THE GOSPEL OAK

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18321, 11 August 1921, Page 8

THE GOSPEL OAK

On Sunday next a ceremony of unique interest will 'be held at Mosgiel. The day is that which has been chosen by the . Borough Council and S. Luke’s Church for planting the Gospel Oak. ..The planting of the tree will bo performed By the Mayoress (Mrs Allan), and the service conducted by the vicar (the Rev. Chas. J. Bush-King). This will be probably the first lime in the history of the diocese when such an old ceremony will have been hold. The ceremony originated in the Rogation-tide services, which are the opposite of harvest festival services. While in the latter thanksgivings are offered for the •harvest gathered, the- Rogation-tide services are for asking God’s blessing of the ploughing, the sowing, and the planting. In order to mark such an ocasion, trees were planted at prominent places in the parish, and the principal trees so planted were oak, hence the name Gospel oaks. In many parishes in England the Rogation-tide services are still maintained, a procession leaving the church and proceeding to the Gospel oak. where a short service is held and the blessing of God asked on the ploughing, sowing, and planting. By means of these Gospel oaks the boundaries of the parish are marked at various points, and the procession moves from one oak to another, where there are more than one; Those taking part in the processionvusually cany withies, and proper psalms, or hymns, ,a're sung, the litany is said or sung, and also the benedicite. The procession usually returns to the parish church, whore a short service is held. Archbishop Benson urged the retention of such services.’and said: “I hope that it will always be with religious services as are happily used in many places."