ECCLESIASTICAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10426, 26 April 1897, Page 3

ECCLESIASTICAL.

The thirty-ninth anniversary of the Tabernacle Sunday School was celebrated yesterday by special services, which were of the most successful character, there being crowded congregations, and in the evening the spacious building was filled long before the time of the service, numbers standing in the vestibule and on the staircases, while scores went away to other churches unable to obtain admission. The Rev. Dr. Wollenden, of Victoria, preached in the morning. In theafternoontheßev. W. A. Sinclair, of the Helping Hand Mission, gave an appropriate address to the scholars, parents, and friends. The Rev. Dr. Wollenden again preached in the evening the discourse being a most eloquent one. About4oo of tho children of the Sundayschool, of the senior classes, were accommodated in an improvised gallery behind the rostrum. They sang special hymns under the efficient cond'uctorship of Mr. Jas. Culpan. Miss Brame presiding as pianist, and Mr. Wells as organist. Mrs. J. Stewart sang sacred solos at each service: In the morning, " The Holy City"; afternoon, He Shall Feed His Flock"; and in the evening, " Ligh tin Darkness." The church was beautifully decorated by the Christian Endeavour Society, there being wreaths of flowers on the pillars of the gallery, and the emblems of Faith, Hope, and Charity— cross, anchor, and heartexecuted in white chrysanthemums on 8 green background; a floral band ran round the base of the facade of the gallery, while at the back of' the children's gallery, on the wall, was the handsome banner of the school. The organ was also tastefully decorated, and hanging baskets ol flowers were axed at intervals. At the evening service the hymn for "Those at Sea," was snug, in remembrance of tho new pastor (Rev. Joseph Clarke, of Nottingham] now on his way to Aucklaud. The collections of the day amounted to £40 ss. The usual soiree takes place to-morrow evening, when the speakers will be the Revs. Dr. Wolfeuden, A. H. Collins, and G. B. Monro, and on the following evening will be the scholars' tea and entertainment. There was a good attendance at the City Hall Evangelistic Service last evening. Mr. Thos. Buddie presided. Mr. Pratt, of the Student's Volunteer Movement, gave an address from John iii., 16. Miss Rimmei sang two sacred solos with great taste and feeling. The Alexandra-street Primitive Methodist Church held three anniversary services yesterday. The morning and aftorDoon services were conducted by the Rev. J. F. Jones and the Rev. J. Sharp respectively. In the evening the Rev. C. E. Ward preached. A choir of ladies and gentlemen sang a special selection of hymns,. and Miss A. Rimmer rendered a Gospel solo. The services were well attended. Special services were held at the Mount Eden Congregational Church, View Road, yesterday, the occasion being the celebration of the anniversary of the foundation of the Church. The Rev. E. Walker officiated at the morning service, and the Rev. G. B. Monro preached in the evening.