PENTECOST ANNIVERSARY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20580, 3 June 1930, Page 9

PENTECOST ANNIVERSARY.

SERVICE IN TABERNACLE*

UNITED CELEBRATIONS.

A congregation of about 1000, including representatives of nearly every denomination, was present at the Baptist Tabernacle last evening, where a service was held to commence the commemoration of tho 1900 th anniversary of Pentecost. Dr. J. J. North presided, and addresses were given by the Rev. R. C. Roberts and the Rev. Lionel 13. Fletcher. Mr. Roberts outlined tho historical meaning of Pentecost, which was an essential part of the Christian religion. Tho power of Christ as a preacher and a swayor of men would have been considerably lessoned without tho presence of some inward force urging him on. Tho day of Pentecost was tho day cm which tho Christian Church was born. A personal appeal to tlio congregation was made by the Lov. Lionel B. Fletcher, who said it was necessary for every man to make personal preparation before any message could reach him from the Holy Spirit. It was not to bo thought that tho acceptance of tho Holy Spirit meant soino great involuntary transfiguration, which would enable a man, without any personal effort, to lead an altered life. On the contrary, it meant a humbling of self and a candid confession of sin. "Wo must all realise our faults and strive to alter our ways before tho Holy Spirit can. help us," said Mr. Fletcher. Mr. Fletcher concluded by appealing I to tho congregation to make the season of Pentecost a lime of holy thoughts and noble aspirations. "Let 113 sink cur petty differences, forget all distinctions of creed and sect, and try to remember that at bottom we aro all one," he added. The actual anniversary of Pentecost will occur on Whit Sunday, Juno 8, when it will be celebrated by millions of Christians , throughout the world. In Auckland celebrations will bo continued all this week, and arrangements have been made by the Ministers' Association and the Anglican clergy to hold united services. These will | take' place in various suburban centres, as well as in tho city, concluding with ! a united service of both city and suburban ' cliurchos on Friday evening. The churches aro beinnr asked to hold special meetings for prayer on Saturday, and on Sunday special sermons on the subject of P ent cost will bo preached in all the churches. A service i-ill b„ held in to Bc.alord S,«et C»X B ltto, C wili b.