Stough - Spooner Tabernacle Sets Up in Defiance - 1911

Dr. Henry W. Stough, a well known evangelist of the time, and Professor D. L. Spooner, evangelist and song leader, visited Defiance in 1911.  Dr. Stough was an outspoken critic of corruption in government, the use of liquor and any other things he deemed immoral.  The traveling revival was loved by many and called sensationalism by others, but Defiance County people showed up for the services in large numbers. 
The tabernacle was erected in each city visited and the evangelists would stay anywhere from a week to two months or so. 

In May, 1911, a special train ran from Hicksville to Defiance to carry folks to the tabernacle services.  The Hicksville Tribune reported on May 25th:

"Trip to Defiance

Last Thursday evening, a special train was run from here to Defiance carrying a lot of people who wanted to attend the Stough-Spooner evangelistic meetings being held in that city.

A hundred and thirty people went and were accompanied by Hart's Boy Band, which led the procession up town and to the tabernacle.

At the courthouse square, they were joined by a long procession of students making all told over a half mile of marchers bound to the meeting.  The tabernacle overflowed with the large attendance and Stough treated them to one of his characteristic sermons.  Hart's Boys treated the assembly to a saxophone quintet and were greatly applauded and complimented.

The excursionists returned home about midnight greatly pleased with their trip and the meeting." 

 

As a promotion, Spooner and Stough toured Defiance County in June:

"Evangelistic Automobile Tour

Twenty automobiles containing ministers and citizens of Defiance and Hicksville will make a whirlwind tour of the county, holding 30-minute street meetings in all the towns ofthe county including Bryan, Thursday, June 1st, 1911.  

Their itinerary will be as follows:

Lv. Court House, Defiance - 8:00 a.m.

Ar. Sherwood 8:50 a.m.

Ar. Mark Center 9:40 a.m.

Ar. Hicksville 10:40 a.m.

Ar. Farmer Center 12:55 p.m.

Ar. Ney 2:00 p.m.

Ar. Bryan 3:00 p.m.

Ar. Evansport 4:15 p.m.

To stimulate Christian work in Defiance county, in connection with the great Stough-Spooner Tabernacle meetings now in progress in Defiance.  Evangelists Stough and Spooner will accompany them.  Don't fail to be on hand.

Public dinner will be served at the Presbyterian church by the ladies of the congregation. Price 35 cents."

Defiance Democrat, June 1, 1911