Russell.

Northland Age, Volume 2, Issue 41, 22 May 1906, Page 6

Russell.

(From our own Correspondent.) The institution of Settlers’ Sunday is at least a blessing to our country people. Some thirty or more of the ministers of the city and suburban churches of Auckland set ont at the end of the last week to take cervices in the more remote parts, and it was onr privilege to have as the delegate to these parts our old and esteemed friend, Mr. W. Brakenrig, hon. secretary to the Auckland Ministers’ Association. Sunday, the 13th, was a most beautiful day, so much so that one could not help but feel that God had specially ordered it as a mark of His approval of this new scheme of making known the sweet truths of His gospel and tho preaching of His word in the more outlying districts. The bright clear morning and the fresh autumn air was in itself enough to induce worshippers to flock to the house of God, and we have every reason to believe that many took advantage of their opportunity. The first service of the day was at Opua, where, owing to a considerable failing off in the population of late, the attendance was not so good as usual. The service was a hearty one, and much appreciated by those who formed the congregation. A children’s servico at Russell at 3 pan. was well attended, and the preacher delighted the congregation with his address. Mr. Brakenrig has special qualifications for preaching to children, and the address given was . attractive and impressive, and one likely to elevate the moral aud spiritual tone of the children. At the evemng service, held in the same place, the congregation was large, the singing good, and the sermon was specially interesting and marked by its deep spiritual tone. The after meeting, to which the whole congregation remained, was brief, pointed and impressive. In the course of his evening service the preacher made special and interesting reference to the world-famed picture, “ Christ, the Light of the 'World,” and by his remarks snowed plainly the influence which the subject of this wonderful work of art had made upon that vast crowd which came to view and study its impressive details. On Monday evening Mr. Brakenrig gave a lecture on “ Sir Henry M. Stanley, his life and work as an explorer.” Owing to short notice and lack of intimation, it was not so well attended as it might have been, bat those present regarded it as an intellectual treat, and one of the best lectures given in Russell for many years, Mr. Brakenrig is well known in these parts and is deservedly popular, so that his coming was hailed by many with gladness. By the Clansman to-day Mr. Brackenrig goes on to Whangaroa to Iml 1 services and loeture in that district during the current week. Russell, 15/5/06,