A gathering was convened on a Friday afternoon at the Young Men’s Christian Association on Milk Street to show support for the Irish Church Missions. The event was presided over by the Reverend H. J. Heard, and there was a substantial turnout. The Chairman emphasized the significance of education and the power of communication in Ireland, even though the country was often referred to as “distressful.” He believed that there was a growing desire for greater religious freedom and truth in Ireland, especially if the proposed Bill came into law. He discussed the role of the Church of Rome and the challenges faced by Protestants in that context.

The meeting featured an address by Dr Long of Limerick, who was involved in medical missionary work. He recounted his experience in Limerick and his encounters with the Irish people. Dr Long displayed a Testament that he had received from a patient in the infirmary named Denis Murphy, who claimed to have never seen or read it before. This incident illustrated the unfamiliarity with Protestant teachings among the Irish population.

Dr Long recounted an incident where he was opposed by the Redemptionist Fathers but highlighted that open opposition had reduced over the past few years. He noted the increasing attendance at the dispensary, which served as a platform for his work.

Dr Long also shared a story of three children from a Protestant family who had been placed in Roman Catholic households while in the custody of a Roman Catholic mother. The mother later decided to revert to Roman Catholicism due to pressure and manipulation at a Lunatic Asylum. The children were taken from her and placed in Roman Catholic institutions. After her release from the asylum, the mother sought to regain custody of her children, leading to legal and administrative challenges. Eventually, with intervention from the Lord Lieutenant, the children were discharged and placed in a Protestant Orphan Home in Dublin.

The address was met with applause and support from the attendees. A second meeting was scheduled for the evening at the Assembly Rooms to further discuss and promote the cause of the Irish Church Missions.

Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette – Thursday 17 May 1906