Practical Bible Training School - Theologue Yearbook (Johnson City, NY)

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He Lived 1: or Otlaerru 25 power of Christ to save, to keep and to satisfy. Hun- dreds of people have often taken part in this man- ner and it has been frequently found that men and women who had not spoken for years in public opened their mouths in confession of Christ. Often men and women have made their first profession of Christ as Saviour in just such moments as these. This indeed is a favorite method of Mr. Davis of curing what he called a Christian's heart trouble, and experience has shown that it is an excellent method for developing Christians for active service. One of the most inspiring incidents in the after- meetings was his means of a voluntary choir. At these times hundreds of men, who knew the Lord, were called from the audience and massed on the platform where they were led by Singer Mills in singing such old favorites as Nearer My God to Thee' 'and Rock of Agesf' Such services were al- ways impressive and many great audiences have been thrilled. A deep spirit of devotion always pervaded these services. Among the singers oftimes there was a gray-haired saint of God and as he sang these hymns of praise tears coursed down his cheeks and his face bespoke his devotion to his Lord. On many of these occasions the audience sat spell-bound, only to break out into enthusiastic applause as the sound of the hymn died away. A service in which marked interest has been shown and a service that Mr. Davis has made famous throughout the country is the tenderly beautiful Pink Rose Service. Much space could be devoted to a de- scription of this, but instead we will read what the reporter had to say about it as it was given in the city of Latrobe, Pennsylvania. The afternoon service was such as no one ever witnessed in this place. Long before two o'clock the people crowded around the door of the rink waiting for the opening. Hundreds and hundreds were there and how they sang while waiting for the doors to be thrown open. The hundreds of voices rang out with the re- vival hymns as the crowd patiently waited for the opening, and when the doors were opened, such a crush resulted that it took the combined efforts of Evangelist Harrington and an enlarged corps of ushers to preserve any kind of order. Inside the rink, in a short time every space in the gallery, on the floor, the platform and every conceivable place was utilized for seats. On the platform sat the choir with the ladies dressed in white and the men in black, while each member of the choir wore a beautiful pink rose. The scene was one of beauty, seldom witnessed. It was a remark- able service and much interest was displayed. Mr. Davis read the story of Delia and the choir sang with spirit and in harmony. The story was of the rescue of a fallen woman named Delia, through the efforts of Mrs. E. M. Whit- temore, and the music was especially written for the story. The service will always be remembered as one of the greatest ever held in this city. THE CLOSING SERVICE AT THE RINK l'With the song of beautiful sentiment, God Be With You Till We Meet Again, poured forth from about two thousand throats with such volume that the words could be distinctly heard several blocks away, while the very rafters of the building seemed to tremble, the great series of evangelistic meetings which had been under way for five weeks past were brought to a close at eleven o'clock last evening, evangelists and people joining together in the song which assumed special significance in view of the near departure of the former. Davis and Mills were untiring and ceaseless in their efforts to promote the cause of Christ. No matter where they went they endeavored to leave a testimony with those with whom they came in con- tact. The incident has been recalled where the whole party was visiting a coal mine in Pennsylvania and when they had penetrated far into the bowels of the earth, Mr. Davis conceived the idea of holding a short religious service. Can you imagine the effect that this service had upon the miners? It was so different that the newspaper reporter the next day sent dispatches all over the country telling of this unique service. Below is an excerpt from one of the write-ups concerning it. Echoing and re-echoing through the headings, rounding the ribs into the rooms, breaking through the impenetrable darkness of the Atlantic Crushed Coke Company's mine at Bradenville, yesterday, there was wafted the sweet refrain of the now familiar hymn, fGod Will Take Care of You.' Miners wielding their picks against the walls of coal stilled their blows and with picks poised over head listened for the words which reverberated through the mine, striking the inky-black walls and glancing off into new corners and sections of the mine. Drivers halted their mules and stood silent, upon the tracks, while men driving headings, about to shoot the solid, held the electric spark from the squibs so that there might be no deafening intona- tion of a dynamite explosion to interrupt the refrain which met their ears. The characteristic principle of Dr. Davis' entire life of living for others was greatly manifested in his evangelistic efforts. During his campaign in Altoona, Pennsylvania, because of adverse business conditions, hundreds of men were deprived of posi- tions and as a result, many families were in great need. Their circumstances appealed strongly to Mr. Davis and upon his suggestion the executive com- mittee of the campaign set aside one night, during which supplies of flour, sugar, canned goods, pota- So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure. Il Thess. 1:4.

