DECLARATION OF FAITH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18080, 3 May 1922, Page 9

DECLARATION OF FAITH.

FIRST CITIZENS' SERVICE. HOUR OF INTERCESSION. The, first of Auckland's mid-day intercessory services, ,: held in the Town • Hall concert chamber yesterday, proved beyond all doubt that there vis a strong and genuine desire on the part of citizens to make these services a real power for good in the spiritual life of the community. There was an attendance of over 400 men and women, their numbers including business' and professional men, women who had evidently taken an hour out of a visit to the city, and youths and girls from the staffs "of city shops and offices. There was nothing formal about the service; people passed in and out as the hour sped by, but the whole atmosphere of the gathering was one of deep reverence, and a whole-hearted participation in its spirit which made the singing one of its finest and most inspiring features.The Mayor, Mr. J. H. Gunson, presided, and with him on the platform were Bishop Averill and a number of ' wellknown citizens. In a preliminary address, Mr. Gunson stated that the services had been instituted by laymen citizens, and would be controlled by laymen for the grand objective of a due recognition of God as the Supreme Ruler, For several years past, similar services had been successfully maintained in the city of Melbourne. .* The movement was* 'recently launched in Wellington, and its objects were laid before the speaker a short time ago with a view to establishing similar services in Auckland. A committee was formed to accomplish this. "It was a summons, a challenge to us," said Mr. Gunson, "to declare our faith in our Creator and in the over-ruling providence of God, disregard of which would have involved our loyalty to the faith that is in us. We pride ourselves, and justifiably, upon loyalty to our King and to our country. We believe, too, that in the interests of our King and country, and for the self-respect and maintenance of our citizenship, an affirmation of our loyalty to God is essential for the preservation and development,of the best and highest traits in our national, civic and private life." ■ People were often prepared to discuss every question but that of religion, continued Mr. Gunson. Their business, their city, their pleasures and their children were all deemed appropriate subjects for discussion and attention. "But why," he asked, "do we so greatly 'cut out' that which most of all we need; that which alone survives both time and eternity, the religion for Which our minds and natures long, too often without response? These meetings are designed to afford the opportunity to all our citizens, irrespective of creed, class, or position, to recognise upon common ground the strong claims upon them to place first things first, and by their participation here, to receive inspiration and encouragement, by their example, helping others to a , good and noble citizenship under the guiding hand of God." The Mayor concluded his address with a' reference to the. dangerous and unsettled state of affair's in other lands, where the spirit of anarchy and disloyalty held sway. No one, thinking upon these things, could deny the national need of God's guidance, and the measure of its bestowal depended upon the people themselves, their devotion and loyalty to; God as individuals and as a community. With the exception of the opening and concluding prayers, offered by Bishop Averill and the Rev. W. G. Potter, the service was conducted entirely by laymen, consisting of hymns, scripture readings by the Mayor, Messrs. E. C. Cutten, J. F. Ewen and A. M. Ferguson,- and prayers by W. J. Holdsworth and R. A. Laicllaw. The city organist, Mr. J. M. Baniett, acted as accompanist.