THE SISTERHOODS.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 19983, 18 July 1930, Page 2

THE SISTERHOODS.

WORK IN THE ANGLICAN CHURCH. I I'LBLIC ADDRESSES. To call public attention to tho work of the Sisterhoods in the Anglican Church in a hope that more would be induced to enter them, a public meeting was held in the Caledonian Hall last evening', at which Sister Rosemary, of tbe Sisters of the Church, and Archbishop Julius wove the speakers. Doa.u Julius presided over a large attendance. There wore on the platform, besides the speakers, Mother Dora (Superior of tho Community of the Sacred Name), Sister Etheline (Sisters of tho Church, St. Hilda's College, Dunedin), Mother Alice (Sisters of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, in charge of St. George's Hospital), Mr H. D. Andrews (Chancellor of the Diocese), and Mrs Andrews, tho llev. aDd Mrs E. C. Crosse, the Itev. J. do B. Galwey (Diocesan Registrar), Archdeacon i\ N. Taylor, the Kev. H. Williams, the Kev. C. A. Fraer, Dr. Sandston, and Mrs Cracroft Wilson. Tbo Sisterhoods were a gift from tbe Old Country, said Dean Julius. Thirtyfive years ago, Bishop Julius had gone to England aDd brought out Mother Edith, tho founder of the Community of the Sacred Name. Though small in numbers, this community was doing a varied and extensive work, looking after two primary schools, a Maori school, a home for girls, and an orphanage, beside working in many parishes. Twenty years a.go the Bishop returned to England and brought out representatives of the Sisters of the Church. Though the founders of tho settlement had provided for the boya in Christ's College, no provision had been made for tho girls until tbe Bishop called on this Sisterhood to found St. Margaret's College. Although the Sisters now soon had to withdraw because tho work of their Order had been reduced, their splendid work in caring for the mental and spiritual welfare of the girls would be continued. The latest importation from England were the Sisters of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, and Mother Alice. The value of the work of the Sisterhoods lay not so much in the work of the individual Sisters as in the fact that they had made the people of the diocese realise the extent of women's influence in the Church. Above all else, the Church at the present timo needed women's work. The Eeligioua Life. Sister Eosemary said that the object of the meeting was to tostlfy to tbe valuo of religious life among women and to try to extend it. The religious life was the name given to that form of life in which men and women gave themselves up completely to the service lof God. The object of the life was ancient—to try to get nearer to God by self-sacrifice. For those who dosired them, there were higher ideals than merely to keep the Commandments, the ideals of personal service to God. All who had entered religious life from a right motive believed that they had been called to that life by God. The Christian teaching waß that all life was supremely worth living bocause it belonged to God; but to some came the conviction that they wanted something more than the ordinary life and that they could find it only by l losing their lives in.personal consecration to tho Lord. The ordinary people had no understanding of the inner life of religion and, indeed, some institutions undertook no life outside the Church itself. Members of the religious orders were bound to God by vows, called the evangelical counsels, all of which aimed at perfect union with Him. There were the ideals of poverty, chastity, and obedience. No member, of a religious order could have personal possessions so that she could be free to do her duty whenever the call came. The ideal of purity sought to conquer the lusts of the flesh. Ascetics taught that bodily desires were wrong in themselves; Christianity, though it said that the body was a heavenly temple, knew that it must be controlled. The Sisters observed chastity not in order to crush out all feeling and emotion but to give all their desires to God and to seek spiritual marriage with Him. The third ideal, of obedience, came in the. consecration of the will to God. These three ideals, the basis of the religious life, included everything—possessions, affections, and self.

