ST. JOHN'S CHURCH

Grey River Argus, 19 March 1945, Page 4

ST. JOHN'S CHURCH

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS CONCLUDED. The celebration of the 75th anniversary of St. John’s Church came to a conclusion over the week-end. The anniversary picnic took place at Omot'o racecourse on Saturday, when there was a large attendance of adults and children. The procession left the Sunday School, headed by an old-time carriage, driven and occupied by, persons in appropriate costumes. St. J'ohn’s Church was filled to the doors yesterday morning, when a special service was held. Children from the Cobden and Rugby Park Sundav Schools attended, as well as those of the main school. Rpv. T. G. Campbell was in the puplit, and explained that the whole service was a portrayal of the work done in the Sunday School during the past 75 years.' The children’s choir, under Mrs C. K. Brown, filled the choir seats, and Miss K. Lea'rmont was organist. After the opening hymn, three of the favourite hymns of the late Mr J. C. Ring (who was teacher and Superintendent for 54 years.) were sung. Mr R. A. Barrowman (representing past Sunday School and Bible Class members) gave a' review of the work since the Sunday School opened, and handed over to the Bible Class the emblem of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, with the injunction to uphold the great traditions of the past. This was accepted by Miss F. McLean (on behalf of the Young Women’s Bible Class), and Mr Ken Patterson (for the Young Men’s Classes). A prayer of dedication was offered by Rev. T. G. Campbell. The choir members then gathered around the Communion platform for the dedication of the furnishings, which had been the gifts of the young peqole. The gifts were received by, the Rev. T. G. Campbell, and dedicated. The service concluded with the Benediction.

There was again a' large attendance at the evening service, when Rev. T. G. Campbell was the preacher. The choir, under Mr E. F. Evans, rendered th e anthem “Incline Thine Ear”, Mr K. Fehsenfeld being the soloist, with Miss K. Learmont at the organ. Mr Campbell’s subject was, “The Yet' To Be”, based on the text from Malachi 3-16. A book of remembrance was written. Remembrance was the choicest of God’s gifts, said the preacher. The past was ours only when it had gone. Men of the future would think of us as pioneers who brought new thoughts, and new methods into being. A social hour to mark the conclusion of the anniversary was held at the close of the service. when Rev. Mr Campbell thankcd all who had contributed towards making the celebrations such an outb^irs^i^Us and Mr K. Fehsenfeld Contributed vocal solos, Mrs Evans and Mrs R P s? being accompanistes. The serving supper brought to a clns„ n of cessful celebration. e a most SUc ”