UNITES CITIZENS' SERVICE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVI, Issue XLVI, 22 June 1911, Page 5

UNITES CITIZENS' SERVICE.

IX TILE CENTRAL SCHOOL GROUND. There was a large gathering 'in the Central School ground at .10.30, when a united citizens' service "was held. The Rev. B. L. Thomas presided, and several local ministers were on the platform. A portion, of the Territorials attended the service. The proceedings opened with the hymn "AU People that on Earth do dwell."

The Rev. W. E. Lambert offered prayer, asking for the King God's richest blessing, and that he might lono- be spared to reign.

The Rev. J. IT. MacKenzie said that they were met in harmony with millions the globe round, their attention fixed on the fact that King George was to be crowned as Monarch of a va'st Empire. There would be celebrations in many parts, in many ways, all signifying interest in what was taking place in the vast metropolitan city. That was a reli£ioub - gathering to acknowledge 10-ocl 's hand. They were met to look up .to one who was most high and to ask Tlis authority and rule. As they acknowledged God it was no boast to say that* we were the greatest nation on the earth at the present time. There was n 0 Entire, no nationality equal to ours in all the history of the bv.gone past. Think of our vast territory, our vast population, the vast wealth under the. control of the British people. They had good reason to make acknowledgment for these manifold blessings to - One who had thus niv-en them- of His good pleasure. The one parallel to our present, position was to be found in the old Roman Empire. Rome then ruled the earth —all bowed to the sceptre of Caesar. Why did it not continue? Why did the Roman Empire decline'? The people forgot 'God!—even their pagan gods fliey had learnt to revere! The jrsson was obvious —they 'nnisif. remember God, who had given them such advantages and privileges, and the position they now occupied. They asked that the "King have God's blessing on himself, -that his reign be one of wisdom and peace, liberty for all n<ations, 1 lie betterment, of the communities that girdled the earth — in the belief thar> our prosperity raoiint the advancement and prosperi tjr of all the nations gathered on the earth.

Tin; liy.mn. "God of Bethel by Whose TTana," was- sung. Miss Kathleen Bolton offer, rive ly-re-cited' Kipling's recessional, "God cf our Fathers, known of old. l '

The "Revs. J. ,T. Lewis and.J. frump and Mr 'G. T>. Voreoe (Evangelist) nls 0 took Dart in tho service. Ensign Blndin led the music. Tho National Antthom was rendered hy i lie. G-arri<son Band and tho public, and this closed the proceeds.