JUBILEE THANKSGIVING SERVICES.

Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 144, 20 June 1887, Page 5

JUBILEE THANKSGIVING SERVICES.

St. Paul's

At St. Paul's Anglican Church yesterday there were large congregations both morning and evening. At the former service the sermon was preached by Bishop Cowie, his text being from St. Matthew, xii chap., 22nd verse—" Render therefore unto Caesar the things w.hich are Caesar's, and unto God the things which are God's." In the course ofhis remarks the preacher said it was a mistake to suppose that the Queen was a mere cypher in the constitutional .Govern ment of England ; and it was a matter of thankfulness that no difference of opinion existed as to the rightful ruler of .British subjects at the present. time. He also testified to the solicitude which the Queen had for the lives of her subjects, as shown by her care for soldiers during times of war. Bishop Cowie also offered a special prayer, which he had composed for the occasion. In the evening the sermon was preached by the Rev. E. H. Gulliver, M.A., who took as his text, " God Save the King;," from the Book of Samuel, and traced a history of the 50 yoars' reign of Her M.ajesty. Mr Gulliver's Jubilee nym n üblisjhed in Saturday's Star) was sui\,-,,0 both services, together with the National Anthem.

St. Matthew's

This church, was full, yesterday both morning and evening. At the 11 o'clock service the new organist (Mr A. Wiseman) played as a voluntary Meyerbeer's "Coronation March," finishing with the "National Anthem," at the conclusion of which " Now Thank We. All Our God " was sung by the choir. The service for the Queen's acces-: sion was then proceeded with, in the communion office the incumbent preaching an appropriate sermon from Matb. xxii., 21, "Render unto Ciesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's." He accepted this text as a flat; contradiction of the assertion that; Christ's teaching was communistic. In reference to the Queen, he praised her in her several capacities of monarch, a woman 6f business, a mother, and a neighbour, and he. said it was by the qualities exhibited in all these capacities that she had. endeared herself to her people. He concluded with a few remarks to the Volunteers, the second battalion of whom attended the service. At three p.m. there was an interesting children's service, at which "God Save the Queen" was sung: At the evening service the anthem was Gadsby's "0 Lord, our Governor" which was well rendered. The sermon was based upon Ephesians iv., 3, and 11. Peter i., 21, " The Unity of the Spirit," " Moved by the Holy Ghost." It dealt primarily with the Third Person of the Holy Trinity, being.one of a course on "God, Man, and Spirit." It also turned on His influence on the human soul, and showed how that, following His influence, the Queen had ruled long and happily. s ■ . <

AH Saints', Ponsonby.

The Rev. W; Calder (incumbent) conducted the usual. services, which were largely attended. The special collects and hymns authorised by the Bishop were used. In the evening the anthem " Praise Ye the Lord " (by Carritt) was sung. The preacher invited subscriptions to the Mayoress's Queen's Fund for Women, and drew a rather strong picture of, the contrast between the glory of the Royal procession and the misery within a stone's throw of it, and trusted that we should, never have such a problem of poverty to solve in New Zealand. , . ■ ..,'''

St. Mary's, Parnell.

Special interesb was -lent to the' Jubilee services at the above church by the presence of the two batteries of Artillery, the Engineers, and the Royal Dragoons. The Rev. G. H. S. Walpole, in his sermon at tlie eleven o'clock service,' reviewed the progress made in Great Britain during thel past fifty years in railway extension, telegraphs, telephones, steam, and industries 'generally. In conclusion he referred to1 the want of public spirit which existed in the present age. The sermon was founded on the history of Jael, the wife of Heberthe Kenite, who killed Sisera, the Canaanite .general, and whose character ihe spoke1 of in the must laudatory terms. ' - ■■ .. -\, ~ ,

Epiphany Church, JTewton.

'The .services \v ( ere numerously' attended. Dr. O'Callaghan (incumbent) preached the Jubilee sermon' in ■ the evening, taking as his text the words'from Psalm xvi.',,.'vTKe Lord is the portion of my inheritance; Thou maintainest my, lot. The, lines have falien unto me in pleasant places'; yea,';,l.'.have,a goodly heritage"!" which had.been adopted as a motto by the.-Queen, early in life, and which she .had made a noble and successful effort to act iip to under all circumstances, always keeping a uniform trust in God, the great ruler. At the close of the services the .National Anthemwwats t sung.

