SUNDAY SCHOOL HONOURS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVII, Issue 146, 20 June 1906, Page 11

SUNDAY SCHOOL HONOURS.

PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS

A unique function was held last evening in the Edinburgh-street Congregational Church, namely, the presentation of five diplomas of honour for long service as Sunday-school teachers, to gentlemen whose combined services totalled 207 years. The president of the Auckland Sunday School Union, Mr. O- M. Calder, made the presentations on •behalf of the parent society in England. He said it was gratifying to find some recognition of the faithful, conscientious, continuous service rendered hy Sunday-school teachers. The Sunday School Union at Home had recognised the need for some official recognition, and had instituted a method by which diplomas of honour should be given to teachers of over 25 years' continuous service. It was but right that there should be some honour done to people who for 23 years had laboured as Sun-day-school teachers -without any pay. That night, however, one recipient. Mr. John Ellyett, had laboured for 53 vears continuously—(applause)—Mr. John Seabrooke for 51 years, Mr. John Crook for 44 years. Mr. Edward Samuel Price for 31 years, and Mr. Francis Rowe for 28 years. Mr. Calder thep presented the diplomas amidst great applause. Mr. John Ellyett, on behalf of the recipients, returned thanks. He mentioned that he was one of the founders of the Sunday School Union in Auckland, being one of a deputation in 1802 that visited other schools to try and form the union. The success of tbe movement was, however, feally due to the untiring efforts of Mr. Seering H. Matthews. (Applause.) With the late Mr. Fred Battley, and Mr Matthews, he had been associated with the Auckland Sunday School Union for over 30 years. He was for some years treasurer, and for 22 years vice-president. The gathering was in connection with the anniversary of the Newton Congregational Church, and the occasion was taken advantage of to publicly present the diplomas. The Rev. J. M. Baylev. from Queensland, presided, and made a few opening remarks, and addresses were delivered by the Rev. W. Gray and Pastor Clark, the latter dealing admirably with the necessity of unity amongst the churches. There was too Tiuch division and sub-division in tbe niureh of Christ, and he contended that the desire for isolation or separation was due either to ignorance or a bad spirit. During the evening the choir, conducted by Mr. W. E. Baxter, sang in excellent style the anthems:—"Teach Me, O Lord," "God, My Help," "O Love the Lord," and the choruses, "Tbe Man of Calvary" and "He's Knocking at Mv Heart." Just before the meeting closed, Mr. Ellyett, on behalf of the deacons, thanked Mr. Bayley for the excellent service he had done the church during the months he bad taken temporary charge. On the motion of Mr. Rowe. votes of thanks were accorded Mr. Palder, and the deputation from the Sunday School Union, Mr. Matthews, nnd Mr. Le Bailey, also the speakers, the choir, and all who had assisted.