CUBA STREET CHURCH.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 1706, 22 December 1919, Page 7

CUBA STREET CHURCH.

ANNUAL CHORAL SERVICE

The seating capacity or the Cuba Street Methodist Church was taxed to its utmost last evening, when tho annual choral service was held. The Rev. A. Ashcroi't conducted the service. Mr Ashcroft took as his text Matthew 1:23, "They shall call his name Emanuel, which, being interpreted, is God is with us." Tho speaker pointed out how, on the cessation of hostilities between Peru and Chili, both countries united in the project of building a monument in honour of peace. Tho monument was erected high op in tho .Andes, and represented our Lord Jesus Christ. Here, said the speaker, stood tho monument all the year round. In the winter, alone amidst tho snows, and in tho summer looking down npoii tho green lands beneath. Mr Ashcroft said that, instead of the cannon in the Square, he wished he could, see a statue of tho Prince of Peace. He was not a "Little Englander," but ho thought it would"bo of far more benefit to the children'to look up into a representation of the. face of Jesus than piny around that which reminded them so sharply of war; He then went on to trace how religion had fared through tho ages, down to tho time of Christ. When our Saviour came to earth things moved surer and sweeter than they had done before. When Christ came, tho great spiritual ideal of God was placed before men in human shape. It showed that God had not forgotten them. Those away from homo and friends, he said, who dared to walk in the paths of righteousness, would experience such an uplift in character that their lives would bo of great value to their friends. God was with us, and wo should do our best'. Ho had not forgotten what ideals we had of Him. God believed in us, and down in his heart the speaker had a deep assurance that this was so. Looking up to Him. wo could not stumble. Mr Ashcroft then stated that this was the first full vear he had had with them is their minister. The old building ol the Cuba Street Church was beginning 0 crumble about their ears, but he loped they had come to a time when a tow era was beginning for the Church. hi conclusion, ho wished bis congregation the compliments of tho season Lfter the service, tho following coral nusic was rendered:—Anthem, On, Phou that bringeth good tidings ■hoir; solo, "Thus saitb the Lord, Mr ,Y Nelson: solo, "Who may abido, ,Ir W Nelson : chorus, "And the glory *J the Lord," choir; solo, "Ho was despised," Mrs C. Husking; doublcquartette, is a spirit Mrs;-*. Twiogo, Misses F. Ferguson. N. Killick, L. Hodder, Messrs W. Nelson, R. H. Potton Dull and J Ashcroit; solo, "He shall feed His flock, Mrs C Hosting} chorus, "Hallelujah.. Miss F Ferguson and choir. Mrs Powketh rendered "Song Divine during the offertory. The. organist was I Mrs J. -J- Hills and the choirmaster Mr W. Flatt.