CHURCH SERVICES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 8987, 27 February 1888, Page 3

CHURCH SERVICES.

Harvest Thanksgiving services were held yesterday at the Pitt-street Wesleyan Church. The Rev. H. Bull conducted the services, and in the afternoon delivered an address to the scholars on " What shall the harvest be ? " The morning discourse was founded upon Hebrews xiii. 14-16, the topics of the sermon being Worship, Work, Heaven. Special reference was made to the bountiful harvest, and the effect of the corn-crop upon the national prosperity. The singing of the congregation was good, the hymns being specially suitable to the occasion. The choir was in full force, and the following anthems were effectively rendered: —" Praise Ye the Lord for His Goodness," " Blessed be the Name of the Lord," and "God and King of Jacob's Nation." In the evening, the text selected was, " They shall prosper that love Thee," and the points of discourse, were temporal, spiritual, and eternal prosperity. In addition to several harvest hymns, in which the congregation heartily joined, the following anthems were tastefully sung by the choir, Professor Lambert presiding at the organ : —" Sing Praises to God ; " " Praise Ye the Lord : " solo (Mr. Shackelton), In Splendour Bright," with full chorus, " The Heavens are Telling." The entire services were bright and hearty, and the congregations good. At St. John's Wesleyan Church, Ponsonby, the harvest thanksgiving services were conducted by the Rev. C. H. Garland, and were largely attended. The morning discourse, which was an appropriate one, was based on the 9th verse of the 65th Psalm: "Thou preparest them corn," etc. The decorations at the back of the pulpit followed the outline of the carvings of the reredos. At the top was variegated flax, adorned at base of leaves with apples and lemons, having underneath the text, " The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof." The motto was adorned with ivy, wheat, and oats, and the reredos with evergreens and flowers, picked out with fruit — apples, plums, blackberries, and haws. In the centre of the reredos was the text, " Thou crownest the year with Thy goodness," and round it were bedecked oats, ivy, hops, blackberries, flowers, and bright crab apples, with a wreath of flowers in the centre, flanked by cabbage palms. The vestry doors were similarly decorated, and bearing the texts, " Seed time and harvest shall not fail." On either side of the reredos was a star and crown, adorned with fruit. The pulpit was also tastefully decorated with evergreens, flowers, picked out with apples, plums, peaches, blackberries, while pendent in front of the pulpit were two splendid bunches of grapes. In front of the pulpit was a largo stand of fruit and vegetables of all descriptions, and on each side of it was a sheaf of oats crowned with fruit, and in tho aisles were similar decorations. The stand was flanked by a fine collection of pot plants, kindly lent by Mrs. F. L. Prime. Tho choir seats were decorated with evergreens and flowers. At the opposite end of the church was a large anchor composed of evergreens, fruit, and flowers, the gift of Mrs. Griffiths. Without being invidious, where so many aided in the work, a word of praise is due to the organist, Mr. Horslcy, who devoted a good deal of time and labour to the decorations. The following anthems were rendered by the choir: —"The Earth is the Lord's," "He Shall Dwell in the Land," and the harvest hymns for the occasion. In the afternoon Mr. Garland delivered an address to the children of the Sunday-school, and also bestowed the prizes awarded to the children for proficiency in Scriptural knowledge. The special prizes for the highest number of marks were awarded to Bertie Bartley and Bella Manktellow. At the evening service another appropriate sermon was preached by Mr. Garland. The following anthems were rendered by the choir: " Blessed be the Name of the Lord," " Behold How Good and Joyful," and "Fear Not 0 Land." The choir was assisted by orchestral accompaniment. There were large attendances in the afternoon and evening at the Rev. J. and Mrs. Mountain's mission at the Beresfordstreet Congregational Church. The farewell meeting will be held this evening at half-past seven, when the subject of the address will bo " The Water of Life."

The Rev. A. J. Clarke preached at the Tabernacle last evening. The collection was devoted to the building fund of the new Tabernacle being built for Mr. Clarke at Woolloomoolloo, New South Wales. It amounted to over £10.

The Evangelistic service held in the City Hall, conducted by the Young Men's Christian Association, was well attended. Mr. W. Brakenrig presided. The Rev. J. Chew, of Beresford-street Congregational Church, delivered an instructive address from Hebrews ix., 15 to 17, which was attentively listened to. Many strangers were present. An invitation was given to the week evening service held every Thursday, in the rooms, Albert-street),