MAMMOTH MASS MEETINGS by Benjamin G. Wilkinson

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · May 9, 1916

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 43, No. 19.

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MAMMOTH MASS MEETINGS

By Benjamin G. Wilkinson

IN PITTSBURGH

GREAT CONCOURSES OF PEOPLE SEEK A SATISFACTORY EXPLANATION OF THESE TROUBLOUS TIMES

By BENJAMIN G. WILKINSON

Sunday, March 12

WE were all anxious, wondering if the times were propitious for a good audience. There were to be many mass meetings throughout the city.

If the environs are counted, the population of Pittsburgh is about one million. We had looked the town over to find a hall to which to call the public. There was none available. We took the newspapers, and looked over the list of theaters. One by one, our chances began to disappear. Finally we called up the Pitt Theater. It is one of the best and largest in the city, and the most modern. It has a beautiful pipe organ, of a make of which there are only three in North America — one in Denver, one in Seattle, and one in Pittsburgh, the one in Pittsburgh being the largest of the three.

Mr. Patch, the manager of the theater, wanted to know for what we desired it. We said, "To hold a mammoth religious meeting Sunday night." He asked us to come down the next morning at eleven o'clock to see him. So we went.

WORLD WAR A SUBJECT OF PROPHECY

After we were ushered into his office, the manager desired to know for what purpose this big meeting would be held. We told him, "For religious purposes." Then he asked us if we were going to "pound" other denominations. We replied, "Mr. Patch, we believe that this great war now involving Europe is a subject of prophecy, and we want to tell the people of Pittsburgh about it."

"Well, gentlemen," he said, "if that is your object, I am with you, for I believe the lesson of this war is an awful one. I think the American people are supinely indifferent to the terrible train of events. I am a born American, and have traveled all over the world; but I think that we people in the United States are the most luxurious and pleasure-loving, and unless something is done, we are in for a terrible thrashing."

I said to him, "My dear sir, this condition of affairs is exactly what is prophesied in the Scriptures; and we desire to set forth not only the prophecy — the prediction — but also the fulfillment." He replied: "Very well. I usually rent this theater for $100 a night, but I will let you have it for $75. Moreover, I shall be glad to publish an account of your meetings in my little theatrical journal, and help you on."

We rented the theater, and announced our opening meeting under the title, "The Call to Arms — Is America Yet to Be Involved?" Arthur G. Daniells, president of the General Conference, had been requested to present the subject of the evening.

We reached the theater by six o'clock. The crowd was waiting before the doors. By seven o'clock, the place was filled; and although, according to our announcement, we should not begin until about 7:45, we decided to begin at 7:20. Before the address of the evening was given, a request was made of the audience for an offering to help defray expenses, and they responded with $131.45. A remarkable interest was manifested during the entire program, and many expressions of approval were heard. After the address was over, we stated that all who would hand in their names on little slips of paper, would receive a copy of the lecture of the evening. We obtained the names and addresses of seven hundred people.

Sunday, March 19

WOULD the people come again? The topic for the night was, "Armageddon, or, Changing the Map of the World." Again we were favored with extra help. Dr. Irving J. Morgan, who is organist for John Wanamaker at Philadelphia, had kindly offered to play for us. He was formerly organist of Trinity Episcopal Church, and director of music in the Pittsburgh University. After the St. Louis exposition, Mr. Wanamaker purchased the big pipe organ that was there, which is considered the largest of the world, to install in his big store at Philadelphia. Dr. Morgan was called from Pittsburgh to take charge of Wanamaker's musical interests, and to be organist for the big organ.

By 6:30, the auditorium was filled. We had been able to seat nearly three thousand people, and about one thousand had been turned away. All the boxes were filled with people who would recognize the value of the subject considered. Mr. Daniells presented his theme forcibly, backed by quotations from eminent authorities. We could all see that the audience was being instructed.

The call for an offering resulted again in a donation of $132. About eight hundred more people passed in their names and addresses, asking that the lecture of the evening be sent to them. Among these names we note those of three ministers and many prominent business men. It is apparent that the people are coming to hear something that they desire to hear. This great audience, which packed the theater, occupying every seat and all available standing room, stayed throughout the program, nobody leaving.

Sunday, April 2

WE were unable to secure the theater for the Sunday night previous, it having been secured ahead of us; but according to promise, Elder A. G. Daniells returned the night of April 2, to address again the Pittsburgh public. Having had a break of one week, and things being not so propitious, we wondered whether there would be any audience; but by seven o'clock, not only the main auditorium, but the second gallery, was filled, with some in the

third gallery. In all, it was an audience of about one thousand seven hundred people.

