CENTRAL MISSION ANNIVERSARY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13863, 28 March 1907, Page 7

CENTRAL MISSION ANNIVERSARY.

TJie seventeenth anniversary- of ihe Methodist Central Mission was celebrated last evening in tho Garrison Hall. ', Tea was served in the gunroom to a very largo' ntmber of guests. Subsequently a public meeting and concert drew together an iiudienee largo enough to well fill the floor space of tho largo hall. ' ' ' ' ' Tho Chairman (tiio Rev. Mr Wylie) apologised for the absence of tho Key. W. A. Sinclair,; who was,prevented by.his doctor's orders from being present. In the course of tho evening Mr H. D, Bedford gayo a brief address on tho work' carried on by tho Central Mission!, He' urged that churches did not 'fulfil tlieir duty unless they took part in promoting tho social life of tho community and in shpvi'iiiff their righteousness in the' practical work of life. They should not only point men to heaven, but should atteod to tho needs of the present life. The Mission had, under tho direction of Mr Sinclair, taken an active part in tho. temperance, liquor traffic, anti-gambling, and ' social purity movements; arid'he thought ;somo littinpr recognition of that gentleman's services should bo made, for he wa's one of tho leaders in the city, and a man. of great tenderness towards others. Ho also regarded Mr Sinclair as ono of Duncdin's most distinguished citizens. The Mission; had taken good root in Dunodin, and lie hoped it would grow up so that all in suffering could tind shelter under its branches. ,' ■ ■■■',' The Rev: C H. Laws expressed his sympathy with tho typo of work dono by tho Mission, which was using- the beat kind of evangelism amongst tho residents in the city. Ho was particularly pleased with the growth of their brotherhood, which, he was sure, would achieve much good.' To-day man did not accopt statements from tho pulpit because a minister said them, but becauso they believed that tho statements made wcro true. The Church, lie thought, was to-day on its trial before tho people, and the truth of Christianity was to bo ffiiind, not in authoritative statements, hiit in tho work dono in uplifting men from vice- and changing; their hearts. Ho believed that Ohristiaaity to-day was more Christ-liko than over, and that tho lieart of the Church was beating true to. tho Gospel. He urged them to bo working Christians amongst thoso who needed their services. ' , ■ The musical programme was excellently arranged and pleasantly varied, including solos by Misses Sumlerland and Clarke, Messrs T. Holgatp and H. Drake; a recitation bv Mr Osbonie; a cornet solo liv Mr F. M'Lcan; and a violin solo by 'Mr B. A. do Lautpur. Mr E. H. Eagar's quartet party contributed two items with exoellont effect. Mr ]!. A. do Lautour'e orchestra played selections at tho opening of the concert, and Hiss E. Wright actod as accompanist during tho evening. Miss Clarke, in singing "Avo Maria," had the advantage of a fluto obligato played by Mr George Dick.