ECCLESIASTICAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10408, 5 April 1897, Page 3

ECCLESIASTICAL.

There was a large attendance at St. Paul's Church, Synionds-street, last night, when a special Lenten service was held. The anthem, " O Saviour of the World," was well rendered by the choir, and during the offertory Miss Bowring sang the sacred solo "Calvary" most effectively. Canon Nelson, who officiated, preached a forcible sermon on St. Peter's denial of Christ and its lessons,

The 34th anniversary of St. James' Sunday School was eelebrated by special services yesterday at St. James' Hall, and there wero large congregations at each service. The Rev. J. M. Mitchell, of Hamilton, preached in the morning from St, Matthew viii., IS. In the afternoon Mr. Mitchell gave an appropriate address on the passage " Suffer little children to come unto me." In the evening the pastor, the Kev. R. F. Maonicol delivered an earnest and impressive discourse from Genesis xviii., 19. The collections amounted to £20 12s. A large number of scholars were accommodated on an improvised gallery, behind them suspended on the wall being the beautiful banner of St. Jamos' Sunday School. Mr. Lees was conductor of the choir, Mr. James McKerras being organist and Mr. A. Walton pianist. The scholars sang special hynini-in a very pleasing and effec;ive style. The soloists wore Misses Ramsay and Mercer and Mesers. Sneddon, McGibbin, and Mercer; quartettes were rendered by Misses Mercer, Ramsay, Edmonds, Mrs. Edmonds, Messrs. Tudehope, Dewicke. Sneddon, McGibbin ; duets by Mr. Mercer and Miss E. Entrican. Tho hall was beautifully decorated with nikau ferns, pungas, etc., while round the hall was a very pretty belt of flowers, greenery, etc., which added greatly to the effect. This evening a sacred concert will be given by a choir of 100 voices at St. James's Hall. The leading soloists of St. James's Church will take part. There will also be a presentation of prizes and certificates in connection with the Sunday-school Union Industrial Exhibition and the Presbytery examinations. Admission is free.

Anniversary services wero held in connection with tho Eden Terrace Primitive Methodist Church yesterday. Mr. 1). Goldio officiated at the morning service, addressing himself more particularly to the young folks, of whom there was a large number present, and in the afternoon the Rev, J, Sharp, late of Timaru, preached. The Key. U. E. Ward occupied the pulpit at the evening service. Large attendances were present on either occasion. To-morrow evening a concert, proceeds in aid of the church fund, will be held, commencing at 7.30. Mr. )i. Uoldia will preside. Largely attended servicee were hold in the Newmarket Wesleyan Church yesterday, to commemorate the anniversary of the Sunday-school. At 11 in the morning the Rev. H. K. Dewsbury preached, at 3 tho scholars and friends were addressed by the Rev, W. A, Sinclair, and the evening service was conducted •by the Rev. A. Mitchell. In honour of the occasion the church was prettily decorated. Special music was capably rendered by the choir and the scholars. On Wednesday next the tea in connection with the anniversary takes plaCe at the Newmarket Hall, and tho after meeting will be held in the church, when a choice programme of music will begone through. A harvest festival service was hold yesterday at the Newton Congregational Church, The Rev. P. Warner conducted the services, which were of a most successful character. At the open meeting of the Theo-*ophical Society, in the Mutual Life Buildings, Queen-street, last, night, an address was given by A.T. 0. W. Sanders on "Some Aspects of John i., 1-4," followed by questions and discussion. The members of the Star of Newton Lodgo 1.0. U.T. held a church parade last evening in the Pitt and Edwin-streets Church. Brother Rev. E. Walker preached a powerful sermon, his text being 1 Corinthians, viii., 13. Many visitors were present from the Newmarket and Papakura Lodges. The evangelistic service at the City Hall, last evening, was largely attended. ' Mr. Shackelford presided. An address was given by tho Rev. T. W. Newbold, from Titus ii., 11.