St. James's.Presbyterian.

The Rev. "R. F. Macnicol preached a very instructive discourse from the text "And all the people shouted;' and said ' God save the King.'" He thought it in keeping with the fiftieth anniversary of the coronation of Her Most Gracious, Majesty Queen Victoriato call attention to the words of the children of Israel, which we have' adopted in the words "God Save the Queen."- All human Governments founded on right principles might be! said to have been divinely, appointed, "and therefore should be treated with reverence. • The 50 ■ years'' of- the Queen's reign was unprecedented ' in' national progress, and statistics showedthat during that period the Christian Church had advanced more than in all the preceding; centuries. The: influence:- exerted by the Queen in the affairs of the State was great, .but after- all, it-was not'so'much as a sovereign, as a noble, good and exem-plary-woman that she Vas deserving of i the affection of all her subiects,

' Stf Andrew's

The Rev. A. Carrick preached from the, words, " Our Queen and Constitution.' He referred to the Divine power of Christ* and the assertion that revealed truth had nothing to do with civil government. At the present moment, Great Britain did nod hold the position she held formerly, and the moral aspect of society was by no meana comforting. Her Majesty the Queen, whose Jubilee they were called to celebrate, was a lady universally loved by her subjects, whose whole career had been a_ strong remonstrance . against aristocratic vice—a noble and standing monument of queenly excellence. He was sure there was no on? who would not heartily respond to thi prayer, " Long live our noble Queen."

St. David's

The Rev. C. Worboys preached at "Christian Patriotism." He spoke of the advantages derivable from a ■ limited monarcey like the British one, and the beneficial reign of Her Majesty the Queen. She was a Christian woman, and the progress of religious freedom during the las" fifty years had been remarkable. The improvement in morals during that period had been something extraordinary, and in marked contrast to the ■ state of society v* previous years.

St. Peter's

The Rev. R. Sommerville preached a ser» mbn from Leviticus xxv., 10; "Ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all the inhabitants thereof; it shall be a jubilee to you." After explaining at some length the various events which happened in connection with the Jewish jubilee, the rev. gentleman passed on to the present jubilee of the Queen. Her reign had been marked by great strides made in all branches of civilisation, and more particularly in the morals and social1 advancement of the nation. He also spoke! at length upon the many excellent traits ofi Her Majesty, whose character as a woman' and a Queen was worthy of the highest admiration.

Baptist Tabernacle, $$$

In the morning the Rev. Thomas Spur*' geon preached from Leviticusxxv. chap., 13th verse, making special reference to the: Jewish jubilee. , That was a joyous occa-i sion when every bond servant was made, free. In the evening the rev. gentleman, took for his text the Queen's motto, " Peace on earth and goodwill towards men," and gave tl-e Scriptural original as contained in, Luke 11. chap, and 14th verse, "Glory, to. God in the highest, peace on earth and good will towards men." The discourse was an'; excellent one, and was listened to by a large. and attentive audience. : ~ ~

Ponsonby Baptist

The Rev. J. D. Gilmore preached in tha,. morning from, Leviticus 25th chapter, 9 anoV 10 verses, and referred at length to thej Jewish Jubilee, aijd in the evening he'; delivered an interesting sermon on ''The! Queen's Proclamation." He expressed his. conviction that, it was a fitting thing for i the Christian Church to pay honour to the i Jubilee of the Queen's reign.. ,' ■■ ,

Mount fiden Baptist.

