RATANA TEMPLE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 48, Issue 91, 27 January 1928, Page 3

RATANA TEMPLE

DEDICATION CEREMONY

AN INTERLo'ILnG GATHERING

(Per Press Association.} WANGANUI, January 26. Yesterday was another red letter day at Katana, a double-barrelled day of rejoicing over Ratana’s ootli birthday and the dedication of the temple, which lias been completed since the official opening last year. There was a gathering of upwards of 3000 people at the pa, many coming from well north of Auckland and four from the Chatham Islands, as well as several South Island members of the movement. It was an orderly, well-dressed gathering that commenced to assemble outside the temple when the first tingle of the bell was heard shortly before 11 a.m. It took over an hour to get all the people within the walls of the temple, which was packed to! the uttermost, .some 200 Q attending the service which lasted an hour and a half. A procession formed up at headquarters, and presented a very pretty sight with the various uniforms of the nurses and sistei's of the movement, and the purple and white surplices of the apostles. In this were also included a numiber of elders of the church. The procession moved off toirthe accompaniment of the Ratana. band, and with stately step and slow movement, it was some time before the temple was reached. In the meantime two small boys tugged vigorously at the hells in the towers of the temple, and a Maori attired in a red tunic with am appropriate cap, with the Ratana badge, acted 1 as a sort oi sergeant-at-arms. All distinguished visitors, including Bishop Juji Nakada, of Japan, occupied seats on a. long platform, while the apostles and choir, were located on raised seats immediately below the pulpit. Some considerable time elapsed before Ratana made his appear-' ance, and then the service opened by the singing of the hymn “'Come To The Saviour,” in which the melodious blending of the voices of the choir was a treat to listen to. The Leader’s Address. Ratana, when he got properly warmed up to it, spoke with great rapidity. He accorded a welcome to those present from all parts of New Zealand. He states that as he had not been speaking for some time, and all services since the people had gathered at the pa bad been conducted by the Rev. Tahupotiki, he (Ratana) proposed to address a series of services. He referred to the fact that the large temple had now been completed and furnished, and he expressed deep appreciation of the kindness his people had shown in regard to the building. Ratana referred to certain criticisms that had been levelled at the movement, but he had his own message to give. Referring to a complaint that some preachers did not enter their prayers in the name of the Son, he would insist on using the name of Jesus Christ, a custom which had. been causing much discussion. He said he would not for a moment he associated with any teaching that would be in opposition to Jesus Christ, the Eternal Son of God. He pointed to emblems in the walls of the temple, which, translated, meant “Christ Jesus, the Son of the Living God.” He spoke at length of the imperfections and strange dual nature of man, of the promptings he received from Satan, and the evid influences that frequently turned humanity. . The average man at times fell into light, anti at other times into darkness. Rat.ana’s remarks were frequently y punctuated with applause.

The Japanese Bishop. The Japanese Bishop was next. The speaker said' he prayed that Ratana and'his people would be loved by God. His people had grown up in wisdom, and he -rayed for Ratana that he might be given, more wisdom and become a great spiritual force. He would be leaving New Zealand on February 10 for Japan. God had giyen him love for the people and when he returned to Japan" lie wanted to pray more for Ratana and also for his own people. He would never forget the time when Ratana and his party visited him in Japan, and lie recognised that the salvation of the brown-skinned people was most important. While the brown-skinned people in this land were more evangelised, they had in Japan more than 17,000,000 people unevangelised and unable to hear the Gospel, and who worshipped 1 Buddism and idols. He wished the Maoris to pray for the spread of evangelism in Japan. The Bishop went on to. state that his people were well cultured in material things. He concluded by stating that lie wanted to tell them that since he came to this country he had noticed some of the Maori people wore greatly fond of drinking liquor. Now, lie considered that they should do all in their power to stop this strong drinking. It was naturally late in the afternoon before dinner could be prepared. It was a most interesting study when the gathering sat down to a repast in honour of Ratana’s birthday. Needless to say the juvenile element was largely-represented and had a most enjoyable time.