A MINISTER’S IMPRESSIONS

Hokitika Guardian, 27 August 1929, Page 2

A MINISTER’S IMPRESSIONS

OF AMY M AGP HER SON ’ S SUNDAY*

SERVICE

PALMERSTON N., Aug. 24

An interesting impression of the American evangelist, Mrs Amy MacPlierson, and her “Temple,” is given by Mr H. G. Clark, M.A., tyTinister of the Church of Christ, Dominion Road, Auckland, in a paper which lie has written, on “-Striking Church Methods in America.” Mr Clark has seen a great deal of American Church life.

‘'The audience was an exceedingly large one—over 5000,” writes Mr Clark, “and all seemed to he having a hectic time. When Amy made a gesture to illustrate a- line in a song they would imitate her. For instance, ‘Wave the Answer Back to Heaven,’ was being sung, and Amy waved her Handkerchief, and in a moment everybody was doing it. Amy seeemed to lie having a game of ‘Simon Says.’ 1 was sitting on a step—all the seats were taken and an usher nearby seemed amazed that I didn’t do what Amy indicated. I asked her why she did it. She said it helped in the service. It helped to entertain me, I suppose, and indicated how like children a group of adults can be. I can appreciate children po nting- rip as they sing the word, ‘Heaven,’ hut adults ! I am reminded that ‘Except ye be converted and become like little children ye shall nowise enter into the kingdom of heaven.’ ” “The choir was entirely female,” ■says Mr Clark. “They had bells which they rang in hymns like ‘Ring the Bells of Heaven.’ There was a free use of stage coloured light, and Amy eventually stood there with a shadow over the choir and orchestra. She spoke simply and earnestly. She lias a wonderful personality, and, I foH was a genius of stagecraft. No wonder all the ‘picture’ companies have sought her. Her ability as an organiser cannot bo denied. This building with its massive dome painted like the sky, with its own wireless station and splendid equipment in every direction, is a tribute to that fact.”