“CROWD-IN” SERVICE

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32383, 24 August 1970, Page 12

“CROWD-I N ” SERVICE

About 700 young people of several different denominations, sang and clapped their way through more than two hours of gospel, folk, rhythm and blues music at a crowd-in service in the Christchurch Cathedral on Saturday evening. The service, which also attracted a few adults and clergymen, was organised by the youth council of the Anglican Diocese of Christchurch. It was similar to a musical sit-in held in the cathedral last year and at-

tended by about 2000 people. The music for this year’s service was again provided by the Witness Four, five young men from ■ Auckland who hive become well known throughout New Zealand, for their high standard of popular music with spiritual overtones. The group and the compere; Mr J. Hawkesby, were brought to Christchurch specially for the service and a seminar also held on Saturday. There was no sermon during the service, but instead several members of the

group spoke to the congregation. Persons were welcomed by the Dean of ! Christchurch (the Very Rev. M. L. Underhill) and the blessing was given by the Bishop of Christchurch (the Rt Rev. W. A. Pyatt). The seminar, which was held at Aldersgate, the Methodist centre in Durham Street on Saturday afternoon, was aimed at taking a closer look at modern music and Christianity. Topics included the use of secular music and words in worship, programming, ballet, dancing and

drama, effective use of instrumentals, involvement of non-church people, song leading techniques, and involvement of the audience. A talk and ideas were given by members of the Witness Four. There were questions, discussion and workshops. Yesterday the Witness Four attended services at St John’s Church, Latimer Square. The photographs show a group of girls from the congregation taking part in one of the songs (top) and members of the congregation.