CHURCH SERVICES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11400, 18 April 1899, Page 5

CHURCH SERVICES.

ST. MATTHEW'S CHURCH.

St. Matthew's (Dunedin) observed last Sunday as a day set apart for missions, more especially in relation to tho 100 th anniversary of tho Church Missionary Society. Special sermons were preached by the vicar (Rev. W. Ounson-Siggcrs, M.A.) on the indebtedness of the Anglican Christianity in New Zealand to the Church Missionary Society; and on tho philosophy of missions. Note was taken o£ various objections to missions from tho preacher's observation of missionary work by different churches in different parts of the world, whilst our duty to the Maoris was dealt upon. When it is remembered that half J3ishop Sehvyn's stipend at tho etart wag, found by the Church Missionary. Society, the indebtedness of the New Zealand Church to the Church. Missionary Society, apart from anything else, is clear. At morning prayer, Handel's "O, Zion, that bringest good tidings," was sung by Mrs Curzon-Siggers with much expression, to an accompaniment well oxeculed by Mr Lilly. At the evening service tho choir well rendered Spinney's .".Unto Thee, O God, do wo give thanks." As Captain Boyd was a parishioner, seatholder, and communicant, in memoriam services were also held in connection with his lamented deatli. In tho evening the whole congregation Bang,, according to the St. Matthew's custom 'at similar in momoriam services, Sweat's funeral hymn, "The Righteous Souls." It was' a singular thing that the new trumpet stop, erected to tho memory of the late Archdeaeofi Fent'on, a- former parishioner, seatholder, and communicant, was handed over by the organ builder on the previous day, as completo, and was then paid ,for, and was usod on Sunday for the first time in the church's service for tho " Dead March" in

" Saul," in memory of the late Captain Boyd. Never1 has that touching piece been heard to fiuch advantage in St. Matthew's before. The fine diapason work of the St. Matthew's organ, which now has cost tho parish over £1700; is admirably suited for .classical music. The new Btop will not be used till it is formally opened, at a date to be advertised in our columns. The total offertories for missions were £13 16s 9d, to which some prior offerings are to be added, making a total of £15-7s, of which £2 goes to the Jerusalem Mission, and the balance between tlie Maori and Melanesian mission. We learn the church authorities are particularly gratified, as this is the; largest offertory for missions in the history of tho parish on one occasion. ' •'..»