fervent enthusiasm of those to whom they ministered, moved about soundlessly. The reverent atmosphere in which the Inigo gathering waited made a deep impression. The service took the form of praying, the singing of a hymn and preparatory address by Mr Hickson, in which he emphasised the importance of prayer and faith. At the conclusion of his address, .Mr Hickson, preceded by one of the clergy, who took the patients’ cards and told him the nature of the various complaints, moved round the pews containing those unable to walk, and laid his hands on each with a prayer for their relief, both in body and in mind. Bishop Richards followed and pronounced the benedict ion over each patient. When all these cases had been administered to. a party of clergy moved to the sanctuary and a long line of pathetic figures, all with a gleam of hope upon their luces, knelt in turn along the altar railings, and all received the laying on of hands, with a prayer for their recovery, moving out after the Bishop or another of ihe clergy hail pronounced the benediction. The pealing of the organ and steady muffled tread of patients’ feet were the only sounds, everything being carried out in an orderly milliner, without any undue waiting or nervous strain. When the whole (!()() odd cases had been dealt with, a -hint service was held for nurses, stewards and intercessors. So far no eases in which dramatic cures have been effected have been rejKirted. .Many patients declare that they are considerably relieved in both mind and body, and it may be expected that results in regard to physical healing may follow. The patients dealt with to-day numbered jie.t over (100, coming from all parts of Southland. To-morrow another I JO! I residents in the town of Invercargill will he presented.