Growth of Sisterhoods. In the second part of her address, Sister Eosemary answered some objections that were made to the religious life in the Church. It was, she affirmed, definitely recognised as part of the work of the Church. Since 1845 it had spread and extended until now there were 50 societies and communities in England and twice as many men,and women in those communities as there were when Henry VIII. dissolved the monasteries. In religious communities, the life was the first thing, not the work. They did not crush individuality. The dress of a Sister was antiquated; but it was loved by her and brought her respect. Many girls when they sought to enter the religious life were told that they were too young: this was a great mistake, for through the young the work could be greatly extended. The ideal was for people to enter the life when they were young and earnest and enthusiastic. God wanted the best of their lives, not the dregs. The vows were not taken for three years, at least, giving those who took them ample time to make up their minds. Young girls may have been locked up in convents against their will in the Middle Ages; but this was so no longer since the only bonds were mental and spiritual. Many did not know of the Sisterhoods of the Anglican Church. The object of that meeting was to tell people of the'existence of the religious life, to encourage those who might feel the call. When young people wanted to enter the life they should be encouraged to do so. Until parents realised that it was an honour for their children to enter the Church, the work of the communities would be greatly handicapped. There had lately been a revival of the religious life in Australia, where five communities were now established, including a novitiate in Melbourne. In New Zealand the life could give what it always gave—a witnesß to the value of supernatural things over natural; and a witness to the belief in the divinity of Jesus Christ. To the I individual, it gave above all things ! satisfaction with life.

Need for Work in Dominion. The. Archbishop wished to toll first how he became interested in Sisterhoods. In childhood he was surrounded by Puritan, evangelical interests. When, later, he was curate of a parish in Somersetshire, there was an awful outbreak of typhoid in the village. 'There Were no nurses, and the doctor did not know typhoid from housemaid'u •knee. The women of the village were afraid, when he asked therh to help. A nurse whom his vicar imported arrived drunk, and had to be returned ; but when he asked to send for help from a Sisterhood the vicar cried out: "I'll have none of those Popish' females in my parish." Yet eventually they came, quietly enough, they rubbed, scrubbed, and worked, and over-

came tit© disease. "When he came to New Zealand, continued the Archbishop, and when he was faced with difficulties lie could not meet, he thought of the Sisterhoods and went to London to their help. Ho thanked God that he had done so. The community side of the religious life had grown and extended He mentioned the coming of other orders, and the taking over of St. 4nne by the Community of the Sacred Name. Other Sisters had come to open St. Margaret's College, and be was only too thankful that it was not while he was Bishop that they would leave. At latest, the Sisterhoods had been called upon to etaff ki. George's Hospital, and they had come .willingly. Archbishop Julius traced briefly the rise of the religious life in England. The number of communities, he thought, was very much under-esti-mated at 50. Yet in New Zealand, the Church could not, depend on its own supply of the clergy and the sisters. Every timo it wanted help, the Church in the Dominion had to run to England. It would never completely prosper until it -had its own local clergy and its own local members of the Sisterhoods. So it was with the missions in Melanesia and other fields—local missionaries, not imported missionaries, were needed. Ho decried the attitude of parents who nought to discourage their children from entering tbo religious life when thev felt its"call. Tho Church of England would b*i in a very parlous state but for the services of those who dedicated themselves to that supreme life. Tho meeting was preceded by a programme of instrumental trios by the Mioses Joan. Charlotte, nnd 4 Eilopn Carter. OBITUARY. MRS CHARLES CLARKE.

Mrs Charles Clarke. who passed away at her residence, Victoria terrace, Woolston, on Friday, at the advanced age of 92 years, had resided in Christchurch for over 20 years. Although of a retiring nature and neve* robust, she had, bv her quiet but charm! nc personality, made many friends. * She was born in Leeds, Yorkshire, England, and cam© to New Zealand with her husband and family by the Rangitiki many years ago. She is survived bv her husband, four daughters—Mrs R. Chamberlain (Ohoka), Mrs G. Hill (Heathcote), Mrs E'. Anderson (Lyttelton), and Mrs H. Thomson (Woolston)—and one sonMr James Clarke, of Christchurch. She also leaves 11 grandchildren and ©ight great-grandchildren. COMBINED TENNIS CLUBS. ANNUAL DANCE.

