MELBOURNE CENTENARY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21758, 24 March 1934, Page 8

MELBOURNE CENTENARY

CHURCH CELEBRATIONS LARGE: ANGLICAN ASSEMBLY MANY SERVICES PLANNED [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT*] - SYDNEY, March 1J : The extensive programme for the celebration .this year of the centenary t of Melbourne is gradually taking / definite form. There are so many interests to be considered, however, that the task of framing numerous functions is not easy, and the main committee has had to overcome many difficulties some of which have arisen from petty jealousy. However, Melbourne seepis to be entering into the , spirit of the celebrations and will enjoy many crowded months. A great influx of visitors ig expected and the accommodation of these will not be a minor problem. AS, preliminary census, if that term may be permitted, has shown that the city can absorb many thousands, and with, proper organisation ample room should be found. -I One cannot help being struck with the important part to be played in the celebrations by the various religious authorities. The Churches are seizing the opportunity for emphasising the spiritual life of the Commonwealth. The Roman Catholic Church is arranging a great Eucharistic Congress, whfch dignitaries from overseas will attend. Methodism will celebrate its own centenary and the celebrations will be on an ambitious scale, surpassing anything of a similar nature ever attempted by this Church in Australia. And now comes the announcement of the Angli. can programme. An All-Australian Anglican Assembly will be held in Melbourne from TJiursday, November 8, to Friday, November I 16. A monster religious demonstration - will take place at the Melbourne cricket ground on. October 14,..and an open-air Anglican Service of Witness will be held in the grounds of the Melbourne Grammar School on the afternoon of Armistice Day, Sunday, November 11. These arc to be the main features of the Church of England centenary celebrations. • • ■ Features of the assembly will be the holding of a series of public addresses by experts on subjects of ; interest, a conference of clergy on lines similar to the Lambeth Conference, an-open forum for clergy for the discussion of problems not provided for in the set programme, and the delivery of the Moorhouse lectures* by the Rev. Canon Barry, of Westminster, London. Canon Barry is hastening his departure from London and will probably arrive in Melbourne on November 5. He is bringing with him a piece of "masonry from Westminster Abbey, to be incor- ' porated in St. Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne. It is also anticipated that a prominent diocesan bishop from England will also visit Melbourne during the celebrations. The Anglican Chunil in New Zealand is expected to send delegates. During Easter next year a great Church pageant- may be held in the Exhibition Building in Melbourne.