THROUGH THE ARCHIVES: Famous American evangelist to preach in Belfast

American evangelist the Rev Paul Rader of Chicago was to travel to Northern Ireland later in November, 1930, to spread the Gospel, reported the News Letter.

Described as of “magnificent physique” Rader had “filled” many occupations, including that of a cowboy, before he was called to preach the Gospel.

Rader’s “campaign”, noted the paper, was due to begin at the Assembly Hall in Belfast on Sunday, November 16.

Speaking ahead of the visit of the Rev Rader to the Province, Mr J W Finlay of the Scots Mission was full of praise for the American evangelist, he said: “Mr Rader’s addresses are direct and clear, and packed with illustrations, mostly drawn from his own experiences. His spiritual experience is wonderful and varied. He is gifted with a remarkably fine, sweet voice.”

Describing Rader’s work in Manchuria [modern day China]. He told of how on one night while Rader was preaching “the church was shaken by the Holy Spirit”.

He said: “Standing in the pulpit interpreting, I felt I had to hold on to the book board to keep my balance. Many fell on their knees or prostrate on their faces . . .no one dared to interfere with the working of the Spirit.”

Mr Finlay added: “Some people warn us against hysteria . . .where such effects proceed from a sense of sin, we need not try to curb them or be afraid of them.”