Dr Long, the medical missionary of Limerick, shared his experiences and the challenges faced by the Irish Church Mission during a meeting at the Jubilee Hall in Bath. Despite adverse weather conditions, a large audience gathered to hear his plain and unvarnished account. The meeting was presided over by Rev. W. La Porte Payne, with the support of Dr Long, Rev. F. Coryton, Hardyman, and Brigade Surgeon Dudley.

Dr Long highlighted that the Irish Church Mission aimed to evangelize Catholic Ireland and provide Roman Catholics with an opportunity to hear the other side. They offered the revised version of the Testament or their own Roman Catholic Testament without notes. However, Dr Long observed that very few Catholics in Ireland had knowledge of the Bible, as reading it was discouraged or forbidden by the Church.

The medical mission in Limerick, which Dr Long had been associated with for over twelve years, faced opposition from the priests. Initially, the mission provided free medicine and advice to those who couldn’t afford it, while charging a small fee to those who could. However, they quickly faced overcrowding and sought to teach people about the Savior.

After months without open opposition, a storm was brewing, and Dr Long anticipated its arrival. The first warning came when a stone was thrown at him while he was riding his bicycle past the Roman Catholic Institute in Brunswick Street. The following Saturday, Father Tierney, the Spiritual Director of the Arch-Confraternity of the Holy Family Limerick, confronted Dr Long and demanded that all Catholics leave the medical mission.

Father Tierney denigrated the mission and Dr Long, inciting the crowd against them. False rumors circulated that Dr Long had insulted and assaulted the monk. Despite such incidents, Dr Long believed that the people were led astray by their guides rather than being at fault themselves.

Dr Long recounted how he faced opposition and boycotts in various aspects of his work. He had to be accompanied by a police escort for three years, but thankfully, that was no longer necessary. He described instances where he and his children were stoned, and he was refused transportation by jarveys (carriage drivers). However, he shared a recent victory where a Roman Catholic jarvey had the courage to drive him and his wife through the streets of Limerick.

The medical missionary work continued despite the challenges. Prior to the storm, approximately 3,000 people were registered, although the numbers significantly decreased afterward. Nevertheless, attendance was picking up again, with 580 attendances in September.

Dr Long emphasized that the people of Ireland would be receptive to Christianity if given the chance, but they were under the influence and control of the Roman Catholic priests. Confessing Christianity in Ireland often led to persecution and the possibility of being driven out of the country.

The meeting concluded with remarks from Rev. F., followed by the Benediction.

Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette – Thursday 10 November 1904