At Mount Eden Baptist Church the evening service was of a Jubilee character. The Rev. T. Bray, spoke upon "Jubilee Lessons." In the course of his remarks the rev. gentleman made special reference'to the Queen's early, training by her mother, the Duchess of Kent, and said that to this training must be attributed very much of the virtue and steadfastness to Christian principle that had characterised the Queen'n life. -Allusion was also made to the trial* and sorrows through which the Queen had passed; to her sympathy with all in trouble, as evidenced by many acts of kindness; and to her purity of life. . [' [ ii

Pitt-street Wesleyan Church. j The Bey A. Reid preached at the above ; church yesterday morning, taking for his text " A Jubilee shall the. fiftieth year ,be unto you " —Leviticiislxxv. and 10. He delivered an able i address, referring to the wonderful progress which had been effected in all departments -of .human skill since Her Majesty's accession, and paid a high tribute to • her as a woman and a Queen. He then touched "on the triumphs of Christianity, the noble work of the ; British and Foreign 'Bible Society, and the advance of the temperance cause. In speaking of colonisation' Mr Reid said that the depression was the natural result of forcing the colony on by " leaps and bounds," instead of submitting, to a natural growth. The remedy for this was thrift and economy in private life, and making their lives pure and homes attractive to the young. They should not lay. the blame on their legislators, for they were simply what the people made them. The interior of the church was profusely decorated with flags, and at the close of each, service the.; National Anthem was. sung. ■ : ■ ~.; ■ . >

Birkenhead Wesleyan Church,

The service at the Birkenhead WesleyariChurchlast night was of greater interest than ; usual.. The >B.ev. Mr Bewsbury took for his text ppalm 100, -4v—- " Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, etc." After briefly alluding-to the day as one set;.apart in all churches throughout the British Empire as one for special; prayers : and " thanksgiving " for Her Mosb Gracious Majesty, the preacher eloquently and succinctly' glanced at the most prominent /episodes that had taken place during the last, fifty years in the history of the British nation, and, also compared the moral tone of the Cqurt with that of her predecessors, concluding with/the hope that God would grant her long life and happiness. • .The rev. gentleman rivetted the attention of the audience throughout, and in response to his call, the congregation to a man 'rose to i their-feet, arid heartily joined in "God save the ;Queen." ,'■'_''

Roman Catholic Churches.'

Special collects were read in the masses yesterday at all the Catholic Churches iti thanksgiving to Almighty God for the blessings enjoyed during Her Majesty's happy reign. To-morrow being the feast of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, these' collects will doubtless be repeated, as that feast, by a strange coincident, falls on the day of Hoi' Majesty's Jubilee.

Alexandra-street Primitive Methodist Church.

The Rev. A. J. Smith preached a special sermon yesterday morning upon "The Queen's Jubilee, or Christian Patriotism." The members of the Newton Rifles.. were also present, Mr Smith being the chaplain of the corps. The text taken was Psalm lxvii, lsb and 2nd verses. The preacher referred to the great excitement prevailing about the Queen's Jubilee. 1 b'was only natural that some special notice should bo taken of this remarkable event. It was very unusual for a sovereign to reign so long. He instanced Henry 111., Edward 111., and Georgo 111., as the only kings who had occupied the throne for a period of fifty years. Victoria was tho most beloved Queen that had ever swayed the sceptro, and thoro were many reasons why wo should pray for her reign to to prolonged. He deprecated some of the ■schemes which'had f been "proposed for the celebration of tho Jubilee, and said that there was going to be a wasteful expenditure .of money, which was nob justifiable these dull times. He considered that tho best Christians wero tho best patriots. During Victoria's reign God had blessed them abundantly, and now in her declining years sho required special help, and ho hoped that ono and all, no matter what their political opinions, would join in the woll-known prayer, "God" Save Our Queen,"

