CHURCH IN THEATRE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 190, 14 August 1933, Page 3

CHURCH IN THEATRE.

NORTHCOTE INNOVATION

MEANING OF "PROSPERITY."

A successful innovation was made last evening by tho Methodist minister at Xfcrthcole, when the evening service was held in the King's Theatre, taking the form of a citizens' gathering. There was a large attendance, including members of the Borough Council, Returned Soldiers' Association, Girl Guides and Bov Scouts. The address by the Rev. W. Gatman on "The Road to Prosperity" was preceded by community singing, led by Mr. A. F. Sharpe, the hymns being set to popular tunes. Miss C. Sharpe was the accompanist. Solos were also given by Misses Winifred Johnson and Helen Taylor. Mr. Gatman eaid the church at Northcote could not possibly hold the large number present. Many people were shy at. entering churches, but were quite at their ease at the theatre. Referring to the campaign for -prosperity, Mr. Gatman said he did not know why 'it was called Prosperity Week, but it was a splendid effort for the relief of distress. It had not brought true prosperity appreciably nearer, though it may have stimulated 'charitable feeling. Reviewing present-day conditions, he said tiie material side had outstripped that of the spiritual. The industrial machine was clogged. The "man on the street, corner" would say, "Destroy the system," but it was futile to imagine an ideal democracy while sin was rampant. The individual must be. redeemed. Little Capitalists."

Industry was run for self-interest. Self-interest must be eliminated before the capitalist system could be abolished. How many people were trying to become little capitalists by taking tickets in art unions and lotteries? If they won £10 000 they would sneak round the corner to invest it, and they would fight for their capital in future. Until we could place life on a spiritual, instead of on a material, basis, we should never get back to true prosperity.