Former African Slave Conducts Watch Night Church Service
African Prince at Skegness.
Prince Hatashil Masha Kathish, a native of Central Africa, paid a return visit to the Skegness Primitive Methodist Church, on Sunday and Monday last. His Highness conducted the watch-night service on Saturday evening, at which there I was a good attendance. Two splendid did sermons were delivered by him on the Sunday, his remarks being attentively followed by large congregations at each service. In the afternoon a special service was held at which the Prince gave an address, followed by the presentation of prizes, graciously performed by Mrs. Martin-Simpson.
On Monday, a providence tea was held, followed by a lecture in which the Prince gave the thrilling and entrancing story of his life, which was attentively followed by a good audience. The proceeds were devoted to the Trust fund of the church.
Source: Skegness Mablethorpe and Alford News 4th January, 1911
Watch Night Service
A watch-night service was held at the Wesleyan Church, Skegness, on Saturday evening last, at 11 p.m.
There was a good congregation. The Rev. J. R. Rowe conducted the proceedings, Messrs. J. E. Middleton, J. Archer, and C. J. P. Wadman-Smith also taking part. On the following evening the Rev. Rowe preached an appropriate and thoughtful sermon on ” Redeeming the Time.” The usual covenant service followed. At the Primitive Methodist Church, the watch-night service was conducted by the African Prince.
Source: Skegness Mablethorpe and Alford News 4th January, 1911
More information: An interesting revelation in this story – Prince Hatashil Masha Kathish, was actually a former slave of the Sudanese Dinka tribe who was resettled in England in 1880. He was baptised Salim Charles Wilson after the reverend who brought him to England. Salim attended a missionary course and began work as a preacher, hence his visit to Skegness.
But how come the Skegness Mablethorpe and Alford newspaper refered to him as an African prince?
Read more about Prince Hatashil Masha Kathish by clicking the picture of him above.
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