A CHURCH JUBILEE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVI, Issue 16793, 22 February 1915, Page 11

A CHURCH JUBILEE.

YESTERDAY'S SERVICES AT ST JOHNS, LYTTELTON. ADDRESS BY I)R ERWLN. Tin? celebrations* in connection with tlir> fiftieth anniversary of the foundation of St John's Presbyterian Church, Lytfceltoii. wota commenced .yesterday. At both the morning and evening services the Rev I>r Erwin, of Knox Church, preached before large congregations. Tlio, interior of the church was tastefully decorated for tho occasion.

At the morning service Dr Evwin took for his text Deuteronomy. 7, 32: '* Koiuombcr the days of old, consider the years of many venerations; ask thy father and lie will show thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee." The preacher said it was not possible to touch on the. subject of the jubilee of the church without being reminiscent. He bad no doubt that the congregation thought kindly of the pioneers who had striven for the erection of St John's Church. People did well to cherish their memories, as the church that day was a credit to them for their loving sacrifice. The pioneers knew oi the glorious traditions of the Presbyterian Church. Presbyterians had had a strenuous fight for their liberty, but they gained their end, and so ably assisted to make Scotland the- country it is. Their unflinching energy had only been won by great sacrifice. It was fifty-nine yew's next April when the Rev Charles Fraser preached his first sermon on Presbyte nanism in Lyttelton, and although the congregation at that time. was not strong, still it was numerically largo enough to build a church such as St John's. The speaker . said it .may be disappointing to many to hear that the congregation had not grown as large as it ought to have done, but there were many things to be taken into account. In the old days the whole of those engaged in shipping pursuits had resided m the port, but the advent of the tunnel bad been the means of inducing people to go to the "other side of the hill." Then, again, the change of mercantile marine from sailer to steam had made Lyttolton rather a port of call than one of destination. But, on the other hand, it was satisfactory to find that the church was well to the fore, and it took great grace atid faith to hold the fort for God, especially when the prospects for growth were not so optimistic. He urged his hearers to cultivate that faith and keep the fort going, lie had every reason to think that the church's spiritual influence had done much for the port. The growth of the Presbyterian Church generally had kept pace with the population, and he had no hesitation in saying that it was the most live organisation in the Dominion. Everywhere, there was a network of churches, but still there were many opportunities for furthering the word of God in the outlying districts. Young men were wanted, and he trusted that the congregation would pray for labourers to come forward and assist the great work. Speaking of the early days of the church, Dr Erwin said St John's was the fourth congregation established between Waitaki and Cook Strait. The teaching of the Gospel to-day had greatly changed from the early days. The present was a most interesting period. A great change had come over the attitude of the Church in regard to the voting. The Church had done well in the interests of the children, but he was afraid the parents of to-day did not do the same to co-oper-ate with the Church as in the old days. Years ago it was not .'an unusual sight to see the family pew fully occupied, but to-day it was not such a prominent feature The services of to-day were much brighter, and there was no excuse for non-attendance. Then there was a lack of religious instruction in the home of to-day. In the old days parents had their indifferences as of to-day, but they did not neglect _ the welfare of their children, and insisted <m their presence at Sunday School cm- church. Now, one often heard of children being excused on the ground of a. holiday. He urged his hearers to co-operate with the Church and bring their children along, as the future of the Church depended on the welfare of the young. People's views as to the observance of the Sabbath had greatly changed. Now there was a multiplication of transit which induced people to make the day of worship one or pleasure, and which, in consequence, greatly influenced the teaching of children.' It was the duty of Christians to reserve the day as a sabbath, and by their actions to show they appreciated it. it had also been said, continued the preacher, that the Church was not with Labour; but be firmly believed that it was not the duty of the Church to take up a position as class against class. It was her duty to do such work as she thought would be to the mutual benefit of all. In conclusion, Dr.. Erwin said, no matter what the conditions were, the outlook of the Church was as bright to-day ;as ever it was. There was a great revival at Home.* and .since the war people had shown a greater disposition ■togo to the church. Ho urged his hearers to cultivate a cheerful and hopeful faith, so that God might bless the efforts done in His name.