ST. PAUL’S CHURCH.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 88, 12 March 1935, Page 8

ST. PAUL’S CHURCH.

HARVEST FESTIVAL. In celebration of “Harvest Home, thanksgiving services were held on Sunday at St Paul’s Methodist Church, Broadway. A note of thankfulness was present and there was a iervour in the singing of the congregation and the choir which added greatly to the appreciation and enjoyment of the coil grugatiuns. Rev. A. N. Scotter m prayer and with special references alluded to the glorious harvest, yet contrasted this to the unmistakable want which was about the community on every side. In conjunction with the morning service, a parade of Scouts Guides, and Brownies was held, each section turning out in good numbers. Exhortations, morning and evening, were delivered by Mr Scotter, the evening message particularly being an appeal for really practical Christianity. I\o farmer, said the preacher, ever made a success of his job by dreaming, and no Christian could ever hope to be the living force for good in' the cause of Christ he ought to he, by merely singing hymns and regularly attending divine worship. Something more tangible, something more rea 1 > more practical, was required. The preacher asked his hearers to conceive aright the Christian duty, then to do it with might and main, no matter what the cost . Air A. Tregurtha and the choir rendered good service. Perhaps they were heard at their best in the phrases of the anthem, “Praise the Lord Oh Jerusalem,” as for instance, “The valleys stand so thick with corn that they laugh and sing”; an old anthem, but one which comes up fresh and inspiring on such occasions as yesterday’s. Miss W. Wilson effectively took the solo part. Quite a contrast were the anthems in the evening. Both, “Sweet is the Sunlight” and “Lead Kindly Light,” were quietly and impressively rendered, Miss G. Laurenson and Air H. Blackwood taking the solo parts. Air Scotter thanked the choir and conductor for their excellent services during the day, including Air T. P. Henderson, who sang “Reaping,” and assisted in the choral work of the evening service. Good congregations were present morning and evening. Aokuutore Alethoclists,- with friends and adherents, held a successful Sunday School tea and concert on Friday last, which was well attended, at least 70 being present. Following tea. Rev. A. N. Scotter spoke of his visit to the annual conference in Dunedin, after which, by story and incident, the speaker sought to interest the children. Contributors to the programme of song and music which followed were: Solo, Joan Andrews; recitations, Francis. Fairbotlier, and Airs Hastings; duet, John and A. Andrews. The programme concluded with miscellaneous musical endeavours by Alessrs L. and H. Bvcroft evolving sounds from improvised instruments, to the amusement of those present. The opportunity was afforded to give Air and Airs F. L. Oosslett . a token of esteem to mark the occasion of their recent marriage. Air G. H. Stiles eulogised the work for Alethodism which the two recipients were performing. To go to Aokautere regularly every Sunday, in storm or in sunshine, was no mean work and could not be accomplished without personal, though willing, sacrifice. For the meeting he wished Air and Airs Cosslett much joy in tlieir wedded career and the work they were doing. After games and supper, the gathering terminated with the singing of “A.uld Lang Syne.” Mr and Airs H. G. Bvcroft and Mr G. H. Stiles were guests of the evening.