ECCLESIASTICAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13723, 13 April 1908, Page 8

ECCLESIASTICAL.

ANCIENT ORDER OF FORESTERS.

A very successful church parade of the Ancient; Order of Foresters took place yesterday morning, when nearly 300 members, in full regalia, attended Divine service at St. Matthew's Church. Nearly every court in tho district was represented, including the Ladies' Court and the juvenile branches. The district executive, consisting of Brothers 11. A. Kent, D.C.U., F. Price, D.S.C.R., D. J. Wright, D.S., C. Andrews, D.T., and G. Fell, D.8., were present, together with the following past D.C.R.'s, Brothers A. Campbell, C. Shepherd, S. G. Lee, J. J. Sbaldrick, A. Harris, and A. E. Grcenslade. An eloquent address was given by Brother the Rev. W. E. Gillam. from the words, "But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, ho hath denied tho faith, and is worse than an infidel." (1. Tim., v, 8), and a full choir gave an excellent rendering of the anthem, " Behold How Good and Joyful it is for Brethren to Dwell Together in Unity." The procession was headed by the First Auckland Mounted Regimental Band, Brother E. J. Osborne acting as marshal. PEOPLE'S MISSION. At the Opera House yesterday, both afternoon and evening, the regular mission services were held. Hearty discussion followed the afternoon address, the missioner taking as his topic, "Are We Becoming Pagans?" At night an impressive service engaged the attention of a crowded audience. The soloists. Miss Willis and Mr. Hickman, rendered sacred songs acceptably. .Mr. Black preached, taking as hi* subject, " What Are Wo Living For?" A helpful after-meeting was held. Announcement was made of the approaching Has! sacred living picture festival oil Hood Friday, and also of the temperance campaign, to be commenced in the People's Mission by the no-license temperance lecturer, who has been engaged to tour the province in the interests of the movement. AUCKLAND CENTRAL MISSION. The morning service at the Central Mission Hali yesterday was led by the missioner, who spoke on "The Obedience of Christ." There was a full congregation at His Majesty's Theatre at night. The. missioner chose for his text, "God Is Love.". During the evening a duet was sung, entitled " Will There Be Light?" JJnder the leadership of Mr. Thos. Adams the choir and orchestra rendered effective service. At the close of the theatre service a largo number adjourned to the hall, where the usual after-meeting was held. All-day services for Good Friday were announced to be held in the C.M. Hall. THEOSOPHY. At the rooms of the Auckland Theosophical Society yesterday the usual weekly public lecture was given by Miss A. E. Davidson, the subject being "The Bonds of Circumstance and Environment; How to Break Them and be Free." Tho lecturewas an exceedingly interesting one, and the conclusions the speaker drew were that only by self-restraint could true liberty be attained. A fair attendance gathered to he;<r Mr. J. R. Thomson answer questions on theosophical subjects at the H.P.B. branch meeting yesterday. Much satisfaction was evidenced at the replies to many queries.