INTERCESSORY'SERVICES

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 144, 15 December 1922, Page 9

INTERCESSORY'SERVICES

LAST OP THE SEEIES.

The laat of this year's series t>f intercessory services was held in the Concert Chamber, Town Hall, at. midday. His Worship the Mayor, who presided, said that thirty-eight services had been held. Thirty-two ministers and eighty-six laymen had taken part in prayer or reading, and fifteen additional persons had officiated as musical accompanists, or a total of one hundred and thirty-five participants. These represented practically all Christian denominations--and phases of civic life. The elimination of comment, interpretation, or discussion from the services had had the gratifying effect of effacing all trace of denominational distinction. The attendances throughout had been well riiaiijtained. Favourable reference was made to the selection of hymns used, and appreciation expressed of the encouragement and ready assistance invariably given in the arrangement of the services. Frequently, said the chairman, the participant in prayer or reading had so publicly engaged for the first time, and the spiritual effect of this, multiplied many times during the series, 'should alone have a distinct influence on the community. To many men-and women the weekly service was a regular appointnuit, which indicated that it met a civic need. From the outset the inclination of the committee had been to be divinely guided in arranging the service from .week to week only, and experience had taught the wisdom of this course. Thanks were expressed for the generous notice given to the services in the Wellington daily newspapers, and to The Bristol Piano Company for the free use of the piano. During the service, the Rev. Dr. J. Kennedy Elliott, Mr. A. L. Haylock, and Mr. A, Morrison offered prayer. Portions of Scripture were read as follow: Psalm 27 by the chairman, Isaiah 53 chap, by Mr. R. W. Porter, and St. Luke 2, 1-20, by Mr. B. Tait. Mr. J. Allen accompanied the singing of suitablo hymns.