The Rev. Mr. Spurgeon at Plymouth: This popular preacher has paid his promised visit to the three towns during this and the interest which he created was inferior in no degree that which he has excited in any of the other towns which he has visited. He arrived on Monday evening, and on Tuesday morning he preached his first sermon in this town on behalf of Batter-street Chapel, in Ebernezar Wesleyan Chapel, Saltash-street, which had been kindly lent for the occasion. The admission was by ticket, and although these were issued to as many persons as the chapel would hold — about 2,000 — yet such was the general desire manifested to hear Mr. Spurgeon, that many more applied for tickets, and had of course to be refused. The consequence was that various means were resorted to to induce the holders of tickets to part with them, by those who were not in such a fortunate position, and on Monday we heard of handsome sums being offered for the coveted cards of admission. Half-past 10 was the time appointed for the commencement of the service, but as early as nine a number of persons had collected round the entrance gates of the chapel … (continues with discussion of sermon and service) … … … In the evening Mr. Spurgeon preached at Hope Chapel, Fore-street, Devonport, making his third sermon in these towns in one day. There were nearly 2,000 persons present, the spacious chapel being filled in every part. The rev. gentleman took his text from Kings ii. chap, v., and from the first he riveted the attention of the whole of his audience. His sermon occupied about an hour in the delivery, and at the close of both these services liberal collections were made for the purpose of reducing the debt on Hope Chapel. This debt amounted last week to £1,743. There was a tea meeting on Monday, at which Mr. Peter Adams led the way for the reduction of debt saying that he and Mr. R. Jeffery, Liverpool, would give £100 each, if anything could be done. Mr. Pinsent, of Devonport, said that he and his father would give £100, and the Rev. T. Horton, the pastor of the chapel, said he would give another £100. Two other friends offered £50 each, two men offered £25. and the balance of £670 was raised in smaller sums. This was a noble result. It was determined then to pay the £743 by Midsummer and make it up to £1,000 by next anniversary. …
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Referenced
GRO1036 Devonport: Thomas Pinsent: 1782 – 1872
GROxxxx Devonport