Mr. Jacques Hopkins - 22-26 August

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1948

Mr. Jacques Hopkins - 22-26 August - 1948

It must have been a big decision for Mr. Hopkins to make when he gave up his connection as a teacher of voice production in London to devote his time and talents to fulltime Gospel service. That his decision was worthwhile is evidenced by the appreciation with which his visits are met throughout the country. For most of his meetings in Hastings the church was filled to capacity, and as this is not a small building attendances averaged easily 300 a night.

Preparation.—The church had done all in its power to prepare for the meetings. A list was prepared of every home in any way linked with the church, and those where the response was likely to be greater were specially noted. Members accepted visitation assignments from the minister, and this work was faithfully done. Two thousand dodgers were delivered by hand to selected areas contiguous to the church, this being the service of the young people. A sign writer in the church prepared splendid posters, one placed in a prominent position outside the church being especially noticeable. Mr. Hopkins remarked upon this excellent piece of work. Window posters were accepted by prominent shopkeepers and given good positions in windows. Besides advertisements in "Public Notices" columns in the daily press aggregating 16 inches, the editor accepted copy for a personal paragraph headed "Talented Singer Visits Hastings," and published a letter in the Correspondence column, in which a plea was made that Mr. Hopkins should broadcast from the local station while in the district. My reply to this letter was also published. Altogether, the meetings had wide publicity.

Attendances.—Chairs had to be placed in the aisles for Sunday evening's service. Great numbers of people from other congregations gathered to hear and enjoy our evangelist. I think that his Hastings meetings were amongst the biggest he has had in any one church.

Results.—Each night several Gospels were handed to inquirers. I think it is a weakness that we have no link at all with those who might have been helped. I understand from Mr. Hopkins that this is being remedied by a detachable slip accompanying his letter enclosed in the booklet. The singing and speaking were so filled with a true yet simple presentation of the Gospel that I am sure spiritual results must follow.

Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins are delightful folk, and their hosts were privileged to entertain them. All arrangements both with Mr. Hopkins and within the church were completed sweetly and harmoniously. With the exception of one meeting, Miss McHutcheon, our most experienced organist, provided the accompaniments.

The minister and the Hastings Church are indebted to the Church Extension Committee for sending Mr. Hopkins our way, and hope that the visit might be repeated at some future date J. RUSSELL GRAVE.