DIAMOND JUBILEE

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20987, 16 October 1933, Page 3

DIAMOND JUBILEE

HALKETT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SPECIAL SERVICES HELD On October 15, 1873, the handful of j Presbyterians then resident in the iHalkett district attended divine service in their new church for the first time. During the 60 years that have elapsed many changes have taken place in the district, but throughout that time services have been held continuously in the Halkett Presbyterian Church. To mark the diamond jubilee of the opening of the church, celebrations are being held. The first gathering was held in the church on Sunday morning, the Rev. Theo Paterson conducting the service, which was attended by a big congregation. The opening hymn was "For All the Saints." During the service the children sang two anthems. Mrs W. H. Walker was at the organ. Mr Paterson's text was "God is a spirit, and they that Worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth" — from the Gospel of St. John. He referred briefly to the pioneers of the district who had realised that after leaving their homeland and settling in a new country they had felt that something was amiss when the Sabbath day came and there was no place to go to worship God. The pioneers who had brought with them their early religious training made many sacrifices in order to gather sufficient funds to build the church within which to worship.

Types of Service. Describing the four different types of service that were carried on throughout the world, the preacher said they could be put into two distinct classes —first, the service of adoration to God, and second, the service of supreme fascination. These were considered to be more than earthly. The second class was more of service to God as practised by the followers of the Lutheran Church and the church founded by John Calvin. These ideals were that we must forget all things earthly and glorify God who sent His Son to die for us. The faith of man was but filthy rags compared with the while, matchless glory of God. If anyone was to visit a Dutch cathedral the first thing that would be seen was trie 10 Commandments of the living God in gilded letters. To adhere to our text we must bow before God in holy awe if we wished to worship Him in spirit and in truth. But we must remind ourselves also that our reformed worship was not for the natural man, but for God. The teachings of Jesus were the art of pußlic worship which drew together the hearts of men in the service and praise of the elect of God.

> The Rev. J. Pringle, of Chalmers Church, Dunedin, conducted the evening service. The church was more than filled, and extra seating accommodation had to be provided. A sacred solo was sung by Miss Wraight, of Dunsandel. A Silent Witness. Mr Pringle recalled the pleasure it had given him to be present at the jubilee 10 years ago, and also the response to his ministry from 1909 to 1914. The thoughts he wished to express could not be grouped round any particular text, although he would quote two verses which spoke of the transient and the permanent. They were: "One ger.er.-tion passeth away and another generation cometh," and Jesus Christ, the same yesterday and to-day, and forever." Sixty years this church had stood, a silent witness to things unseen and eternal, a spiritual home for the worshippers of two generations. Here the everlasting Gospel had been preached and spiritual light, purity, and peace had come to those who received that divine message. Here the congregation's worship of the God of creation and providence and its gratitude for redemption had been expressed in psalms and hymns. The Church had been the gate of heaven to many souls. was fixed at 3s for adults and 2s for juniors under 18 years. Miss Treloar and Messrs L. P. Blunt and W. Gregory- were appointed a sub-committee to draft rates for submission to the I committee. I Following the tennis meeting, a meeting of householders took place to consider what should be done with a sum of money in hand. Mr J. Lawson presided, and read a letter received from the Education Board. He pointed out that £l2 10s had been lodged in the bank in the building fund, and an additional £7 9s had since been received. On the motion of Mr J. Y. Scales it was resolved to place the money in the Post Office Savings Bank until such time as it was required for the benefit of the school. TAI TAPU Perfect weather prevailed on Saturday afternoon for the opening of the Tai Tapu Tennis Club's season. There was a very large attendance, including also visitors from the Templeton, Lincoln, Waihora, and Barrington Clubs. The president (Mr G. H. Ward), who had come from Rhodes Convalescent Home, received a hearty welcome. He apologised for the absence of the patron of the club, Sir R. Heaton Rhodes, and extended a hearty welcome to all present. He declared the season open. Afternoon tea was served by the club members. MARSHLAND

There was a large attendance at the concert given by pupils of the infant department and Standard I. of Marshland School. At the conclusion of the concert the headmaster thanked those present for their attendance, and also Miss Box. infant mistress, and the children for the enjoyable concert. The following programme was given:— Song, "The Band," the boys; recitation in costume, Esme Treleaven and Doreen Marks; recitation, Winston Prattley; Highland fling, Doreen Marks; vocal duet in costume, Joan Myers and Eric Marks; "Dollies' Parade," the girls; play, Marie Blackburn, Gordon Berry, and Norman Lochhead; dance, Norman and Bruce Lochhead; song, "Little 80-Peep,'" June Watson and the girls; folk dance; recitation in costume, Betty Robertson and Margaret Stackwood; Irish jig, Vonnie Kiesanowski; and "Donkey Dance," by lan Palmer and Ron Boyd. The proceeds will be used for buying equipment for the infant room. A successful smoke concert, organised by the Marshland Sports Club, was held in the hall on Saturday evening, Mr P. Blades presiding over a large attendance. A motion of sympathy was passed to the Hawkins family, Mrs G. Chisnall, and Mrs H. E. Holland.) The following was the toast list:— "Marshland Football Club," proposed by Mr Muir Clarke and responded to by Mr Roy Kingston; "Marshland Sports Club," proposed by Mr P. Blades and responded to by Messrs W, Waugh, R. W. Hawke, M.P., R. H. Monk, and J. Sibbald; "Kindred Societies," proposed by Mr J. Walter and responded to by Mr H. R. Marks; "Mr F. Slade " proposed by Mr R. H. Monk: "Mr H. G. Watson," proposed by Mr J. Sibbald, and Mr Watson responded; "The Secretary," proposed by Mr Park and responded to by Messrs Blades and Waugh; "Agricultural Interests," proposed by Mr J. G. Armstrong and responded to by Messrs J. Liggins and J. J. Blackburn. It was stated that an offer of £5. had been made to the sports club if 20 others give £5 each. A canteen of cutlery, to be competed for at the next sports meeting, was given by Mr Park. The assisting artists were Messrs C. James (songs). Clark and Brown (comedians), C. Reader and W. Dunlop (banjo and accordion), W. Bell (songs), and J. Laurenson (recitations).