Opera House Service

At Abbott's Opeva House last evening, Mr George Aldridge lectured to a large and attentive audience on "Stumbling Blocks to Faith," taking for his. subject tbo Book of Jonah. The lecturer said that while sceptics looked upon the Bible much as the man who, when first shown a dictionary, after having read it through said it was a very good book, but rather disjointed, ho could traco a harmonious plan running right through tho Book. Even in tho book of Jonah, which seemed at the first cursory glance to como in without any reason and to stand alone, he could find evidences of God's groab rodemptive pur-1 poses as relating to mankind. If asked whether or no ho believed the story of Jonah being swallowed by tho fish and vomited out again, his answer would bo most assuredly yes; but he did not by any means look upon this as the greatest miraclo in tho narrative. A Far greater miracle, he thought, was tho fact that the people of Nineveh, that great city, should repent in so short a time, and at the preaching of ono man. Another preacher had come, saying, "Repent ye, for tho kingdom of heaven is at hand," and tho people had crucified Him, and there were multitudes would do it again to-day ; -but in this case tho people had repented, and the city was saved. Therefore tho Saviour had said, "The men of Nineveh shall rise up in the judgment against this generation and shall condemn it." At tho close of tho lecture, Mr Al- v dridgedrew attention to tho auspicious event which was about to bo celebrated in Auckland and elsewhere over tho world, remarking that during' Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria's reign, Bible truths which before wero hidden had been brought to ■light, and men had got higher and clearer ebneepbions of God than over before. At the close bho National Anthem was sung, rtll standing.-

St. John's Wcslcyau Clmrcli,

Fonsonby. „ Last evening tho Rev. C. H. Garland preached a Jubilee-sermon in this church, taking the text, '' A Jubilee"shall the fiftieth year be." Mr.Garland gaive an outline of the Jewish Jubilee, showing the masterly, benign statesmanship contained therein, and drawing the following lessons : 1. God would not have a workman labour too hard. 2. God would nob suffer the few to unduly accumulate property to the detriment of the many. He then showed that Christianity was a perpetual jubilee, according to the teaching.of Christ (Luke iv. 18), because it brought in the remission of sins—tho emancipation of man into freedom. ( At the close the National Anthem-was sung.

Newton Congregational Church

Yesterday morning the Rev. H. J. Lewis preached in this church upon "Ruth, or the True Glory of Woman-hood." He also referred to the Jubilee, remarking that the .Victoria Jubilee was an event of unparalleled importance in tho history of nations. . The past fifty years were never equalled in English history, and probably more progress, was made in it than in the five hundred years after the Norman Conquest. There had been a steady growth of political freedom and powei" in the hands of'the people; progress/oft peace principles; and growth of temperance. Mr Lewis also referred to the.Queen's Jubilee and private virtues—to the admirable manner in which she had fulfilled the duties of a wife and mother. Her court was the purest in Europe. For.all these, things her people owed a debt: of gratitude to God. The National Anthem was sung, and. special prayer offered. ISeresforcl-strecfc Congregational Church.'

'■•At'the mbrning service yesterday ,the Rev. James Chew also preached from the text " A jubilee shall tho fiftieth year be unto you;" He explained tho meaning of the Jewish jubilee,—its relation to the Christian Jubilee, and' then passed on to speak of the Victoria Jubilee. Ho said that the universal rejoicing of the whole British Empire was a matter that would mark a chapter -''in the history of the ■world. Such a thing had never before been witnessed, and he hoped that the day was not far distant when a grand confederacy of British-speaking people should rulo the world so that universal peace would be ensured. Tho, Queen had requested the churches to return thanks on her behalf.: It was not a'command} and had the'poorest woman in the land requested ,them to pray for her it would be done gladly Therefore, he would ask them to pray for the Queen, who had-been a modest virgin, a good wife and mother, a wise sovereign. If in her latter years she had, as some said, developed too much maternal thrift, they must remember that sovereignty did not insure infallibility. They had much to thank God for dining the reign of Queen Victoria. The people had been raised to such,-a condition that they would not now tolerate a bad Sovereign. At hia request" the whole congregation then rose- to their feet and sang the first verse of the" Queen's Atithern. the offertory Jackson's Te Deum was sung by all 'present, and as -the congregation dispersed the organist played an arrangement of the National Anthem, r

