RONGOTEA

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 305, 24 November 1937, Page 5

RONGOTEA

(From Our Own Correspondent.) RONGOTEA, Nov, 22. For nearly 60 years there has been an unbroken record o£ Methodist Sunday school work carried on in Rongotea, and again on Sunday the anniversary services were held in the local church midst a glow of youthful enthusiasm. The day was bright and sunny, and the church was beautifully decorated. Special singing by the children was tuneful and spirited, they having been trained by the superintendent, Mr Colin Hunt,, while Miss D. Kcmpton, who presided at the organ, gave a splendid lead. The addresses of the preacher were out of the ordinary; the speaker made good use of the childrens love for vividly told stories. At the morning service Trevor Hogg recited the Scripture lesson, and the junior-class girls sang, “Just a little Sunbeam.” In the evening the preacher was Rev. R. E. Fordycc, who with his usual happy stvle when speaking to young folk, gave an illustrated talk on “Character Building,” concluding with a brief message to the parents and conveyed a stirring Gospel appeal. A mission festival conducted by Lutheran congregations of the district was held in the Coronation Hall on Sunday, when there was an an attendance of 250 people, some of the visitors coining from as far afield as Nelson and Wellington. The morning service was conducted by Rev. Mr Venz, of Nelson, who took as his subject “The Reformation.” At the afternoon session an inspiring sermon was delivered by Rev. Mr. Do Bower, on a text from Matthew, 6—33. : “But seek ye firstthe Kingdom of God, and all these things shall bo added unto you.” Mr De Bower has just arrived from St. Louis, Missouri, and it was the first time lie had addressed a congregation in Now Zealand; lie is proceeding to Christchurch to take up on appointment. Others present were Rev. Mr Te Punga, Marton, and Rev. Mr Paul, Wellington. Luncheon and afternoon tea were provided by members of the local Church.

The friends of Mr A. G. Dear will regret to learn. that ho is seriously indisposed.