ST. PAUL’S METHODIST CHURCH.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 180, 1 July 1929, Page 8

ST. PAUL’S METHODIST CHURCH.

FIFTY-FOURTH ANNIVERSARY. Large congregations assembled at St. Paul’s Methodist Church yesterday when the 54th anniversary of the Church was celebrated. The preachers for the day were Rev. Fred. Copeland lchairman of the district), of Podding, and Rev. J. Ernest Parsons, the minister of the Church. Both preachers gave their hearers thoughtful and inspiring messages. At the evening service ltev. J. Ernest Parsons said that the Christians’ Church stood to direct the steps of men in the midst of a world of vast uncertainty. Taking as his text, “He went out not knowing whether he went,” he said that life ,was epitomised in the words. We were all the time going out into the unknown. Life had such hazards that men might well fear to face them. Yet it was to such that the Church came with her great message. As Abraham “went out” at the direction of God, so could all men have that sure guidance. So long as Jesus Christ stood in the midst of the world, so long could men step forward with certainty. “They may not know the immediate effect of any word or' action, but let it be in accord with the will of Christ, then its ultimate goal would be right.” The sermon was illustrated from literature and life and closed with a strong appeal to put life under the direction of Jesus Christ.

The music of the clay was under the direction of Mr A. Tregurtha, who gave a short organ recital prior to the evening service. The choir contributed several anthems and Miss Maisie Bennett sang “How Lovely are Thy Dwellings” at the morning service. Mr Leslie Clark sang, “Thy Bebuke” (Messiah) in the evening. The collections for the day amounted to over £4O, and with the proceeds of the tea and concert, and with donations yet to he received, it is hoped that the goal of £IOO will be sighted.