OPEN-AIR CHURCH SERVICES

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 72, 18 December 1928, Page 6

OPEN-AIR CHURCH SERVICES

EXPERIMENT TO BE TRIED AT ONEHUNGA

Dominion Special Service,

Auckland, December 17.

Permission to the United Protestant Churches of Onehunga to conduct open-air services near the beach at the foot of Church Street on Sunday afternoon during January and February, was granted by the Borough Council to-night. A committee representing all churches participating has been set up to attend to the proper conduct of the services.

The Mayor, Mr. W. C. Coldicutt, cordially supported the scheme, and said he hoped open-air Sunday schools would be established for children. The denominations which have agreed to co-operate in the united services are the Presbyterian, Methodist, and Congregational churches, the Salvation Army, and the Church of Christ The idea is to take the Gospel to adults and children in the fresh air and sunshine on the beach. Most of the Sunday schools are closed throughout January on account of the heat, and the beach services will act as a partial substitute. An endeavour will be made to hold the interest of both parents and children, two short addresses being provided for each tn turn. Bright singing, including solos, will also be made a feature, and the whole service is not to exceed an hour.