THE ANGLICAN MISSION

Evening Star, Issue 14511, 1 November 1910, Page 8

THE ANGLICAN MISSION

VIEWS OP THE BISHOP OF CHRISTCHURCH.

In the course of a chat with a ‘ Lyttelton Times’ reporter Bishop Julius said that tho mission had been nothing short of remarkable.

“11l the first place,” he said, “let me say that the whole conduct of missions has changed completely since the days when 1 knew and served in them in England. In those days a mission, was very hugely an appeal to the emotions; there was little instruction, and the results were not always lasting. But the church lias learned by experience. The mission hold in this diocese has been very solemn and searching, but there has been little or no attempt to create excitement. Mon of all pal-tit's have been here, and have worked together with one heart and one mind. They have taught the truth from their own viewpoints without compromise and with all plainness, and I hare heard nothing for which I am not profoundly thankful.’’

The Bishop added that perhaps the most remarkable feature of the mission had been the attendances at the celebrations of Holy Communion each day in the early morning hours. The attendances at those services had been remarkable, and had steadily increased as the mission progressed. “ Some of the mie.sioncm have said to me. that the work has been made easy, for the greater part has been done by the prayers that preceded the mission, and by prayer the mission has been upheld. 'The evening services have been most impressive, and I was greatly moved by the fact that in almost every case by far the greater part of the congregation remained for the instruction following the service. “The midday dinner-hour services for men and women have been well attended. Of the latter I cannot speak from personal observation, but those for men have been most impressive, and it is matter for deep regret to us that wo have been compelled to bring them to a close.” Speaking of the street processions the Bishop said that some good church people had objected to the demonstrations. While ho respected their prejudices, he was •bound to say that he was profoundly thankful that a church which was sometimes accused of too great starchiness was willing to go out into the streets, and that so many men wore willing, as one missioncr put it, to “make fools of themselves for Christ’s sake. ” Ho thought that the public generally felt that it “meant business.”