KNOX CHURCH SABBATH SCHOOLS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2105, 28 June 1894, Page 8

KNOX CHURCH SABBATH SCHOOLS.

A large and appreciative audience, consisting of the scholars of the Knox Church Sabbath Schools, with their parents and friends, assembled in Old Knox Church on Friday evening, in connection with their annual gift festival. This work of charity was initiated some years ago by Mr John Reith, who was then superintendent, and affords the scholars an opportunity of showing some practical sym-' pathy for the poor of our city by providing' articles of clothing and the necessaries of life for distribution among them. Friday night was the time fixed to receive their contributions. Mr W. T. Todd, the superintendent of the main school, occupied the chair, and in his opening remarks referred to the loss the church and schools had sustained in the death of the Rev. Dr Stuart, who had, since the inception of this meeting, always presided, and had infused into the teachers and scholars something of his own spirit for wholehearted liberality. Rev. A* North, in a forcible and telling address, impressed upon the scholars the possibility of each one doing his or her part in this work — even the smallest service done for the Lord Jesus Christ receiving its due reward,— and illustrated his remarks by suitable tales of ancient lore bearing on the subject. The Hon. W. Downie Stewart and Mr R Chisholm also spoke, and emphasised the necessity for the early formation of habits of true unselfishness -in the scholars, which this festival was eminently suited to foster. A large and efficient choir, under the capable leadership of Mr A. M. Braik, led the singiDg, and rendered three selections in a very pleasing manner, while Miss M'Chesney (who sang "I know that my Redeemer liveth"), Miss Walker ("Eternal rest"), and Mr A. M. Hogg (" Wings ") were accorded hearty applause from the audience for their solos. Mr J. Fergusson presided at the harmonium, and a most enjoyable and instructive meetiug was brought to a close by the singing of the doxology and the pronouncing of the benediction by the Rev. A. North.