EASTER SERVICES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9017, 2 April 1888, Page 3

EASTER SERVICES.

The whole of the services in the Various churches yesterday had upecial reference to the celebration of Easter, and in almost all cases the churches were Buitably decorated. St. Paul's.—The celebration of the Easter festival commenced at St. Paul's with a choral service at eight a.m., with Holy Communion. A second choral service was held at eleven o'clock, the Rev. C. M. Nelson celebrant, being: assisted by the Rev. Mr. Otway, who also read the lessons in the evening. Sermons were preached both in the morning and in the evening by the incumbent. The church was tastefylly decorated with ferns, moss, and evergreens, the pulpt, font, pillars, &c., bein-cf neatly ornamented. St. Matthew's.—This church was handsomely decorated, the pillars being covered with laurel, which was also used in the ornamentation of the pulpit, reading-desk, etc. The usual services were held, commencing at eight m. In the evening the lessons were read by the incumbent, the Rev. W. Tebbs, and a special sermon was preached by the Rev. E. H. Gulliver. Crowded congregations were present during the day, St. Thomas's.--A full choral celebration of the Holy Eucharist was held at eight o'clock, and the second celebration at eleven o'clock, whilst services were held at seven p.m. The incumbent, the Rev. W. Dußieu, preached in the morning, and also at the evening service. The entrance to the sanctuary and the pulpit and reading-desk were decorated with nikau and laurel, whilst across the front of the altar was the motto, "He is Risen." , St. Sepulchre's. — This church was adorned elaborately with the evergreens and flowers of New Zealand. The celebration of the day commenced with the Holy Communion service at half-past six in the morning. This was followed by a similar service at half-past seven a.m. At eleven o'clock there were morning prayer and sermon, a children's service in the afternoon, and in the evening the sermon by the Rev. Chas. Bice, of the Melanesian mission. Epiphany.—At this church there were two celebrations of Holy Communion, one at eight a.m., and the other at the eleven o'clock morning l prayer service. Both were largely attended, more communicants taking the sacrament than on ; any previous occasion. The services were all conducted by the incumbent, Rev. Dr. O'Callaghan, who delivered an eloquent sermon based upon the text John xx., 15. A full congregation was present in the evening, when Dr. O'Callaghan preached from ■Lnke xxiv. 39, the discourse being in a bright and joyous strain. After the service the " Te Deum " was sung by the church choir, who have much improved lately under the leadership of Mr. Templer. The church was decorated in honour of the Easter festival, the font, lectern, pulpit, and altar being tastefully enwreathed in

All Saints.-— 1 church was decorated much as usual on festivals ; nothing- new, but all carefully done, especially the designs in moss. There were four celebrations of the Holy Communion and about 170 communicants. The anthem was, " The Lord is exalted"lsaiah, liii. The sermons at morning and evening services, as well as the catechising, were upon " The Facts of the Resurrection, and the Morals Founded* upon the Facta." The services were not quite so full as last year, owing perhaps to the threatening sky and partly to so many people being away. The church offerings were as near as possible the same as last Easter.

St. Patrick's Cathedral.— were offered at half-past seven o'clock a.m. by the Rev. Father Gillan, and at nine o'clock by the Very Rev. Father Hackett. At eleven o'clock His Lordship Bishop Luck celebrated Pontifical High Mass, Father Hackett beipg deacon and Father Madon sub-deacon, whilst Father Gillan was master of ceremonies. The Bishop delivered a brief address appropriate to the occasion. Van Bree's Mass was sung with fine effect by the choir, the Rev. Dr. Egan conducting, and "Victim® Paschali," " Hroo Dies," and: "O Filii et Filiae," four-part . choruses, were also rendered. In the evening after vespers Bishop Luck preached, and a procession of the most Blessed Sacrament was held, followed by the benediction. St. Benedict's. — High mass was celebrated at eleven o'clock at St, Benedict's Church by the Rev. Father Wissell, 0.5.8. A parade of the Royal Irish corps was held under Captain' Leahy, and the rev. celebrant, in the course) of an address to the congregation, congratulated the men upon their presence. The choir, under the direction of Mr. J. Knox, sang Gounod's Mass, the organ accompaniments being played by Miss Mcllhone. : "

The anniversary services of the Pifctr street Wesleyan Church Sunday-school were held yesterday. The Rev. C. H. Garland

preached 'an appropriate i discourse in the morning from John xxii. 15 — " Jesus saith unto him, feed My lambs." In the . afternoon the Rev/ R. 8. West delivered an excellent address to the scholars, from Mark iv. 36, 37. V In . the' 1 evening the Rev. H. Bull preached his farewell sermon'. ta A. crowded congregation, taking -for shis - text Hebrews iv. 9, and from which he delivered an ; impressive discourse 11 Arise ye and depart, for this is nob your rest" (Micah ii. 10); "There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.";" The first part of the text was illustrated; by a reference to the brevity of ■life,' the prevalence of conflict and sin, and the universal reign of death. In expounding the second portion of the text, the preacher dwelt upon the repose of Heaven : its perfect ' happiness, its illustrious companionship, and its eternal duration. At the olose of the discourse reference was made by Mr. .Bull to his approaching departure from the circuit, and he briefly reviewed the work of the three years. A sacramental service was held at<; the ,closo, to which a large number remained. The musical part of the services was of a high order, and save proof of very careful training of the children, who sang. special hymns at each service. Professor Lambert presided at the organ, and Mr. Shackleton officiated as conductor. * The decorations were of a pleasing character. The collections of the day amounted to £25 7s 2d. The services are to be ; continued' next Sunday at three p.m., when the Rev. E. ;A. Telfer will | addresK the scholars. A social meeting will be held in the school-room this (Monday) evening, at half-past seven o'clock, to say good-bye to the Rev. H. Bull (who leaves to - morrow for his new circuit at' Blenheim). v The anniversary- soiree , and welcome to the Rev. B. Best will be held in the school-room to-morrow (Tuesday) evening, at half-past seven o'clock. The anniversary services of the Franklin Road Primitive , Methodist Sunday-school were held,yesterday, when the Rev. A. J. Smith preached in the morning from Ist Corinthians xv, 35; and the Rev. C. H. Garland delivered an address to the children in the afternoon* taking as the basis of hit) address eight verses from the 119 th Psalm respecting keeping the law of the Lord. In the evening the Rev. B. L. Thomas preached. All the services were well 1 attended, and the collections liberal. • The children rendered a choice selection of hymns in a pleasing manner, aided by the string band under the conductorship of Mr. Dimery. ,The church was nicely decorated with ferns and ; flowers. On the wall in rear of the pulpit was suspended the fine banner of the school, flanked by the legends " God Bless Our Boys," and God Bless Our Girls." In front of the. pulpit rostrum was the word " Welcome." The Young Men's Christian Association's Sunday evening service in the City Hall was well attended. Mr. Brakenrig presided. Easter hymns were sung by the choir, among others, "He Rose," "We* Shall Sleep, But Not For Ever," &c. The Rev. C. H. .Garland,' from Ponsonby, delivered an effective address from John iii. 16.