HARVEST “AT HOME”

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 13820, 30 March 1938, Page 4

HARVEST “AT HOME”

NIREAHA CELEBRATIONS PRESBYTERIAN ( HURCH EFFORT The largest gath< ring to date attended the Presbyterian Church special harvest thanksgiving festival celebrations held in the Nirealia Church and hall both Sunday and Monday evening last. The Church was decorated effectively and the gilts was liberal and varied, fh * gregation fill'd the Church, the R<* if’* A. A. Armstrong conducting devotions and preaching Iron the subject of “Nature—the mission of God.’’ Miss Peggie Drysdale presided at the organ and played special voluntary. A general district gathering of members and friends was held in the Nireaha hall on Monday evening when a very happy time was spent bv all in the form.of a “Harvest at Home.” Mr M Priest presided and was ably assisted by a strong local committee of workers led by the district representatives on St. Paul*# Board of Managers. After the National Anthem the chairmafi extended on behalf of the people of Nireaha. and the Presbyterians esj»ecially, a very cordial welcome to the Rev. A. A. and Mrs Armstrong who were the guests of honour on this oecasion. He bespoke for them the loyal co-opciation of tin Nireaha end of the Parish as they sought to care for the spiritual interests ol all and build up the strength of the Church.

In a brief reply of appreciation lor the welcome extended the Rev A \. Armstrong assured all present that the supreme object ol thoii efforts would be to build the Christian faith in the hearts of a*?- especially the youth under their charge, for unless the spiritual foundations laid down so well by the forefathers were maintained 2nd strengthened there as no future before the individual or the Sate. Both Mrs Armstrong and himself could assure all, irrespective of denominational distinction, that if they could help any one ar any time they hoped the people would rely upon their friendship. They were grateful for the opportunity presented of meeting all in this sociable way. On behalf of the Session Managers of St. Paul’s he would like to express special thanks to the Methodist Church for having given way in relation to the-engagement o! the bull so allowing the function of the evening to be held. During the evening the following Pahiatua artists rendered a very enjoyable programme of musical items: violin solo, Mr Fairweather; songs, Mesdames L. T. Herbert and Curtain and Miss N. Swanny. A very jk>pular exhibition of tap dancing given by tin* little Murcin Mrs W. H. Murch presided at the piano. Great amusement was enjoyed by ail b\ means of various games and competitions which were entered into very heartily by all present. * There was a very fine display of produce, cookery, and other gifts and these were very effectively auctioned by Mr J E. Macdonald, of Mangamutu, who with breezy humour kept the sale going merrily until everything was passed over to the keen buyers who gave genercusl\ to the good objects of the sale. The Rev. A. A. Armstrong at »he close thanked the “auction . r” on behait of the gathering lor his great ■help, also tin committee in charge of the happy function and all those who had assisted with ti e programme. A sum of close on. £2O was raised. tm« being devoted to the general parish funds. A very fine sup|R r was provided after which a memorable gathering closed with “Auld Lang Syne.”