SABBATH AT KIRKCALDY
The county, or ‘Kingdom” of Fife has been very earnest in its desire to obtain a visit from the American brethren and it will not be possible for them to comply with nearly all the requisitions sent in, as one brief week can only can be given to the shire. As the largest central population, Kirkcaldy had the two opening days of the week assigned to it and the meetings of Sabbath showed every indication of universal and genuine interest. At 9:30 in the morning the Bethelfield United Presbyterian Church was the scene of a splendid gathering of Christian workers, to whom Mr Moody gave the address which is briefly reported in a preceding column. During the forenoon the evangelists rested and in the afternoon they spoke to a large congregation in the Parish Church of Dysart, which is the northern end of “the lang toon.”
Sabbath evening services are not customary in the churches of Kirkcaldy and so all the people were free to be present, so far as space would allow, at the special Gospel meetings arranged for in the Parish Church and in the St Brycedale Free Church close by. Soon after 6 o’clock the Parish Church, where Mr Moody was to speak, was crowded out and the overflow was very speedily filled St Brycedale to the doors. Probably many hundreds went away disappointed. Mr Sankey, having sung his couple of solos to Mr Moody‘s vast audience, proceeded to the Free Church, where he sang again and also addressed the congregation, several ministers also taking part. At the close Mr Sankey conversed with a number in the church and found not a few who had either decided for Christ or anxiously seeking the way.
In the course of his powerful address, Mr Moody caused some sensation by his strong remarks on the whiskey cast. He cried aloud and spared not and when he saw that some of his audience looked very strange, he did not hesitate to say so. Would to God Scotchman had some of the patriotism of which Mr Moody speaks and which ought alone to prompt them to fight this national evil that seems to have laid its evil hands on every community in the old land of Bibles and covenants.
A great proportion of the audience stayed for the second meeting, and to them Mr Moody declared the way of life as plainly as words could make it. Then the workers spent some time in personal converse with those who were in soul anxiety. The Kirkcaldy friends, in concert with the Edinburgh committee, had been having special preparatory meetings, some of which are said to have been very fruitful. They have also arranged for following up by a week of services, conducted by Rev John Robertson of Glasgow. Mr Robertson, in the days before he was known to fame, was for some time engaged in school teaching in the "lang toon," and there are many who remember him in that capacity. Much interest will attach to his meetings.
From, "The Christian," January 21st, 1892.
During the past week events have moved so rapidly with the evangelists that it is not easy to keep pace with them. Monday found them holding, their last meeting in St Brycedale Free Church, Kirkcaldy. There was a good after-meeting, as well as a large prayer-meeting in the church. The meetings were followed up on the later evenings of the week by Rev John Robertson, of Glasgow, who had growing congregations in the Bethelfield United Presbyterian Church, and whose glowing Gospel addresses were greatly enjoyed. Whether or not the mission in Kirkcaldy will have its due effect depends on the local pastors and the heartiness with which they follow up the special effort. Of course, this applies to other places, but Kirkcaldy is a large scattered town and the mission was very brief, so that the work of gleaning will be essential if there is to be an adequate harvest.
From, "The Christian," January 28th, 1892.
The close of his recent labours in Kirkcaldy showed a very considerable muster-roll of professed conversions.Mr Smith is a well-equipped and vigorous worker, and God everywhere is owning his testimony and his teaching.
From, "The Christian," March 3rd, 1892.
THE FOLLOWING UP
it’s being vigorously sustained at different points. You have no space for detailed notes, but it may be said generally that in the meetings held by Messrs Smith and Bell at Wishaw, by Mr Richard Hill at Lesmahago, by Mr W J Taylor at Larkhall and by Mr J M Scroggie at Greenock, the word spoken has been with power and it is confidently believed that many have been led to the point of true spiritual decision. A large and interesting meeting of converts and workers was held on Wednesday evening last week at Kirkcaldy, despite the fact that that district was in the throes of a hot and many-cornered parliamentary election contest. Some interesting facts are to hand also respecting the work at Coatbridge. Mr Hutchinson of Coats Established Church reports that he has met with a dozen men in his own parish, who trace their conversion to the Sabbath evening meeting in the theatre. Gospel meetings are to be arranged for now in the theatre each Sabbath evening.
From, "The Christian," March 10th, 1892.