Towhead Parish Church (1874)



A series of four meetings in Townhead Parish carrying on the work of God. Church was inaugurated by our friends on the evening of Tuesday, 31st March. The church was crowded to overflowing, there being about 1,600 people present. The Rev. Robert Howie of Free St. Mary's, Govan, preached a stirring and impressive discourse, which was listened to with rapt attention; Mr Sankey sung some of his beautiful hymns and then addressed the large audience in an earnest and impressive manner. In response to his urgent appeal, upwards of one hundred persons remained to the after meeting.

On Wednesday evening the church was again crowded, many being unable to gain admission. Mr Moody addressed the large audience from the last clause of the 22d verse of the 3d chapter of Romans, - This is the spirit in which we regard
we are glad."For there is no difference," -and his earnest and simple declaration of the gospel made a wonderful impression
upon his hearers; every word seemed to be eagerly listened to. After his address, he invited anxious inquirers to remain for conversation, when nearly 150 responded to his call. I shall never forget the appearance of those who left the church for the inquiry room, - strong men weeping like children, husbands leading their wives, and wives leading their husbands--all anxious to obtain a blessing. On Thursday evening the church was again full. The Rev. James Johnstone of Free St. James presided and delivered a most practical and stirring address. Our dear friend Mr Sankey was also with us, and the impression produced by the way in which he sung the gospel (for such it is well called), and the way in which he addressed the large audience, will not easily be effaced from the recollection of those who were privileged to be present. From 80 to 90 persons remained to the after meeting. On Friday evening the church was densely packed more than an hour before the time for beginning the service. Mr Moody presided, and gave one of the most eloquent discourses I ever heard on the words of our Lord to Nicodemus, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.' The impression produced on the audience by his stirring appeals was wonderful. Strong men in every part of the church were weeping like children. At the close, he requested all who were anxious to remain, when more than 150 did so. At the after-meeting, Mr Moody was assisted by the Rev. James Wells of the Free Barony, and other ministers who were present, and I feel convinced that much real good was done. Being anxious to know the actual results of these meetings, I last Sabbath intimated from the pulpit that I should be glad to meet with those who during the previous week had found peace with God, or who were anxious as to their religious condition. The meeting took place in my church hall on Monday evening. I requested my neighbour, the Rev Mr Murdoch of Blochairn Free Church who was associated with me in the work of the previous week, and whose church was also full each night, to be present, and he very kindly attended and took part in one of the most wonderful meetings I ever attended. One after another stood up and declared that they had been enabled, by the mercy of God, to dedicate themselves to Christ, and were now rejoicing in the peace of the gospel. Time would not permit all to speak, and we requested all who had thus decided for Christ to stand up, when 58 men and women at once rose to their feet, and I know of many more who were unable to be present. It was agreed that the converts should meet once a week, with the view of aiding each other in
carrying on the work of God.

It was also arranged that a ladies' meeting should be held once a week; and I have no doubt that, with God's blessing, much more good will be done. 

"Times of Blessing," APRIL 18TH, 1874.

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The spire is all that is left.


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