METHODIST CENTENARY

Evening Star, Issue 17923, 20 March 1922, Page 2

METHODIST CENTENARY

In the Methodist churches throughout tho Dominion yesterday was observed as " Thanksgiving" Day " in celebration of the completion of 100 years of service since tho Rev. Samuel Leigh began the Methodist Mission in the North Island. At Trinity Church special services were held throughout the day. At the morning service, which was preceded by a meeting for praise and intercession, tho Rev. M. A. Rugby Pratt preached from the text: "They entered into the covenant to seek tho God of their fathers" (2 Chron. xv., 12). In the afternoon a meeting was held for young people, at which Sister Maud Coleman, a deaconess from London, gave an inspiring address, and musical items were rendered by the several Sunday school classes.

% The evening service was attended by tho mayor and councillors. The Rev. _M. A. Rugby Pratt preached an appropriate sermon from the words : "Bemember the former things of old" (Isaiah xlvi., 9). After introducing his theme he spoke of tho treasures of a glorious past held in tho great storehouse of memory. _ They could hot forget tho past, nor be indifferent _to it, nor escape its associations. It had rich treasures and great lessons. First, the appeal to memory should stimulate them to gratitude. They thought of the days of old and of the cruel conditions confronting the pioneer missionaries 100 years ago. their fathers had, with courage of heart, and toil of brain, and sweat of brow, triumphed over a cruel heathenism. By their daring, their enthusiasm, and self sacrifice they had won the, heritage of privilege for men of to-day. Wo must not accept unthinkingly the treasures that had been blood-bought. Next, tho appeal to memory should inspire to faith. Today perplexity sat on many a brow. They thought of tho might and menace of abounding evils, but an appeal to memory would save from despair. The preacher recalled tho religious state of the Maori a century ago. His was a religion blighted with the chaos of dark superstitions, a religion without hope and without comfort. Tho world of tho old Maori was full of gruesome deities. His gods were spillers of brimming joyeups. Every cave was a lair in which dwelt ghosts and goblinsLife was full of fear, danger, uncanny adventure. But by the blessing of_ God heathen superstition melted and new ideals wore planted in Maori life. That conquest over a horrible heathenism inspire them to faith in the God of their fathers. Thirdly, the appeal to memory called them to fresh consecration. The past made its appeal. Memory brought its challenge and its call. Tho fitting issue of the centenary hour was a vow of consecration, and the revived memory of tho past should bring them back to the altar of dedication for tho interests of today and to-morrow.

During the service the choir, under Mr Havilnnd lilackwood, gave renderings of 1 The Heavens Are Telling,' ' 0 Gladsome Light,' and tho'Hallelujah Chorus.' Mrs C. Samson sang ' The Lord Is My Light,' and Mr Leslie Borrow 'lt Is Enough.' Miss E. Hartley presided at the organ. A retiring collection taken up for the Russian famine fund amounted to £8 15s. The offering for the centenary fund amounted to' £143 lis Bd.