IN THE CHURCHES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 305, 26 December 1931, Page 5

IN THE CHURCHES.

CHRISTMAS SERVICES.

SACRED MUSIC RECITALS.

IMPRESSIVE CELEBRATIONS

The Christmas services held in the city and suburban churches yesterday were attended by large congregations of worshippers. At St. Mary's Cathedral and at St. Matthew's and other Anglican churches Holy Communion was celebrated at 6 a.m., 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. Archbishop Averill preached and celebrated Communion at St. Matthew's at 11 a.m. in the presence of his Excellency the Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe, and Lady Bledisloe. His Excellency read the Lesson. In the evening, when a short address was given by Canon Grant Co wen, a recital of sacred music was broadcast from St. Matthew's. A Christmas music recital was given also at St. Mary's Cathedral, where the . morning sermon had been delivered by Archdeacon Mac Murray. The main Presbyterian service- was held at St. David's Church, and was conducted by the Rev. W. Bower Black. Many adherents of surrounding Presbyterian churches were among the congregation. At the Mount Albert Presbyterian Church the Rev. -W. D. MorrisonSutherland presided at a united service, other Churches represented being Methodist (Rev. Angus Mcßean) and Baptist (Rev. John Laird).' On Christmas Eve, Midnight Mass was celebrated at St. Patrick's Cathedral and in all the local Roman Catholic churches. The celebrant at the Cathedral was Dr. Buxton. Afr St. Benedict's the service was conducted by Bishop Liston, who also preached and pontificated in the Cathedral at the 11 a,m. service yesterday. The assistant priest was Father Macken, CM., of Sydney, and. the subdeacons were . Fathers Quinn and Bennett Lithe evening a recital of Christmas music was given, and the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament was administered.