CHURCH JUBILEE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 19, 4 November 1935, Page 6

CHURCH JUBILEE

FLEMINGTON PRESBYTERIANS. 50th ANNIVERSARY SERVICE. DEDICATION OF NEW FURNITURE The Flemington Presbyterian Church was filled to its utmost capacity when a congregation of between 200 and 300 people met yesterday afternoon for the golden jubileo service. The church was opened in Apyil, 1885, and many of those present were old members ox the church. Former members and friends camo from AVaiwera, Duneclm, AYaimate, Auckland, AVellington and Sheffield as well as from the surrounding districts of Mayfield, AVinclimore, Lowcliffe, Timvald and Ashburton. The Rev. D. D. MacLachlan, of Tinwald, eouducted the service, which opened with the singing of the 103rd Psalm to the old Scots tune “Kilmarnoclc,” The Scripture lessons were taken from Deuteromony, chapter 8, and Romans 8, followed by the hymn “The Church’s One Foundation. The elders then met around a handsome panelled oak communion tame, the gift of Mr and Mrs S. P- Taymr, of Eiffelton, and also two handsomely panelled oak elders’ chairs to*match the table, the gift of Mr and Mrs R. Gilmo.ur, early members of the church. Mr MacLachlan solemnly dedicated the table for the celebration of the Holy Communion, and in acknowledging and* accepting these gifts said: “ihls session will guard and honour these gifts and they shall ever find a place in this sanctuary. We thank God that from time to time lie puts the desne into the hearts of His well-beloved children to beautify His sanctuaiy and adoi’n the Holy place.” The congiegation sang the hymn “O God of Bethel.” . During the thank offering, Miss Vessy played a voluntary, xoiiowed by an anthem by the Flemington Church choir, under Mr I. Taylor, augmented by tlie presence of some former choir members. r lhe offering amounted to approximately £4cr. Mr MacLachlan led the congregation in a prayer of remembrance of those who had finished the course of life. The congregation then sang “For all the Saints who from their Labours Rest.” Basing his sermon on Acts 7, verse 32, “The God of Our Fathers, ol' Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob,” Mr MacLachlan said that the text had a three-fold aspect. God was the God of separate individuals, the God of differing personalities, and the Guu ol succeeding generations. Concluding, the preacher said: ‘‘A serious test of character is involved in any mau i attitude towards his heritage. It is not the latest battle cruiser than wins a man’s admiration and respecu so much in Portsmouth as the ’‘Old Victory’-’ lying as I have often seen her at sunset, when it seems as >1 Nelson still walks her decks, and you can hear again the anchor chains weighing anchor for some fresh venture, acldipg glory to the flag. The young sapling is full of promise maybe—hut we must respect the grand old oak that has grown in strength and majesty through the years, _ attordr ing strength and shelter. Thank God for those who laid good foundations — who blazed the trail, and. thank God that to-day their sons and daughters, even of the third and fourth generation take up the task, and will with like courage and resolution carry it to a successful issue. The God oi Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, tne God of Our Fathers, is still, in spite of change around us —the same yesterday, to-day and forever. uod, who is Eternal and unchanging, >s adequate for every need of this new age, as He was for Abraham, for ■lsaac, and Jacob.” Mrs McDonald, of Ealing, sang “Abide AVith Me,” and the service was brought to a close by the hymn “Our God Our Help in Ages Past,” followed by Holy Communion. The celebrations will he continued to-morrow evening, when there will be a banquet at Flemington. The speaker will be the Rev. George Miller, of Christchurch, an oi rue General Assembly, and_ formerly of St. Andrew’s Church, Ashburton.