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22 He Lived For OtlJerJ ' of the time when the great fair was held in Seattle, Washington. Evangelist Davis had been informed that no religious meeting could be held on the fair grounds. But he was a man who never stopped at oddssif he couldn't do things in an ordinary way he was bound to do them in an extraordinary one. After praying much about it and getting God's ap- proval, he consulted the people of the church where he was holding his campaign. All plans were in readiness for a service. The time chosen was a pe- riod when everyone was interested in looking at the side-shows and other attractions always presented the sole purpose of studying the Welsli Revival which was at that time sweeping, not only the entire Brit- ish Isles but was reaching into the adjacent countries of Europe. Evangelist Davis always tried to get his congre- gation to participate in the services. He firmly be- lieved that if he could break down the flesh and get the minds of the people from themselves, that the Spirit of God would have a greater right-of-way in their lives. One of the methods effectively used, most enthus- AN AUDITORIUM DURING ONE OF EVANGELIST DAVIS' CAMPAIGNS at a fair of this sort, and the problem was to draw the people so that they could preach to them. Evan- gelist Davis walked down the main street and, jump- ing upon a platform erected for some side-show, he began shouting at the top of his voice. Mr. Mills came running from another direction, Mr. Carr from still another, and the people of the congregation came pouring in from all around. In just no time at all a huge crowd congregated in front of the plat- form and a wonderful service followed in which God marvelously owned and blessed His W'ord. One may wonder how it was that after attracting the crowd by parades and in other unusual ways, that Dr. Davis could hold their attention-even more, promote a greater interest night after night throughout a campaign. The fact was Mr. Davis through his search and study of the many and varied methods of great and mightily used men of God had developed a style and method entirely original, distinct and unique. The instance has been brought to mind when Evangelist Davis crossed the Atlantic to Wales, for iastically received, and perhaps with the greatest re- sults was his popcorn meeting. Mr. Davis first explained how corn could not be popped over a re- frigerator, but over a fire. Now warm-up was a characteristic expression, and the people always heart- ily responded. Quickly and from all over the house, the main auditorium and the galleries, people arose and in a short concise manner they earnestly told of the blessings that the meetings had been to their own lives and of their love and devotion for the Lord jesus Christ. As many as 225 have taken part in these meetings in eighteen minutes, while applause, laughter and tears punctuated the different testi- monies. His after-meetings were unexcelled for variety of program and results. One of the evangelist's plans was to have what he called a line-up of Christians. He asked for all those who were not ashamed of Christ to raise their hands. Upon response to this question he requested those who professed the Name of Christ to step out into the aisle, form a line and march down to the front of the church auditorium. There they gave a clear and forceful witness of the When two quarrel, there are two in the wrong.

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24 He Lived For Olberff' toes and other necessities were received. The response to this suggestion was gratifyingg over a ton and a half of flour was received besides great quantities of other necessities. When these were distributed to those in dire need they were gratefully received. Another evidence of the thoughtfulness of Mr. Davis was the request for cut flowers and potted plants for the shut-ins. Many beautiful fiowers of every description were brought for the distribu- tion, many hearts were gladdened, and many sick- rooms made more cheery as a result of this thought- fulness. A marked feature of all the campaigns was the utter lack of begging for funds. While Evangelist Davis adhered strictly to business methods and be- lieved in the prompt settlement of all obligations, his trust in God carried him along and almost uni- versally he left the question of financial support in the background. He believed that if he did his best that God would prompt the people to do their best for the furtherance of the Gospel. Many church members and others who have been in his campaigns, yet recall numerous beautiful in- cidents. Many could tell of the time when Mr. Davis on behalf of the trustees or other officials presented the pastor of the church where he was holding his campaign, with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Many times in practically every field where he labored for Christ this scene was enacted, and while the flowers have faded and the fragrance gone, yet the memory of the Christian act still remains. VI. AND IT CAME TO PASS Mark 1:9. It was in the early summer of 1900 that Rev. john A. Davis sent a notice to the various churches in Binghamton and vicinity to the effect that he was about to organize a Bible class which would meet evenings in a hall room over a store, at the corner of Arch and Main Streets, Lestershire, New York. Between eighty and ninety people came to this first class. They all were believers, more or less in- terested in learning how better to study the Bible. The class was called together by Mr. Davis. After brief introductory remarks, he gave the first lecture. The succeeding sessions were carried on in much the same general way. Mr. Davis was the only teacher for the term. The attendance grew, until there were about one hundred and twenty students in the class. The subjects taught were those in which Mr. Davis was a master, namely, How to use the Bible g Book Summaryng Personal Work g and some in- troductory studies in Doctrine. That summer some evenings were cool and pleas- while others were hot and sultry. However, attendance never dropped nor did the interest throughout the whole period. God had need a school and He inspired Mr. Davis to make start, and He took care of the interest and the ant the flag for this attendance and gave Mr. Davis students to work with from the very beginning. Mr. Davis' teaching was so inspirational, so absorbing in every detail, that it mattered not whether the evening was sultry or pleas- ant, the students were attentive to the utmost de- gree, intensely interested in catching the words of life and power, coming from God's servant. During the closing weeks of that first term the class permanently organized and the feeling became general that the work must not be allowed to drop, but that a permanent school building should be ob- tained and a Bible school established which would give instruction for both day and evening students throughout the year. Following this determination, land was donated on Harrison Street for a school building. The clos- ing exercises of this first term were held in one of the Lestershire churches. The matter of a permanent school building was presented to the people and sev- eral hundred dollars immediately secured toward the project. This gave an impetus to the work which assured its completion. The students organized in groups of five to ten for services in the churches of the immediate vicinity and at distances of many miles. Everywhere they went with the enthusiastic message, We are going to build the school. The students would put on a platform service and, at the close, take an offering for the work which was already dear to their hearts. Plans were drawn and the building was quickly completed. The following year found the school housed in this new building on Harrison Street and ready for classes along reg- ular, prescribed courses of study. The Hrst certifi- cates of the completion of introductory studies were issued under date of September 1, 1901, over the signatures of john R. Clements, President, and john A. Davis, Superintendent. The selection of a name for the institution de- serves mention. Mr. Davis was urged, by a number of people, to call the school The Davis Bible School. The selection of a name was delayed for several weeks, due to Mr. Davis' determination not to call the school aftet himself. He insisted that what he wanted to give was a practical working knowledge of the Bible to young people, which would enable them to be of unusual service in their Gold is tried in fire, friendship in need.