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Story
November 20, 1868
New Hampshire Statesman
Concord, Merrimack County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
An anecdote by Thaddeus Connolly recounts how a new Irish rector's fervent preaching to a small congregation of half a dozen grew it seventyfold the next year and filled the church by the third, demonstrating the power of energetic ministry.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
How to Fill a Church.
Dr. Cilly related the following anecdote, which was told by a well-known Irish character, Thaddeus Connolly, who used to spend much of his time wandering through Ireland, and instructing the lower classes in their native language. "I went," said he, "one Sunday, into a church to which a new incumbent had been lately appointed. The congregation did not exceed half a dozen, but the preacher delivered himself with as much energy and affection as if he were addressing a crowded audience. After the service I expressed to the clergyman my wonder that he should preach so fervently to such a small number of people. 'Were there but one,' said the Rector, 'my anxiety for his improvement would make me equally energetic.'" The following year Connolly went into the same church; the congregation was multiplied seventy fold. The third year he found the church full.
Dr. Cilly related the following anecdote, which was told by a well-known Irish character, Thaddeus Connolly, who used to spend much of his time wandering through Ireland, and instructing the lower classes in their native language. "I went," said he, "one Sunday, into a church to which a new incumbent had been lately appointed. The congregation did not exceed half a dozen, but the preacher delivered himself with as much energy and affection as if he were addressing a crowded audience. After the service I expressed to the clergyman my wonder that he should preach so fervently to such a small number of people. 'Were there but one,' said the Rector, 'my anxiety for his improvement would make me equally energetic.'" The following year Connolly went into the same church; the congregation was multiplied seventy fold. The third year he found the church full.
What sub-type of article is it?
Biography
Personal Triumph
What themes does it cover?
Moral Virtue
Triumph
What keywords are associated?
Church Growth
Fervent Preaching
Irish Anecdote
Clergyman Dedication
Congregation Increase
What entities or persons were involved?
Dr. Cilly
Thaddeus Connolly
Rector
Where did it happen?
Ireland
Story Details
Key Persons
Dr. Cilly
Thaddeus Connolly
Rector
Location
Ireland
Event Date
One Sunday, The Following Year, The Third Year
Story Details
Thaddeus Connolly visits a church with a new rector preaching energetically to six people; the rector explains his fervor would be the same for one soul. The next year, the congregation grows seventyfold; by the third year, the church is full.