Story: Religion and society

Auckland Gospel carriage

Auckland Gospel carriage

George Pearson and Harry Isaac stand in front of the carriage which they used to spread the Christian message of the Brethren, around 1905. By the end of the 19th century there were a number of smaller Protestant denominations, including the Brethren, who had fewer than 10,000 adherents (about 0.9% of the population). As a sect without clergy, the Brethren depended on travelling lay preachers such as Pearson and Isaac to communicate their message. As motorised transport arrived, the Brethren began using Bible vans, which also had evangelising slogans painted on the sides.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library, James McAllister Collection (PAColl-3054)
Reference: 1/1-009832-G

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

John Stenhouse, 'Religion and society - Church adherence and attendance, 1840–1920', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/28393/auckland-gospel-carriage (accessed 28 March 2024)

Story by John Stenhouse, published 5 May 2011, reviewed & revised 4 Apr 2018