SIMULTANEOUS MISSION

Northern Advocate, 12 June 1936, Page 4

SIMULTANEOUS MISSION

MEETINGS AT HIKURANGI 4

ALL CHURCHES WORK TOGETHER.

The Hikurangi section of the Simultaneous Mission was conducted on different lines from those followed by the churches in Whangarei. The four churches Anglican, Presbyterian, Methodist, and Salvation Army—united their forces, and held meetings in rotation in the different church buildings. United prayer meetings have been held for the past three years in Hikurangi, and for some months prior to June 1, special emphasis was laid on praying for the Simultaneous Mission.

A special revival hymnbook, containing over fifty favourite and suitable evangelistic hymns, was used, and. with Mr J. Pomfrett as organist, the singing was bright and effective. Each speaker chose his own hymns, suited to his subject. The meetings commenced on June 1, in the Presbyterian Church, Rev. C. Bridrly conducting, with Rev. ADrake the speaker. There was an attendance of 60, which was considerably increased the second night, when the meeting was held in the Anglican Church. Rev. A. Drake conducting, and Rev. C. Brierly speaking. The Salvation Army hall was the scene of the third of the series, and Lieutenant Ojala, with his concertina and voice, and in his sympathetic and genial manner, led the singing of a number of choruses in addition to the hymns. Rbv. L. G. Hanna was the speaker on this occasion. The Methodist Church followed in the rota, Rev. Hannah conducting, and Lieutenant Ojala giv- ‘ ing the address. A special Young People’s meeting was held in the Presbyterian Church on the Friday night, talks to the children being given by Revs. Brierly and Drake, followed by a talk by Rev. Brierly to young men and young women starting out on their life’s work. The speaker quoted Dr. Grenfell, who told of some of D. L. Moody’s converts, among them the “Cambridge Seven,” all noted international sportsmen, who went as missionaries to China, and are there today, after thirty-five years, though each had ample means to live comfortably at home.

A united open-air meeting was held on Saturday evening, the thirty who took their stancf in the ring being representative of the different churches. Adjourning to the Army hall, a splern- ' did meeting was held, resulting in two decisions for Christ. On Sunday evening the usual services were held in the churches, each minister conducting his own. One decision for Christ was registered at the Presbyterian service. A thanksgiving service in the Methodist Church on Monday night brought the series of meetings to a close. Unfortunately, it was a dark, wet night, which hindered many from coming. Nevertheless there was a very good attendance, and a bright and happy ■neeting resulted, with thanksgiving as C-'.o theme, the different speakers taking different phases of it, and all urging the need of a greater recognition of God’s goodness, and a corres- , ponding gratitude and service. In the t unavoidable absence of Mr Pomfrett, Mrs Sparke was organist at this meeting, which was conducted by the Rev. Hanna. Thus the mission ended on a high note of praise and thanksgiving. Church members were quickened,, interest revived, people were blessed, and the good effect of the mission should be - felt for a long time to come.