CAROLS SUNG IN PARK

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29390, 17 December 1960, Page 15

CAROLS SUNG IN PARK

Outdoor Service At Sydenham

A combined churches' outdoor carol service, with the theme “Keep the Christ in Christmas,” was held in Sydenham Park last evening before a gathering of more than 1000 persons. Organised by the Assembly of God, Baptist, Church of England, Methodist, Presbyterian and Salvation Army churches in the Beckenham-Sydenham district, the service was conducted by the Rev. P. T. Tripp, of St. Saviour’s, Sydenham, with choral items conducted by the Rev. J. Pryor, of the Beckenham Methodist Church.

A colour film, produced by the Moodie Bible Institute of America was screened by Mr A. Burtenshaw, of the Gospel Film Service Trust.

Led by a combined church choir of 60 singers, the gathering sang a big selection of the more familiar Christmas carols, interspersed with appropriate Bible readings by the Rev. K. Warren, of St. David’s Presbyterian Church. The Sydenham Salvation Army also presented items. Short addresses were given by Pastor R. Read, representing the Assembly of God Church, and Major E. Homes, of the Salvation Army. To conclude the evening a halfhour film in colour, entitled “Holy Night,” showed the Christmas story in words and music. Afterwards the National Anthem was sung. The pianist was Mr N. Carson, organist of the Sydenham Methodist Church.

A loud-speaker service carried the proceedings to those inside the park and to dozens of motorists sheltering from the nor-wester in their cars outside.

A collection organised by members of the Boys’ Brigade was made for the National Council of Churches’ Refugee Children’s Fund.