ST. MARY’S CHURCH.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 15 October 1927, Page 5

ST. MARY’S CHURCH.

CONFIRMATION SERVICE

IMPRESSIVE CEREMONY

A solemn and impressive ceremony was xjerformed at St. Maryls Church, Hawera, last evening, when at a service, conducted by the Bishop of Wellington, the lit. Rev. Dr. T. H. Sprott, some 1 7 members of the church in the Hawera parochial district were confirmed ;in the x>resence of a very large congregation. Assisting the Bishop there were the Revs. H. W. Monaghan and L. A. Barnes.

For his text the Bishop took the 106th verse of 119tlh Psalm : “I have sworn, and am steadfastly x^ur posed to loop Thy righteous judgments.” In the anir,sc of his opening remarks, lie said that the word '‘judgment” used in the above verse did not leave the meaning that was now commonly given to the woid. but really referred to a command of God.

Speaking to the candidates, the Bishop reviewed their part in the confirmation service. To the careless'reader of the service it would seem very simple to answer ‘‘l do” to a question that would be asked of them, but the real significance of the event was the renewal of vows made for the candidates at tlie.ir baptism, and the acceptance of a. sacrament. The speaker referred to the definition of the latter term, and said a sacrament stood for an outward transaction appointed by Christ as a sign and pledge and a means of spiritual blessing offered by Cod. The original meaning of the word “sacrament” in its 1/a't-in form bad been the military oath of allegiance of a soldier. The early Christians had regarded themselves as sodiers of Jesus Christ, and thus had the word been adopted into its present form. Similarly, the heathens .had been termed pagans, which word had originally referred to civilians or country men as distinct from city dwellers, hut the Christians had altered this to refer to civilians as distinct from soldiers, which showed how .strongly they regarded the rliurch Ufj a military organisation, with Christ as the commander. The Bishop proceeded to outline the ugnficance of the baptismal vows, and, xmtinuing the simile, drew attention to die fact that they were directly sinviar to those required’ of a soldier. The arst vow was one of renunciation, but die speaker said that it would he better mderstcod if tine word were amended to “exclusive loyalty.” It referred to i declaration of allegiance to God \yitli ■omplete renunciation of the.evil spirit idie second vow was one of faith and trust in the. person set forth in the weed, which was comparabe to the conitlence which a soldier must have in bis commander to do or go wherevei eommanded. The third vow was one of obedience. These vows .which had been made for the candidates at the time of dieir baptism, shou’d he renewed when die person attained the years of disciecion to indicate definitely that the vows iveer acknowledged and’ that it was in-cen-Jied that they should he fulfilled. L’iie. inly service xltat vast of any value ;o God was that given voluntarily, the free offering of the persons themselves, be added. In tne course of his concluding remarks, the Bishop urged the candidates iO maintain their strength of faith by lartakinu- of the Communion, another >a era-roe lit which they should regard as i. further lenewal of their vows and a’so a pledge and means of spiritual dossing. Should thov at any time falter in their loyalty, this sacrament .vonld ,oi\e them the opportunity of retaining their faith and thus making a fresh .start.

Tlie Bishop called upon the candilates to acknowledge tliefr lOailisation if the step they were taking and added that the-- should, with mind and spirit answer the question and conn? p to receive the Divine bessing. In conclusion he quoted the words of a onfirmation hymn which he considered expressed the. ideal of. the sacrament if confirmation. Then followed the laying upon of hands, during which period the congregation knelt. The offering of further prayers, the .singing of the closing hymn and the pronounce mont of the Benediction closed the .service.