FESTIVAL GATHERING

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 237, 4 July 1938, Page 4

FESTIVAL GATHERING

Girls' Friendly Societies Saturday night marked an important occasion for the girls’ friendly societies of AVellington, when the combined branches held an enjoyable festival gathering at St. Peter’s Church. An inspiring service Opened the festival proceedings when a representative congregation took part. The service was conducted by the Rev. Charles E. Willis, assisted by the Rev. AV. Tye. Atembers of the St. Peter's, Brooklyn and Lyall Bay branches of’the G.F.S. marched in procession down the aisle of the church with their banners, after which special hymns were sung and the prayers of the Bible classes, mothers’,unions and girls’ friendly societies were offered by the Rev. AV. Tye. In his address, the Rev. Charles Willis stressed the importance of banding together for the purpose of receiving inspiration and strength, one from another. The ideals of the Girls’ Friendly Society were that members endeavoured to bring their lives closer to God. This was the only and real reason for the establishment of such a society and other similar religious societies, and all played a great part in the work of the Christian Church. Just as David of old went out and slew Galiath, giving the Israelites new hope and a belief in their God, so people to-day looked not to one but to many champions to restore their flagging faith in the Church. That was where the Girls’ Friendly Society could do so much, the speaker continued, by bringing back people to the worship of God. He urged them to start such a campaign among their families and friends, and in the not distant-future he looked.forward to the day when whole families would come to church, as they had done in the past. In conclusion, he said how necessary it was for the life of the human family that religion should be shared by all, and that the Church needed the vigour of youth, .supported by the wisdom of older people, more to-day than ever before. The church was artistically arranged with hydrangeas, iceland poppies and palms. Later, members gathered In the Sunday school ball, where a delightful tea had been arranged by branch helpers.' The tea tables were decorated with bowls of spring flowers. After tea a successful social ended a very happy gathering. Special guests included Mrs. N. Bullock, president of the Girls’ Friendly Society, Airs. T. H. Sprott, past-presi-dent, Airs. Christy, diocesan secretary, and members of the G. F. S. council.