ST. JAMES.

Auckland Star, Issue 23, 28 January 1901, Page 3

ST. JAMES.

The Rev. R. F. Macnicol conducted special memorial services at St. James' Presbyterian Church yesterday. The church and pulpit and the entrance doors were draped im black. La^e congregations attended both services, which were of a very impressive character. In the morning- the minister took as his text 11. Chronicles, xxxv. 24-25 "And all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah, and Jeremiah lamented for Josiah, and the singing men and the singing women spoke of josiah in their lamentations to this day and made then an ordinance in Isrel nd behold they are written in tfbe Lamentations." He compared the o-oodness of Queen Victoria with that of Joshua, placing the Queen far above

Queen encountered at the opening of her reign, and how she had riseu superior to them. What had endeared her so much to the hearts of the people was her wonderful womanliness. The minister then spoke of the beauty and goodness of the life of the Queen, both at the Court and in her private life. The service in the evening was particularly interesting to Presbyterians, for the discourse was based on the Queen's 'love for Presbyterianism. The preacher spoke of the Queen's attendance and! Communion at the Crathie Parish Church at Balmoral, and referred tos Rev. Dr. Macleod, her presbyterianf chaplain. He spoke of the regard! felt by Her Majesty for these min-1 isters, instancing the fact that after! the death of Prince Albert Dr. Macleodf was the first spiritual comforter to j visit her. Specially appropriate hymns were sung, and the anthem j "Vital Spark" was rendered as an j offertory by the choir. At the con-| elusion 01 both services the "Dead| March" in "Saul" was played by thel organist, Mr Walton," the congrega-| tiou standing meanwhile. |