Deaconess Heni Park Addresses Mothers’ Union

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 232, 2 October 1935, Page 15

Deaconess Heni Park Addresses Mothers’ Union

SPECIAL MEETING HELD In view of the diamond jubilee celebrations, a special meeting was held by All Saints’ branch of tho Mothers’ Union in flic girls’ clubroom yesterday afternoon, when opportunity was afforded those present of meeting Deaconess Heni Park, of Christchurch, who addressed tho gathering. Vases of apple blossom decorated tho room. Deaconess Park conducted the meeting, which opened with the hymn, "Oh, Love Divine and Goldon,” followed by tho Mothers’ Union prayer. In an address, convincing in its quiet simplicity, Doaconess Park held the attention of a largo audience. There was something so very wonderful iu tho work of tho Mothers’ Union, said the speaker. She had found the hearts and minds of the mothers so receptive. It was not tho men who mado the world, but the women, who seemed to be the spiritual side of tho work, and if the women could get their thoughts right how ■wonderful their homes would be. The home revolved round the woman.

The greatest -thing anyone coufd give was a beautiful thought, said Deacouess Park, in continuing. "Have you ever thought why you were born into tho world, and into your particular family and circumstances?” asked the speaker. "As your judgment grows wider you will realise that there has been no mistake in your birth, but you have been born into your environment for a special purpose.” Tuore were often many different characters in a family, the speaker continued, in order that they might develop one another. The world was not a playground; it was God’s school for growing souls. Deaconess Park spoke of God’s world and man’s world. God’s world was always lovely bocause it was Christ-centred, but man’s world was self-ceutred and full of strife. If their centre was in self, then the world was dark, but if it was in Christ they were already in Heaven. The reason why the world did not heal, and of the misery in it, was caused by the failure to forgive. Deaconess Park, in conclusion, bade the ladies present ropeat a beautiful prayer, which was used a good deal in mothers’ unions in Christchurch. The suggestion was made that the prayer be printed in the Parish Magazine, and this was enthusiastically received. ■ Deaconess Park conveyed greetings from Mrs. C. Rush, of Dargaville, formerly of Palmerston North, from whom she had received a telegTam. She was presented with a posy by little Norma Davey.

Hostesses who served afternoon tea wero Alesdam.es F. A. Wollcrman, A. If. Burrell, T. Inglis, A. J, Hunt and E. A. Taylor (convener).