ECCLESIASTICAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 12077, 22 September 1902, Page 3

ECCLESIASTICAL.

LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY. The Rev. Arch. Hunt, of New Guinea, who is now on a tour of New Zealand as the annual deputation from the London Missionary Society, hold two services in the Beresfordstreet Congregational Church yesterday. In the morning he spoke of the results of the work of the society in New Guinea, where he has been labouring for some 15 years. He showed how the natives have gradually changed their methods of bring since they were brought under the influences of religion and civilisation, and he contrasted their present condition with the primitive habits prevailing when he and his wife first landed on the island, they being then met by 600 stark-naked natives. Mr., Hunt gave an interesting account of the work which is being done by the native teachers, who have been educated and trained by the society, and who ai - now preaching the Gospel to their fellow countrymen with the most encouraging results. In the afternoon Mr. Hunt held a united children's service in the Beresfordstreet Church, the scholars of the Beresfordstreet, Newton, and Mount Eden Congregational Sunday-schools being present. In the evening ho took the service at the Devonport Congregational Church. There were good attendances at each service. This evening Mr. Hunt will give a lantern lecture, entitled " Darkness to Dawn in New Guinea," in the Newton Congregational Church, and on Thursday evening he will deliver an address in the Beresford-street Church. ONEHUNGA PRESBYTERIAN SUNDAYSCHOOL ANNIVERSARY. The anniversary of the Onchunga Presbyterian Sunday-school was held yesterday. The Rev. A. O. "VVedderspoon, M.A., conducted the morning service, and the Rev, R. L. Walker, M.A. (late of Haddington, Scotland), the afternoon and evening services. Special anniversary hymns were sung by the < teachers and scholars, under the conductors-hip of Mr. Harry Prime. The services were well attended, and were most enjoyable, the singing of the children being especially appreciated. CHOIRS IN COMPETITION. A competition between the choirs of Holy Trinity Church, Devonport, ana St. Thomas', Auckland, to decide which of the two was the better in chanting the psalms, took place in the former church at five p.m. on Saturday, and was so well organised that it was quite an impressive function. Each choir sang the Venite and Benedictus, and then the visiting choir sang the psalms for the 27th morning, and the home choir those for the 27th evening. Mr. R. Leslie Hunt acted as judge, and gave the Holy Trinity choir 46 marks out of a possible 50, the visitors obtaining 45, and thus losing by one point. Mr. Hunt, in giving his judgment, explained that as the St. Thomas' choirboys were singing in a church they had never seen before they had sung rather sharp, though their rythm, enunciation, and expression was most, excellent. After a capital tea in the schoolroom at. half-past seven, the St. Thomas' choir sang evensong in the church before a largo congregation. A musical evening followed in the schoolroom, when both choirs gave selections, which were greatly enjoyed by a large audience, all of whom, expressed delight at the splendid training of the boys and the purity and beauty of their tone. ST. JOHN'S SUNDAY-SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY. The 25th anniversary of St. John's Methodist Sunday-school,.Pousanby, was celebrated yesterday by three services in the church, which had been beautifully decorated by the teachers. In the forenoon the preacher was the Rev. H. B. Gray, of St. Andrew's, who spoke from I. Kings xx. 30. In the afternoon the Rev. C. H. Garland gave an addross. The Rev. W. Ready preached in the evening from Genesis xxrii. 16. The weather interfered with the attendance at the morning service, but in- the afternoon there was a good attendance, the evening service being crowded. The children sang splendidly. A solo. " The Shepherd of the Fold," was sung by Miss Birdie Butler, a quartette by Misses Tompkins, Wheeler, and Messrs. Pearce and Anderson, and two duets by the Misses Haunckin and Garter respectively. The collections for the day amounted to £22 13s 6d. The anniversary conversazione will be held on Wednesday night. GRAFTON ROAD METHODIST CHURCH ANNIVERSARY. At the Grafton Road Methodist Church yesterday special anniversary services were held. In the morning the Rev. C. H. Garland preached and in the evening the Rev. J. ,1. Lewis. Special anthems were well rendered by the choir at each service. The attendances, considering the weather, were good. The annual social takes place on Wednesday evening.

AUCKLAND BAPTIST TABERNACLE ANNIVERSARY. The 4?th anniversary of the Auckland Baplist. Tabernacle was celebrated yesterday. Considering the weather, the congregations were excellent. The Rev. Joseph Clark preached in the morning from Philippiana i. 1-11. He spoke on the work of God begun, continued, and completed in redeemed souls, and the profit of their fellowship one with another. The choir gave an admirable rendering of the anthem, '* Lord of all Power and Might." In the evening the Rev. W. Gray Dixon was the preacher. His text was Psalm lxxxvii., " All my springs are in Thee." On Tuesday night the usual soiree and public meeting will be held, when addresses will be given by the Rev. W. 8. Potter (president of the Ministers' Association), and the Rev. W. Ready. The Rev. Joseph Clark will preside at the meeting, at which there will be special musical items. CITY HALL SERVICE. There was a fair attendance at the City ! Hall service last evening, when an address was given by the Rev. 0. Baghdasarian, an Armenian evangelist. Mr. W. Brakenrig presided.