A very enjoyable dance, held at the Winter Garden last night, under the auspices of the combined tennis clubs, was atteudod by members of the various City and suburban clubs and their friends. Music was supplied by the Bailey-Marston Orchestra, and extras were played by Bradford's Band, while the distribution of novelties of all shapes and sizes added a carnival spirit to the happy gathering. The committee which arranged the dance comprised Mr J. Mercer (chairman), Mr J. L. Squire, and representatives from the various clubs. During the evening the following shields won during the 1929-30 season in the Suburban competitions were presented b. Mr William Goss, vice-presi-dent of the Canterbury Lawn Tennis Association: —A Grade Shield, won by the Cathedral Club, winners of section 1, in defeating the Belfast Club, the winners of section 2, in grade final. B Grade Shield, won by the Edgeware Club, winners of section 1, in defeating -Redcliffs, the winners of section 2, in grade final. C Grade Shield, won by Shirley Club, winners of section 1, in defeating the Edgeware Club, the winners of section 2, in grade final. The ladies present included Mesdames J. L. Squire, F. O. Schmidt, A. R. Mer- ; ritt, Eric England, W. A. Smith, A. W. Spence, E. Harding, J. W. Arnold, Leallie Scrimshaw, L. W., Ballan, A. P. Hobson, G. Pierce, Max Boyd, J. MeDougall, E. S. Parish, A. B. L. Smith, F. W. Scott, A. J. Steer, J. Mercer, Misses Norma Towart, Lucy Guild, Mary Murchie, Kathleen Hardie, Lucy Smith, Nance Ewan, M. Collins, Maisie Stewart, Alice Church, Minna Peters, B le Hill, Heatherbello Scott, Zita Meyer, Sybil Perkins, A. Williams, Dorothy. Gasson, N. Freeguard, Elsie Treneary, Maura Seabrook, Alison Cooper, Noeline Craythorne, Florence Nidd, I. Leach, Grace Smith, Anita Wallis, Jean Davidson, Gwen Wansborough, Betty Nicholas, Eileen Waldron, Christine Gordon, Nell Williamson, Rae Lancaster, Bonnie Payne, Molly Heasley, Jean Martin, Daphne Gluestein, Thelma Merritt, Bgryl Fanning, Dulcie Pye, Irma Barnes, Matheson, Annie Ferguson, Ruby Butler, Muriel Wakely, Iris Atack, Audrey Drury, Sheila Flannigan, Elsie Ward, Emily Munro, Phyllis Yorath, Suzanne Gasson, Vera Mclvor, Kathleen O'Brien, Marjorie Bridges, Madge Morland, Elfrida Morland, Maysie Still, Una McCracken, Gladys Searing, Joyce Howardj Laura Hughes, Violet Howard, D. Wells, Pat O'Connor, Nona Butler, V. Wilson, and Eileen Hooper. FEDERATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN. At the fortnightly meeting of the Bridge Circle of the Federation of University Women, held at the Club Booms in Montreal street, there was a largo attendance of membersand their friends. Bridge and an amusing competition were much enjoyed, the latter being won by Miss M. E. Sims. After supper, Miss Marion Reese, in the absence of Dr. Jessie Scott, made a small presentation to Miss Sims, who is leaving for Honolulu to attend the Pan-Pacific Conference. The members and their friends, Miss Reese said, hoped that Miss Sims would have a pleasant and interesting time in Honolulu, where she would meet representatives of many lands and discuss problems affecting many people. Those present were Miss M. E. Sims, Miss Alexander, Miss Bays, Miss G. Miller, Miss W. Best, Miss H. Mayne, Miss Higgins, Miss Plimsoll, Miss F. Raymond, Mrs Raymond, Mrs Bowes, Miss M. Kennedy, Miss V. Balkind, Miss E. Oxford, Miss K. Merton, Miss M. Reese, Miss S. Batchelor, Miss M. Talbot, Miss P. Wilkinson, and Miss O. Talbot. PARTY AT METHVEN. A very enjoyable evening was spent at the residence of Mrs A. C. Street (Methven) to celebrate the coming-of-age of her eldest daughter, Cora. Mr G. Burt proposed the toast of "The Guest of Honour" and presented her ", witli a gold key. Mr Harold Musi ' champ responded on behalf Of Miss Street. The evening was spent in I music, competitions, and dancing; the • competitions were won by Misses F. Scoon and A. Cameron and Messrs W. '. Duff and L. Street. Mr and Mrs Alex. ' I Lawrence were the winners of a lucky Bpot waltz. On behalf of the friends ' present Mr Alex. Lawrence thanked . Mrs Street 'for the pleasant evening.

