FIRST ANNIVERSARY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IV, Issue 220, 18 August 1931, Page 3

FIRST ANNIVERSARY.

IIUSSELL STREET SUNDAY SCHOOL. The first anniversary of the Russell Street Sunday School was held in the Orange Hall, Lombard Street, last Friday' evening. Tea was provided- for the children and parents at 5.30 p.m. This was followed by a very: interesting programme which was highly appreciated by all present, the hall being packed to the door. The evening was opened by singing “All Hail the Power of Jesus Name,” followed with prayer by Mr Norman Hyde, of- Hunterville Children’s Home. Then tho welcome was sung by the children of (the Russell Street Sunday School. A rather unique item followed. This being the Sunday School’s first birthday, twin girls from the babies’ class mounted oho steps on to the platform and lighted a large candle which continued to burn for the rest of the evening. After this many items were given by the scholars, including dialogues, recitations, some with display cards, and singing. The superintendent gave particulars of tile school, which he said commenced a year ago with 26 children and three teachers; now they were glad to announce that the numbers had grown , 66 children and seven teachers, and m average attendance was extremely good. In fact, it had been considered iy the teachers that as the children had attended so regularly throughout the year each child would receive a prize and this announcement was greeted with great acclamation. Mr H. Isaacs, of -Wanganui, was called upon to make the presentation of the prizes and filled the position excellently. He first proceeded to say a few words to the children on “AVho is on the Lord’s side?”—taking for illustrations flags of different colours, nationalities and meanings. The red one spoke of the Blood of Jesus Christ which saved sinners and warned people of the coining judgment. Emphasis was .stressed by the speaker to be sure and be on the “Lord’s side.” One note of regret was experienced in that one of tho teachers who had worked so strenuously among the children was leaving them this week to live up country, and-that all would miss his presence among them. A special recitation on behalf of the school to this teacher was given by one of the scholars, entitled “Good-bye.” The school then sang, as in closing, “We’ll never say good-bye in Heaven,” and the whole company took up the strains which brought tho evening to a fitting close. Many expressions of delight were given by the parents and others, some of whom had travelled long distances to be present.