St. Sepulchre's

There was a large congregation at the morning service, and about the average attendance at 6.30 p:m. The incumbent (Yen. Archdeacon Dudley) preached both morning and evening, the Rev. A. G. Purchas assisting, in :the services. The 4 morning service was opened with the sing ing of " God Save the Queen," and special collects'-, and appropriate > hymns' for' the Jubilee ' were * subsequently introduced. Archdeacon Dudley took. the. text of his sermon from the 15th cnapt!fe»?f"St. John's Gospel,, ',' Ye have nob cho^SiMe,bufc I'have chosen you." ,Jse m^ c SSPBIW ...., vt ... . ; ji». ( c.\ ■'.■■■•: ;'■/ " r"-; ■ ■ ' ■>"'■"'■

reference to tho incident recorded of the Queen's childhood in our Jubilee Supplement, wherein upon - being informed ot her nearness to the throne, sho remarked, "There is. much splendour in. V) it, bub there is also much■ responsibility, adding to her governess "I will .be1 good. I Ins promise had been the koynote of her lite. " Duty " had ever been before her eyes and had signalised her conduct.. In the evening the'incumbent preached from the o«h chapter of St. Matthew, " Ye are the salt of the earth." Reference was made to tie silent influence upon her people ot the Queen's virtue, of her kindliness of heart, and especially of her faithfulness in keeping engagements and fulfilling promises asi illustrated particularly by her acts of benevolence. Although England was sometimes called " Perfidious Albion," yet it was an undeniable fact that England's word was every• where trusted and this trustworthiness, reflecting as it did the Queen's character, was at the foundation of our national greatness. Tho singing of the National Anthem concluded the service. Mr V. E. Kico presided at the organ both morning and evening.

Pooley's Sacred ConcertYesterday afternoon the audience literally was a packed one, taxing to tho "t"10^ the capacity of the commodious City nail, hundreds of people having to go away disappointed at nob being ablo to gain artmission. Tho concert by Mr PoWey.e Choir was under the patronage of Colanel Lyon, Lieutenant-Colonel Shepherd, and the Volunteer officers and member? of tho district, and was admirably rendered from beginning to end. Ib opened With the National Anthem, arranged by Henry Leslie, which was beautifully sung by tho Full choir. The Jubilee Hymn, " I've been Redeemed," was rendered in so perfect a manner .-is to elicit the hearty applause of the andienco. A selection from ( tho ■"Messiah;" embracing tho chorus "Glory to God in tho Highest? the text chosen by Hor Majesty as a Jubilee motto, was next given in a most satisfactory manner, whilst MadamePooloy'f^ingingof the grand solo, "Rejoice Greatly," was that of a highly-cultured vocalist, and received the warm plaudits of those present. Tho vocal aolo of Mr Bush, " Arm, Arm, Ye Brave,' and Mr Burnbam's " Come unto Me," were received ferfthttsiastii'SUy.' Dr.' Erson con tributed a recitation, " Tho Death of the Old Sergeant," in capital style, and the samo gentleman sang his own Jubilee ode to his own music, the refrain being taken up by the choir. This item was warmly received by tho audience. The concert concluded by another rendering of tho National Anthem, this timo by tho Bands of the Garrison, who were cleverly placed behind tho scene, which was withdrawn just before tho item was timed to appear, Mr Poolcy conducting the Banda, Choir and tho entire audience, and producing an ovation that has rarely been seen in Auckland if ever before. Tho immcuseaiulioncerosetothcirfeet and joined heartily in the singing of. "God save tho Queen." The usual collection in aid of expenses was taken up by boys of the choir, officers in full uniform, and friends of these enjoyable Sunday afoernoon concerts.

Thcro will be a united Jubilee service at St. Sepulchre's Church to-morrow (Tuesday) morning, commencing at half-past ten, and lasting a littlo over an hour. The sermon will bo preached by tho Bishop .of the diocese. Tho Church will bo opened to allcomers. Tho music will bo arranged by the Diocesan Choral Association, of which Mr Trimnell has been appointed conductor.

(BY TELEGRAPH.— OWN COUKESI'ON'DENT.)

Welmngtok, this day.' Special Jubilee services wero conducted in all the city churchos yesterday.

Thames, this day.

Special services wore held in St. George's Church yesterday in commemoration of tho Queen's Jubilee. The Brass Bands of Naval Artillery and Rifle Rangers assiited in tho service, and at tho conclusion played tho National Anthem. Tho church was crowded and numbers wore unable to gain"admission.