The Lord greatly blessed Elder Daniells in the presentation of his theme. The subject of the address was, "After the War — What?" The Spirit of God came into the audience. Evidently the speaker, realizing that this was the last night he could be there, felt called to speak more directly, in a heart-to-heart fashion, with his audience, especially as in the last moment he dwelt upon the vital value of a moment of probation. There was a tender feeling throughout the building.

COMPLICATIONS IN THE FAR EAST

After the meeting, many kind expressions were heard in reference to the address of the evening. The collection from the audience amounted to $84.63. Some friends a little later raised the amount to $95. No special effort was made to call for names that night, but a large number of people passed in their names and addresses to receive the lectures of the two previous evenings.

We regret that through miscarriage of manuscript, these lectures had not yet appeared. An explanation was made to the public, so that they might not think we were dilatory or negligent.

We deeply regretted that Elder Daniells could not be secured to carry on the Sunday meetings. However, as he had made previous appointments throughout Maine, the brethren decided to select a substitute speaker and see if the work could in some way be carried on. So announcement was made that on Sunday night, April 9, the president of the Columbia Union Conference would endeavor to continue the theme of the past three nights, his subject being, "Complications Now Arising in the Far East Which Threaten the Permanent Peace of the World — A Bible Prediction."

Sunday, April 9

THERE was now a change of speakers. Easter oratorios and cantatas were being given in all the churches. Would the public now cease to favor us with their presence? Public notices, as on the three previous occasions, were printed in the leading newspapers, announcing both the subject and the speaker. We were also glad to announce again the presence with us of Dr. Morgan, from Philadelphia, who had volunteered to return and assist further.

By 6:30, the main auditorium and the second gallery were filled. Before Dr. Morgan began his pipe organ prelude at seven o'clock, the people began to come into the third gallery. Some of the theater men calculated that there was an audience of about two thousand people; and this great audience sat throughout the two-hour program, none leaving before the close.

Considerable Scripture was used in the presentation of the theme of the evening. Attention was called not only to the Bible as the greatest piece of literature in stirring the ideals and spirit of men, but also to the vital importance of the book of Revelation. Like the beautiful tile roof to a fine mansion, so the prophecies of the book of Revelation make a splendid termination to the sacred canon of the Scriptures. The Apocalypse, it was said, is the observation car to the train of time that sweeps down the track of centuries; it is the deep and far-reaching background of history; it is the grand finale to the game of life.

This evening, the audience responded with a donation of over $112. Nearly three hundred persons handed in requests for literature, that they might read somewhat on the subject matter of the evening. The speaker and his coworkers left the platform while the last double quartet was singing, and passed

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Mammoth Mass Meetings in Pittsburgh

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down around the aisles, to take their place in front of the three great doors, and shake hands with the people as they should file out.

THE PEOPLE WANT THE BIBLE

It was inspiring to see the large crowds coming down the staircases and out through the different aisles. They reached forth their hands with expressions of friendship, and with many kind words for the truths to which they had listened. Also a large number of the friends of Dr. Morgan surrounded him and expressed their high appreciation for his splendid renderings. Many said they had never before heard such things as they had heard from that platform the last four Sunday nights.

Although the printed lectures of Elder Daniells arrived only the Thursday preceding the last Sunday night, they were mailed that night. The day following, some of the coworkers visited those who had sent in their names. On every hand, they met with expressions of approval and pleasure. And the universal testimony was that the people wanted the Bible. They want to know what these things mean from the standpoint of the divine Book.

Personal workers calling upon the people in their homes, report some wonderful experiences. Truly the Lord is working upon the hearts of honest searchers after truth. To one of these personal workers was handed fifty dollars to help meet the expenses of the work. There is need for a broad mind and a broad faith. The time has come to work; and if we move on, and keep pace with the angels of God, He will open the way.

Truly the hour has come when the truth of God should not be presented simply in a corner. The public is waiting. Where are the workers who will combine to attempt great things for God, and expect great things from God?

IN the wearing of ornaments, the principle of inverse ratio holds good: The less one has of real inner beauty, the more he displays of artificial decoration. The rings, the bracelets, the jewels, are, generally speaking, sure evidence of emptiness of character. "The ornament of a meek and quiet spirit" usually has no fellowship with external display.