ST. JOHN’S CHURCH

Greymouth Evening Star, 21 December 1936, Page 5

ST. JOHN’S CHURCH

CHRISTMAS SERVICES. At St. John’s Presbyterian Church, yesterday morning, the service was commemorative of Christmas, and Rev. H. R. Fell read St. Matthew’s gospel, chapter 2, referring to the birth of Christ. He dealt with the spirit of Christmas and its observance. Looking back to the time of their forefathers in Scotland, work went on as usual, but New Year was a festive occasion. Their descendants, however, to-day, rejoiced at Christmas-tide, a time of family re-union; the day on which our Saviour was given to the world. “Christians, awake, salute the happy morn,’’ was a hymn familiar to many. Yuletide was typical of Christmas gatherings of people with the same happy memories. “Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people, for unto you is born this day in the City of David a Saviour which is Christ the Lord.” Let them have a time of rejoicing now, to be remembered in days to come. Superior people said the Christian spirit was a myth when there was nothing but strife everywhere. A contrast was afforded in the lines of the hymn, “It came upon the midnight clear”: “But with the woes of sin and strife the world has suffered long; beneath the angel strain have rolled two thousand years of wrong; and man, at war with man, hears not the song of love they bring: O hush the noise, ye men of strife, and hear the angels sing!” Christmas, by some, was said to be made for the poor to keep them satisfied. To others, it offered license for excessive indulgence, but how could they rejoice when they were an offence to others? Christ was born at Bethlehem. His message, “Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy” had not failed. Wherever it has been given a-chance it has been fruitful of Christian experience, and the spirit of peace on earth, good will toward men. The service of praise was appropriate, and the Junior Choir, conducted by Mrs Fell, rendered the anthems, ■ “Star c(f Bethlehem” and “Trusting Jesus.” The annual presentation of prizes to pupils of the Sunday School was as follows: — •

Kindergarten (Miss Tennent’s class) —Gilmour Knell 1, Dorothy McLean 2. Miss Grant’s class—Helen Forbes 1, Eris McKay 2, Dorothy Jones special. Miss Leitch’s Class—Fiona Paterson 1, Victor Wooton 2, Shirley Robin special. Miss McKay’s ClassI—lan 1 —Ian Nott 1, lan Milne 2. Miss Wilson’s, Class —Neil Harper Alan Rowe 2.j Main School:—F’lrst Class Girls— Audrey Shannon 1, Lorna Fell 2. Special for conduct, Audrey Shannon, Betty Tennent. Second Class Girls— Phyllis Nott 1, Chrissie McKenzie 2. Third Class Girls—Nola Thompson 1, Betty Clasper 2. Fourth Class Girls— Patricia Logan 1, Edith Wootton 2. First Class ..Boys—Noel Shannon 1, Alan Thompson 2. Second Class Boys—Roger Hall 1, Donald Parfitt 2. Third Class Boys—Reid Cowan 1, Selwyn Thompson 2. Gift books were awarded the kindergarten division. Last evening St. John’s Presbyterian Church Choir, assisted by friends, rendered Handel’s oratorio, “The Messiah.” Miss M. Coburn was organist, and the choir, conducted by Mr H. Prescott, gave evidence of assiduous practice and careful interpretation of the composer’s masterpiece. The soloists rendered excellent service, in the presentation of a creditable production. The “Hallelujah” Chorus was a fine piece of work. The following was the programme:—Overture;

recit, “Comfort Ye My People” and air “Every Valley shall be exalted,” Mr H. Anderson; chorus "And the Glory of the Lord: recit., "Thus saitli the Lord of Hosts” and air (bass) “But who shall abide the day of His coming?” Mr M. Marshall; recit, ‘For behold, darkness,” and air (bass) "The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light,” Mr S. Nightingale; pastoral symphony; recit., "There were shepherds abiding in the field” (soprano), Miss M. Moss; chorus, "Glory to God in the Highest; air, “Rejoice greatly” (soprano), Mrs H. Prescott; recit., “Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened,” and air “He shall feed His flock” (alto), Miss I. Turner; air, “Come unto Him” (soprano), Mrs E. Rosewall; chorus, “Behold the Lamb of God”; air, “He was despised and rejected of men” (alto), Mrs Hoskin; recit., "Thy rebuke hath broken His heart” (tenor); air, “Behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto His sorrow”; recit., “He was cut off out of the land of the living”; air, “Thou didst not leave His soul in hell,” Mr H. Prescott; air, “Why do the nations so furiously rage together” (bass), Mr S. Nightingale; air, “I know that my Redeemer liveth” (soprano), Mrs H. Prescott; chorus, “Since by man came death”; recit., “Behold, I tell you a mystery,” and air, “The Trumpet shall sound” (bass), Mr R. Smith; recit., “He that dwelleth in Heaven” and air, “Thou shalt break them,” Mr H. Prescott; chorus, "Hallelujah.” Mr Fell, in his address, spoke of mu,sic, its purpose, and its harmony. He thanked the choirmaster, organist, and soloists. Such a programme of sacred music as the congregation had the pleasure of listening to meant much time and practice to the iperformers.

GOSPEL ASSEMBLY. On Sunday afternoon the Greymouth Gospel Assembly gathered at the Old People’s Home, before a good number of old folks on the final visit of the year. The Christmas spirit was much in evidence, the singing of appropriate hymns and carols, Mr F. Rowe opening with prayer. The choir sang several pieces, and Mr Rawstorn a solo. Mr A. McNeill spoke upon lir 1 ' ''hrist. After a few remarks »>y Mr Rowe, he presented two cakes —one for the ladies, and one for the men. Mrs Jones (matron) returned thanks on behalf of the inmates. The gathering concluded with the singing of “There is a land that is fairer than day,” and prayer.