DAY OF PRAYER

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22941, 10 February 1940, Page 2

DAY OF PRAYER

SERVICES IN CHRISTCHURCH

Yesterday was observed as a day of prayer by women throughout the world, and in Christchurch it was marked by particularly large attendances both at the morning and afternoon sessions arranged by the united committee of the Women’s Missionary Societies, "In Quietness and Confidence shall be Your Strength” was the theme chosen this yepr by Misses Muriel and Doris Lester, London. The service for , young people in Trinity Congregational Church at 7.30 a.m. was conducted by Major Marshall and Miss E. M. Gamsford.and was followed by a service at 10-43 a.m. in Durham Street Methodist Church, conducted by Mrs Frank Thompson, with members of the various denominations leading intercessory prayer. Mrs West was the pianist and the soloist was Mrs A. Anstlce. , . At the afternoon session, the president" of the committee, Miss E; McKee, led the devotions, and Mrs F. J. T. Grigg (secretary) gave a short reading. Miss Gainsford spoke of many of the social and spiritual . changes which she hs< noticed in India during her recent visit after an absence pf 20 years. - She had -found- that those - with whom she had laboured '“in the, mission fields years ago were the leaders in evangelism tp-day. Territory in native states that had formerly been closed to missionaries had now been opened, and missionaries were making plans to build houses in those states and live amongst the people whom they taught. Mrs A. Bramwell Cooke, who is on furlough from India, described the homes in which the majority of the Indians lived, the superstitions of the natives, and the unenviable position of the women, particularly the widows, who. regardless of.their position, found life very different for them bn the death of“their husbands. Women of the Methodist Church were hostesses at the tea hour. Other centres in Canterbury where the day -was observed with prayer were Sumner, New Brighton, Lyttelton, Akaroa. Greendale, Oxford, Ashburton, Timaru, Temuka, Rangiora, Waimate, Geraldine, Leeston. and Sefton.