Religious rally presented

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32567, 29 March 1971, Page 16

Religious rally presented

A programme of contemporary music and poetry, on religious themes and directed mainly at the younger generation, was presented by two members of the Billy Graham Musical Team at a public rally in the Civic Theatre yesterday. About 500 people attended the rally, which was led by the Rev. C. Burrows and accompanied by Mr T. Smith, both members of the team. Also present were the New Zealand representative of the Billy Graham Association (Mr R. Ramage) and its Australian director (Mr B. Berryman). The meeting was chaired by the Rev. H. F. Thomson. Mr Burrows and Mr Smith have been with the Billy Graham Crusade for more than 20 years. Mr Smith, who has composed two youth folk musicals, opened the programme with a summary of the general impression held of Christianity today, and then expressed this musically. Poetry "that attempted to express the thoughts and beliefs of youth” was then recited by Mr Smith. The Rev. H. F. Thomson, said after the meeting that he felt sure the programme

with its different approach to preaching and understanding Christianity, had been appreciated. "I thought their programme was really first class. It held the attention of the congregation, and the young people especially,” he said. Film awaited A religious film “His Land,” should be seen in New Zealand soon, said Mr Burrows at the public music rally in Christchurch yesterday. The film was made by Mr Burrows and pop-singer Cliff Richard, who both belong to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, and views the land and people of Israel in relation to theology. “Jews in Israel accepted the film enthusiastically,” said Mr Burrows.