CHURCH SERVICES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22611, 26 December 1936, Page 11

CHURCH SERVICES

THE CHRISTMAS MESSAGE RELIGIOUS MEANING Religious services conducted in many of the churches yesterday for the most part drew large congregations of worshippers, who entered reverently into the spirit of Christmas thanksgiving. Holy Communion was celebrated hourly at St. Mary's Cathedral, and at 11 a.m. a sermon by Archbishop Averill was broadcast. His subject was " The Incarnation of Christ," and he likened the revelation of God that comes through the Incarnation to the illumination of a sudden flash of lightning. He spoke of the profound need of the world in its present troubles for God and Christ. The cathedral was most effectively decorated with red and white flowers. In the evening at the cathedral there was a carol service, and an organ recital was given by Mr. E. Randal. A united Christmas service arranged by the Baptist Tabernacle, the Pitt Street Methodist Church, St. James' Presbvterian and the Beresford Street Congregational Church was held in the Beresford Street Church and was largely attended. The Rev. A. C. Nelson conducted the service, in which part was also taken by the Rev. Dr. A. Hodge, the Rev. E. T. Olds and the Rev. A. E. Orr, who rend'ered the solo " Star of Bethlehem." The preacher -n-as the Rev. R. Ferguson Fish. This service was broadcast. Probably the largest of the Presbyterian services was that conducted by the Rev. \Y. Bower Black at St. David's Church in Khvber Pass. Christmas hymns were sung, and Mr. Black preached. At St. Patrick's Cathedral solemn pontifical mass was celebrated at midnight and holy mass at intervals during the morning. SERVICES FOR SEAMEN OUTING IN THE COUNTRY Christmas services for visiting seamen were conducted yesterday by the missioner to seamen, the Rev. H. K. Vickerv, and were well attended. In the afternoon a party of 40 men was taken to Ferndale. On returning to the institute a Christmas tea was given by the members of the Harbour Lights Guild and gifts were distributed to about 70 men. This was followed by a choral service in the Mariners' Chapel, the carols being sung by choristers from St. Thomas' Church.