SPECIAL SERVICES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25803, 26 March 1945, Page 6

SPECIAL SERVICES

FIRST CHURCH OF OTAGO Special anniversary services were held in First Church yesterday morning and evening. There were 'large congregations at both services, and in the evening the Mayor and Mayoress, Mr and Mrs D. C. Cameron, and city councillors and their wives were present. Both services were conducted by the Rev. W. Allen Steveiy. Taking as his text at the morning service a section from Deuteronomy reading, “Thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord, thy God, led thee,” Mr Steveiy said that such words rang out as a challenge to-day, calling as they did for unswerving obedience and loyalty to God. “ Remembrance awakens in the heart a song of praise,” Mr Steveiy said. “It quickens gratitude for the unwearied goodness and mercy.of God. We shall never thank adequately unless we remember rightly. We shall never praise God as we ought if we forget the thronging multitude of His benefits. We are always in danger of forgetting our dependence upon God. Then anniversary comes with its hallowed associations and says, like Ophelia, ‘This for remembrance.’ To make us feel vividly our constant need of God is the greatest office of an anniversary season.” Mr Steveiy referred to the floodlighting cf the church which had been made possible through the generosity of one who wished to remain anonymous. The church was indeed grate-, ful 'for this much-appreciated gift which, in a new way, could serve as a reminder of our debt to the pioneers.

Reference was made by the preacher to a floral tribute which was included among the decorations. The inscription read. “In loving memory of our dear mother, Margaret Morrison, who, as a child of three years old, attended the first service conducted by Dr Thomas Burns. From L. Maclean and J.ean Maclean Edie," The bowl containing the flowers belonged to Dr Burrs’s uncle, the poet, Robert Burns, and was given to Mrs Edie by Miss Burns, daughter of Dr Burns. The Bible which was being used at the services, Mr Steveiy said, was that which Dr Burns brought with him from Scotland on the ship Philip Laing. Special anthems and presentations by the choir were rendered at both services.

At a function held at the conclusion of the evening service the Mayor thanked Mr Steveiy for the inspiring and helpful addresses which had been delivered at both services. He also thanked Mr Steveiy, on behalf of the Mayoress and the city councillors and their wives, for the invitations that had been extended to them. Among the early settlers who attended the services were Mr G. Turnbull, Aldinga, 1861; Mrs A. Herbert (nee Wright), Robert Henderson, 1861; Mr F. W. Knight .Aldinga, 1862; Mrs M. A. Taylor (nee Roy), Grassmere, 1862; Mr Hugh Smith, City of Dunedin, 1863; Mr R. Ferguson, Helenslee, 1863; Mr P Nelson, Hamilla Mitchell, 1864; Mr John Clarke, Hamilla Mitchell, 1864; Mr Andrew McLean, Resolute, 1864; Mr W. H. Adams, Thracian, 1865; Mrs I. MacKechnie (nee Cameron) Robert Henderson, 1867.