THE QUEEN’S THEATRE SERVICES.

Saturday Advertiser, Issue 52, 8 July 1876, Page 7

THE QUEEN’S THEATRE SERVICES.

By Didymus. I know some excellent people in this town who think that the Sunday evening services' at the Queen’s Theatre are not calculated to serve the purpose which their originators had in view in starting them. I have heard it remarked that the majority of those who attend these meetings go there to see and be seen, and not for the purpose of worship. Now, as I look down from my box in the upper circle, on the orderly, respectable audience which I see assembled, and as I listen to the hearty songs of praise which resound through the spacious building, I feel inclined to differ with these fault-finders. There may be a few persons in the theatre who are not actuated in their attendance at this service by purely religious motives, but the majority of those assembled are, I feel assured, earnest and sincere worshippers. Although the organ of veneration is not very largely developed in my phrenological chart, still I like to see the bump pretty prominent in my fellow-beings. I like to see people gather together for the purpose of paying homage to the Omnipotent Source of all we see, all we know, and all we are, I care not whether they meet in the gorgeous cathedral, the cold looking meeting-house, or the decorated theatre, so long as they meet with “ pure hearts and clean hands ” to worship God. ' The Lord of Creation is everywhere, in the woods, in the fields, in the flowers, in the heat, and in. the cold, on the mountain and in the vale, on the sea, and on the land, in the sunshine, and in the storm —

“ I hear Thee in the stormy wind That turns the Ocean waves to foam, Nor less Thy wondrous power I find When Summer airs around me roam ; The tempest and the calm declare Thyself, for Thou art everywhere,” Therefore, I think the Dunedin Young Men’s Christian Association should be commended for the action they have taken in inaugurating the services at the Queen's Theatre. Two or three addresses are delivered every Sunday evening at these meetings by clergymen and laymen, and, although at times the audience present are forced to listen to very wishy-washy discourses, at other times they have the pleasure of hearing good sensible lectures and sermons. On Sunday evening last, Mr J. G. Fraser addressed those present on the subject of the “ Judgment.” Mr Fraser, in, an able, concise, and intelligent manner,. pointed out the necessity of being prepared for the great trial when “ we must all appear before the Judgment-seat of Christ.” Mr Fraser has a good figure, an open cheerful countenance, and a well-built head, and though some people may fancy that a preacher’s appearance has nothing to do with his sermon, I hold a contrary opinion. An average address from a good-looking man is more effective with the general public than a superior disquisition from an ordinary-look-ing individual. Mr Fraser’s gestures,, though forcible and expressive, are not graceful; and his voice, though clear and distinct, is somewhat monotonous. He preaches'too evenly, if I may be allowed touse the remark. However, as he is only a young man, he has plenty of time to improve in the art of elocution. He has all the earnestness of a man who speaks from his heart, but he lacks the fire which sends forth sparks to enkindle a glow of enthusiasm in the breast of the listener. After Mr Fraser had ended, the Rev. A. Blake delivered art impressive address on the same subject. The service concluded with a hymn by the choir, and the parting prayer and benediction. Altogether, I was favourably impressed with the Queen’s Theatre Services. “