DANCE AT MERIYALE. The St. Mary's (Merivale) I'oung Meu's Bible Class held their second dance of the season in the Merivale Schoolroom on Wednesday evening, when nearly two hundred guests danced to the delightful music of Seymour's Orchestra. The hall, gaily decorated in cerise and blacjt, presented a very attractive appearance, and the whole arrangements reflected great credit on the committee, wmprising Messrs K. Lowry, B. Wikon, E. Pearce, and C. F. Roberts (secretary). Mr C. W. Packer-Doust was M C Among the many present were Mr and Mrs J. G. L Vernon, Mr and Mrs Todhunter, Mr and Mrs W. H. Cowper, Mr and Mrs C. W. PackerDoust, Mrs E. H. S. Hamilton, the Rev. J. Rich, Misses Una Kissel, Grace Parr, Gertrude Scott, Peggy McKay. Peggy Taylor, Kathleen Clark. Joan Dawe. Alison Cooper, Iris Herriott, Lesley Burns, Agnes Taylor, Rhoda Pearce, Betty HuneH, Mavis Wright, Betty Pickering, Kathleen Gibson, Marian Millar, Dora Brown, Margaret Martin, Caroline Josuph, Alice Stewart, Mollv M'cKonzie, .loyce Watkina, Marie F. Wills, Winifred M Cox, Nancy, Burgess. Carleen Cox, Gwen Andrews, Winnie Hutton, Mtva Larsen, Blanche Efford. Nancy Gr«»en, Rona Woodward. Beth Green, Miirjorio Lowrv, Janie Murray, Dorothy M. Roberts, Hilary Fryer, Tsobel Anderson, Chlnp Barnett. 7oy Morgan. Dorothy Lennie. Bettv S-nnnd, Joan Slmnd, Violet Dows. Marjorie Benpe, Lota Faulls. Jocelvn We>«b, Betty Osborn. N. Penman, Vera Gaeson, J. Gtlison, Evn Little, Andrev Summars. Wvn Heaphv. Doris Lvsajjht. Marr Shanks Doris Johnson. Frances Woodley, Mae Heaphy, and Phyllis Lolirey. PARTY AT RANGIORA. On Wednesday Mr and Mrs G. A. Bruere, Rangiora, entertained a number of friends at an evening party, given in honour of the coming-of-age of their daughter, Aileen. Cards and games were played, "Mrs W. Horrell and Miss M. Meyer winning the prises for cards, while the competitions were won by Miss E. Ayers and Miss D. Tyler. Among those present were Mr and Mrs G. Bruere, Mr and Mrs L. Smith, Mesdames Wm. Horrell, Schluter, and Mcintosh, Misses Eve Wilson, Bae Scott, Edith Ayers, Mary Meyer, Dorothy Tyler, Nan Horrell, Kath Mcintosh, Muriel Shaw, Freda and Hilda Schluter, and Doris and Aileea Bruere.

MISS WOODHOUSEfS RECITAL. • Many beautiful bouquets and frag- ; rant posies were presented to M«ss. Woodhouse and her students at the very enjoyable recital held last night at Jellicoe Hall. •-.'', Miss Woodhouse wore a handsome frock of paon blue panne velvet, with tiny V-shaped insets of gold lace on the corsage; Miss Aileen Warren, who acted as accompanist, black georgette t'rock with surtout of gold lace and a bois de rose embossed georgette bridge coat with collar bf grey fur; Mrs R. H. Henley's frock of rose pink georgette was beaded all over with crystal and rose pink beads, and her faconne bridge coat to match was finished with a collar of beige fur; Miss Evelyn Lawn wore a blue net frock patterned all over with silver tracery and hemmed with blue tulle, her gaily-patterned fringed shawl'toned with her frock; Miss Clara Napper wore a frock of geranium ■ red georgette with yoke and side skirt panels of black net embroidered with ecru thread; Miss Maggie Richardson's frock of black souple satin had a swathed sash of black, embossed with gold and weiehted with gold bead fringe; Miss Mary Garland wore a hydrangea-blue georgette frock with a large pink rose on the shoulder. FAREWELL PARTT. A pleasant function took place at the Sunbeam Kindergarten, when the staff of the Christchurch Free Kindergartens mot to say "au revoir" to Miss Hull their principal, who is leaving shortly as a delegate to the PanPacific Conference at Honolulu During the afternoon Miss Hull was presented with a beautiful bouquet of yellow chrysanthemums, primroses, and daisies. In the centre was a tiny silk w,Si'i! n^ l, ?* a i, bheq V e - After Miss •i! 1 * d Branny acknowledged the gift, afternoon tea was dispensed by the students. ~