GIPSY SMITH’S VISIT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19719, 9 December 1926, Page 6

GIPSY SMITH’S VISIT

The opening of Gipsy Smith’s Mission in Wanganui to-night is an event that will appeal to a very large number of citizens. It is not, of course, to be supposed that even a mission run on such broad lines as this famous evangelist has adopted will claim the interest of all sorts and conditions of Christian men and women, for various churches very properly have their own ideas upon such matters and prefer their own ways to those of others. But the visit of the missioner affords an opportunity for combination on the part of what are called the evangelical churches in an effort to promote spiritual growth and vigour. No doubt they are glad of the opportunity and are endeavouring to put it to the best possible use so that it may encourage the steadfast church-goers to do still better and the less steadfast people to become more interested in serious things. For the community as a whole we may certainly count Gipsy Smith’s visit a privilege. It is not often in this country .that men of world-wide fame and reputation are seen and heard. Gipsy Smith, though of humble origin, has been associated, someone has said, with the kings and princes of the intellectual and religious world, and his gifts have proved him worthy of the place lie has attained. He has made it his work in life to give a message to his fellows—a message that is urgently needed in these days of religious laxity and lassitude, when so many of us appear to be so busy looking after our bodies that we are apt to forget our souls. A message that is capable of restoring the balance is worthy of attention.