AT THE DOCKS.
On Wednesday evening, last week, the evangelists had arranged to hold two services at Lady Ashburton's Mission Halls: at Manor Way, North Woolwich, and the Custom House, Victoria Docks. Their visit was eagerly looked forward to, and at both places large throngs gathered to hear them, many being disappointed of gaining admission.
The Hall at Manor Way, which is a branch of the work at the Custom House, is only seated to accommodate 300, but on this occasion the seats were re-arranged so as to accommodate a considerable number more, in addition to which there was a large congregation outside the building, listening to the evangelists through the open doors and windows.
Mr Sankey was only able to sing two solos, as he had to proceed to the other meeting at the Custom House. Mr Moody gave a very earnest and telling gospel address. At the close the workers had some interesting cases of inquirers, and several, we believe, were gathered into the Good Shepherd's fold.
At the Custom House, meantime, a much larger audience had gathered and were patiently awaiting the arrival of the evangelists. The intervening time had been filled up by the hearty singing of hymns from "Songs and Solos," with a number of short, earnest prayers, and an address by Mr E. W. Matthews, Secretary of the British and Foreign Sailors' Society, with which the Mission is affiliated. Mr Sankey first sang "Throw out the lifeline!" There were a good many sailors in the audience who readily understood the significance of the song, lustily joined in the chorus. Mr Sankey then sang "The Ninety and Nine," and offered prayer. He specially prayed that some of the men present might have manly courage to come out for Christ, not fearing the taunts and sneers of their mates, but standing up boldly for the Master. By the time he had finished singing "Then shall my heart keep singing.". Mr Moody had arrived, and at once commenced his exhortation, which was listened to with the deepest attention. Towards the close he urgently pleaded for immediate decision. He closed the meeting praying that some of sin's captives there might be set free, and that the fetters that bound them might be broken.
It was late when the gathering broke up, but still a number went into the inquiry rooms, and before leaving several testified both by their joyful words and happy faces that they had entered on the new and better life. The visit of the evangelists to the region of the Docks, brief though it was, will not readily be forgotten.
From, "The Christian," June 9th,1892.
I think the Customs House was near to where the marker is.