Anniversary of the Primitive Methodist Church

Feilding Star, Volume VIII, Issue 53, 14 October 1886, Page 3

Anniversary of the Primitive Methodist Church

Theservices at the Primitive Methodist Ciiurcli last Sunday were' attended by larg€ &ad appreciative audiences, who listened with, rapt attention to two able and eloquent sermons. Mr &. Furlong has long since become a favorite preacker in Feilding. . His clear, fresh, and forcible way of ex--plaining the Scriptures, arising from his perfect knowledge of the original languages, coupled with graphic illustrations, make his addresses exceed* ingly interesting and profitable. He kindly held a childrens' and parents' meeting in the afternoon, which was also well attended. The tea, held on Monday evening, was in every way a great success. The weather — bo essential to these things, and contrary to Gapt. Edwin's calculations — continued very favorable. . All were united in opinion that the table provisions, prepared by the ladies for their enjoymont, was beyond all praise, and no doubt their appreciation manifested itself in a very practical way. The after meeting was crowded, . and was presided over by a very popular Chairman, Mr Robert Linton, J.P., of Halcombe, who has the nack' of making everybody feel at home with him at once. The united choirs of Feildiug and Halcombe, under the Bey. Mr Clark's leading,, rendeied good service, and gave a number of Sankey's hymns in grand style. The harmonium was ably manipulated by its player, Mrs Richardson. Miss Linton gave a solo during the evening, which was well received. Mr G. Adams led off the speeches in bis usual happy manner, speaking on the sacred subject of home. He struck a grand keynote, to those who followed him. Eegret was expressed by Mr Clark at the absence of the Rev. Mr Murray. Captain Newbold eauie next, and •poke nicely on the anniversary being a milestone on the road home. Mr Richardson gave a beautiful recitation on •* John, the beloved, " which was highly appreciated. Mr McLean, late of Foxton, who has come to reside in Feilding, gave a practical and eloquent address on the importance of private daily reading of the holy Scriptures, even in small quantities. He evidently made a favorable impression on the audience. Of course, Mr Furlong's was the cpecx'b. of the evening, humorous, forcible, edifying, and received undivided attention. He said he was rapidly" becoming 1 more mellow and loving towards Christians of all denominations. TTis earnest advice to seek for divine guidance in all the affairs of life (illustrated by the story of the cow) was very impressive. The Rev. Mr Clark spoke attractively on the three chief reasons for the continuance of annivtriery tea meetings — the financial, so necessaryin carrying «n Christian as well as other work; the social, so profitable and pleasant ife bringing people together, with the result of knowing and esteeming one another more ; and the spiritual, which is really the mest important of all. 1 Mr J. O. Thompson was asked to propose the usual votes of thanks — to the ladies, who worked so hard and successfully for their very important .part of the proceedings ; to the singers and players, who contributed so much towards the pleasures of the meeting ; to the speakers for their entertaining and profitable addresses; and finally to the genial Chairman for his kindness in coming so far to take charge of the meeting. All these votes were unanimously carried. The meeting was then concluded in the usual devetional way.