ECCLESIASTICAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11365, 7 May 1900, Page 3

ECCLESIASTICAL.

BERESFORDSTREET CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

The services at tho Beresford-stroet Congregational Church yesterday, being the last that the Rev. Joseph Parker is to conduct in this city, attracted larger congregations than have attended the church for many years. In tho mornine the subject, of Mr. Parker's sermon was " The Hindmost." At the evening service Mr. Parker took as his text the words from T. John ii. 13, "The last time," and impressed on his hearers that they should always act iust as they regarded themselves as doing each action for the last time. _ After the service a number of friends remained to bid Mr. Parker good-bye.

CENTRAL MISSION ANNIVERSARY.

The Central Mission third anniversary was celebrated yesterday. The morning meeting, at eleven o'clock, was conducted by tho Rev. H. J, Walker (mission evangelist), in tho hall, Albert-street. Several musical items were rendered by the orchestra. In the afternoon at throe o'clock tho service was held in the Opera House, when a large congregation assembled. An address was delivered by the Rev. Gray Dixon, of St. David's, who spoke from Col. iii. 11, "Christ is all," and in a simple, yet powerfid, manner showed tho simplicity of salvation through belief in tho Lord Jesus Christ. During his diseourso tho preacher explained the doctrines of the ancient Gnostics of Paul's time, and compared them to the Thcosopliists of the present day. Sister Howard sang a beautiful sacred solo, and a quartette was rendered by Miss A. Woodman. Sister Howard, Mr. Benton, and Mr. Hall. At the evening service, at seven o'clock, the Opera House was packed. hundreds being unable to gain admission. The musical items wore sacred solos by Mrs. .1. 11. Wood and Mr. Walton, also a quartette and various orchestral items by the mission orchestra, which, under the able conductorship of Mr. Forte Forties, has improved wonderfully. Tho Rev. David O'Donncll (who is leaving for Svtlnoy to-day) gave a farewell address from the words, "What can Jesus do for mo that I can't do for myself?" At tho closo of the service a number remained to tho after mooting. Tho ton and public mooting in connection with the anniversary will be held in tlio Mission's Albert-street Hall on Wednesday evening. Addresses and reports will bo given, also vocal and instrumental selections. Y.M.C.A. Tho usual evangelistic 6orvieo was hold last evening in the City Hall, under the auspices of tho Y.M.C.A. Mr. A. J. Entrican presided. A very earnest address was given by tho Rev. Gray Dixon, M.A. Miss Rim. mor sang two sacred solos.