PRESBYTERIAN SERVICES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 14375, 21 May 1910, Page 8

PRESBYTERIAN SERVICES.

PARADE AT ST. DAVID'S. Fftneral services were held, in the various Presbyterian churches in the city, some in the morning and some in the afternoon. The drapings were in the Royal purple' and black. St. David's Church was packed in the afternoon. The troops present consisted of the Highland Rifles, 58 strong, under Captain Melville and Lieutenants Finlayson and J. Oliphant, and other territorials from various corps. The Rev. W. Gray Dixon occupied the pulpit, which: was draped with emblem* of niournina. The ,

service opened with \ the singing of "O God, Our Help in Ages Past," followed by prayer for the Royal Family. Part of Psalm xxxix was then chanted. Solos were sung by Miss Lambourne ("Nearer, My God, to' Thee"), and Mr. William Steel ("Thou Art Passing Hence"). The hymns were, " Brief Life is Here Our Portion," and "Now the Labourer's Task Is O'er," and while the offertory was being taken up the organist (Mr. Craston) played "The Flowers of the Forest." At the conclusion of the service, the congregation standing, the " Dead March" was played, the benediction was pronounced, and the first verse of the National Anthem sung. In his address the Rev. W. Gray Dixon said in that church they represented the Scot abroad, the contingent from the northern kingdom engaged in the work of Empire-making overseas. They met in a Presbyterian place of worship, because they remembru-od that when in their homeland King Edward was one of their own Church, attending her simple services, . furthering her evangelical efforts, and gracing with his presence, through his Lord High Commissioner, her General' Assembly. Wisdom and peace eminently determined and glorified the reign of King Edward VII. They might remember how ho astonished many of his former associates on his accession to the throne by his prayerfulness. They could not understand why he should have become so religious. He was seeking the essential embodiment of a king where alone it could be found. He was asking wisdom of God, and God heard him and granted his request. This king went down to history as the world's great peacemaker of his time.- He won the regard of-all classes, and was essentially a man and a gentleman. The service at St. Andrew's was held at 11 a.m., and was of an impressive nature. The Rev. A. A. Murray occupied the pulpit. The musical portion of the service was appropriate. At St. James's Church the service was of a particularly impressive character. The hymns sung included, " Brief Life is Here Our Portion," and " Nearer, My God, to Thee." The Rev. R. L.Walker preached. The organist (Mr. Walter Impett) played Handel's " Dead March" in " Saul." At Knox Church, Parnell, the Rev. J. M. Simpson occupied the pulpit. Sullivan's anthem, "Brother, Thou Art Gone Before," was sung,, and Miss Mackenzie rendered Mendelssohn's " O Rest in The Lord." Chopin's " Marche Funebre," and Spohr's Blest Are The Departed," were rendered on the organ. After the benediction the National Anthem was sung. There was a large congregation. An impressive service was held in St. Peter's Church, Great, North Road, in the morning. The Rev. R. Ferguson, one of H.M. chaplains, officiated. There was a large" and representative attendance, amongst those present being the members of the Grey Lynn Borough Council, Archhill Road Board, and Newton Schools Committee. Miss A. E. Hall sang with fine devotional feeling, the late King's favourite hymn, " Nearer, My God to Thee," and the closing hymn was also a Royal favourite, " Days and Moments, Quickly Flying." Mr. W. Shaw presided at the organ, and played the Dead March" in " Saul."