Presbyterian Church

Huntly Press and District Gazette, Volume 4, 6 August 1915, Page 3

Presbyterian Church

A service was held in the Presbyterian Church on Wednesday evening according to tiie expressed wish of the Presbytery of the Auckland province, and the desire of the Premier, that on the anniversary of the declaraof the war prayer should be offered by the churches on behalf cl our British Umpire and the allied armies. The Rev. J. Richards in the course of his remarks said that much had occurred during the year, which brought to the heart of every true mail and woman mingled feelings of pleasure and pain. We know now that England was not prepared for this gigantic war which Germany had forced upon the world. Germany had been preparing for nearly half a century to become mistress of the world. The British Empire, however, had risen to the occasion, and the people of the Dominions were never so united as at the present moment, and were ’ resolved not to be crushed by the gigantic powers of militarism. One of .the lessons impressed upon the mind during the year of war was that of sacrifice, and this embraced much, and occupied a wide sphere of thought. It meant not only the sacrifice of human life, including the best and bravest of our men, the most heroic and noble, but it meant the sacrifice of pleasure on one hand and wealth on the other, arid it would eventually mean the sacrifice of much which was detrimental to a true manhood. Another lesson was the need of united action in all departments. Union is strength. We have been taught the lesson of united giving—the giving of our best. We have also had a wonderful lesson of unprecedented heroism in association with our brave men. The landing at the Dardanelles will live in history, and our brave New Zealanders by their heroism, and the self sacrifice have brought to light those wonderful reserve forces at the back of all noble natures. We are pround of our men, and all Christian people will not only give liberally, but pray much for our brave men who are fighting for our freedom. The sermon was very impressive.