UNITED WITNESS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23002, 1 April 1938, Page 12

UNITED WITNESS

INSPIRING SERVICE GATHERING IN TOWN HALL The second of the interdenominational Christian Witness meetings was held in the Town Hall last night, approximately 3000 people being present. The meeting, which was conducted in an atmosphere of considerable enthusiasm, was led by Dr. Alexander Hodge and an address was given by Pastor F. A, Youens. Tho series of meetings is for the purpose of gathering members of the various churches together for inspiration, encouragement and worship as it is felt that the combined services are a witness to the essential unity of tho churches. Mr. K. Rimmer, of ihc Wayside Mission, which has been responsible for the organisation of tho first three meetings, welcomed the fact that so I many people had taken the opportunity of attending. Ho expressed the hope that tho meeting next Thursday would eclipse the present ono. Ho asked those interested to join in tho formation of a choir for future meetings. Mr. Youens said that in his years of ministry ho had met colleagues whose chief concern seemed to be that they should b(3 considered orthodox. Unorthodoxy in many cases, however, savoured more of Christianity and the present meetings served to strengthen truo religious principles. Christianity was not devoid of pleasure and pleasure that was clean was sanctified. Ho likened sin to a merry-go-round which appealed through its colour, sound and movement, The pleasures of sin were, however, short-lived and the price paid was far too high. Tho meeting was preceded b.y choruses and the hymns, accompanied on tho grand organ by Mr. A. E. Wilson, city organist. A lesson from the New Testament was read by the Rev. S. J. Werren, secretary of tho Ministers' Association, and prayers were led by Mr. J. Ferguson.