What did Evangelist Dwight L. Moody “Do”?

“LETTER FROM BALTIMORE.

—–

BALTIMORE, Feb. 21, 1879.

D. H. Moody [sic; D. L. Moody] in Baltimore.

Mr. Moody testifies that his season of labor here is the most satisfactory of any since he entered the field as an Evangelist.

His work has been remarkable, as he came here without any Tabernacle prepared for his reception, as in Philadelphia, New York or Boston, and without the prestige of the sweet singer Sankey, who had been his companion so long.

On Mr. Moody’s arrival in November [of 1878,] he announced a temporary residence here for rest and study, and occasional preaching.

The Mount Vernon M. E. church, one of the largest and finest church edifices in the city, was immediately opened to Mr. Moody, for 4 o’clock p. m. week day meetings, and such was the crowd, only persons holding tickets could be admitted.

These meetings continued for some weeks with very satisfactory results.

Mr. Moody preaches Sunday mornings to the prisoners at [the?] Penitentiary.

This is Mr. Moody’s first prison effort, which he continues, and the officers of the prison bear testimony to the reformation and improved conduct of the prisoners.

The most wonderful meetings of Mr. Moody are the 4 o’clock p. m. meetings, held four days in the week for the past six weeks, for men only, at Dr. Leyburn’s church.

This church is the largest and most central in the city, with deep galleries on three sides, seating an immense audience.

A temporary platform and rostrum extends the entire width of the church, accommodating the volunteer choir and speakers.

Here a motley crowd of men, of every grade of society, from the millionaires to the tramp and outcast, crowd the house half an hour before the time of meeting.

The singing of familiar hymns by its immense audience of men is very impressive, if not artistic.

Friday of each week is devoted to gospel temperance, when Mr. Moody calls up persons to testify to the saving grace of the gospel of Christ.

Many of these experiences are touching in the extreme, moving the great assembly to tears and sobs.

With the assistance of Mr. Bliss, Mr. Moody holds a noon-day prayer meeting in a hall near the Custom House for business men.

At 2 o’clock p. m., an up town ladies’ prayer meeting for drunkards;

at 4 o’clock the great central meeting for men;

at 7 o’clock a meeting for all at the Second Presbyterian church, East Baltimore;

at 8 o’clock a mixed meeting at the Broadway Baptist church; and

at 9 o’clock a gospel temperance meeting for seamen at Fells Point and Lower Harbor.

The question is often put to Mr. Moody, when do you rest and study?

His reply is,

‘I sleep well at night and

take four hours of study in the morning, and

don’t ride where it is possible to walk.’

The great physical endurance and mental resources of Mr. Moody astonish the pastors of the churches whom Mr. M.’s labor is taxing to the uttermost to gather in the harvest of souls that is being prepared for them.

Most of the evangelical churches are holding special revival meetings, including Mount Calvary P. Episcopal, (High Church.)    W. M. C.”

“Fall River Daily Evening News,” [Monday,] February 24, 1879, p. 2.