THE CHURCH

Southland Times, Issue 19546, 9 May 1925, Page 12

THE CHURCH

'General news and notes. FROM PULPIT AND PEW. A Harvest Thanksgiving Service will be held at Otatara at 2.30 p.m. to-morrow, and the harvest sale and concert on Monday evening. Bishop Richards, of Dunedin, who has been in the Western District for the past week, conducted a confirmation service in St. Andrew’s Church, Otautau, last Sunday. The Rex. Angus Mcßean conducts both services in the Leet street Methodist Church to-morrow. The addresses will be in keeping with tjie universal recognition of Mothers’ Day'. At St. Peter’s, Invercargill, Rev. J. H. Haslam will preach on “The Fitness of Thing’,” and “The Joy of the Angels.” The choir will sing at the evening service Tozer’s Anthem, “Weary of Earth,” and Sullivan’s “The Lost Chord.” The Sacrament of the Lord’s Service will be disppnsed at the close of the regular service. “May 10th will be the second Sunday of Rally Month in the Centre Bush parish. It will be observed as “Mother’s Day,” and an address entitled “Mother, and the OldFashioned Home,” will be given. All mothers are specially urged to be present to receive the floral gift from the hands of the children, as a tribute to Mother. Work and pray for Rally Month!” The Silver Band of the Salvation Army, Gore, visited Winton, on Sunday last. During the afternoon they played in different portions of the town, and in the evening gave a sacred Ancert in the Radio Theatre. The building sks well filled and the programme of music much enjoyed. The band was delighted with the reception given, while he public appreciated their efforts. The Otapiri Harvest Home Ball, which was a great success and was much enjoyed by the large gathering. The hall was artistically decorated for the occasion with greenery and coloured streamers. Finstclass music was supplied by Miss Brdwn (piano) and Mr Brown (violin), while Mr C. Grant made an efficient M.C. A dainty supper was dispensed by the Committee, who worked well for the pleasure and comfort of all present. On Tuesday evening, at Riverton, at the Methodist Church the Rev. E. P. Blamiers, Young Peoples Organiser of the Methodist Church oT N.Z., met the Sunday School teachers and young people. Rev. H. E. Haynes, Chairman, introduced the speaker. Mr Blamiers stressed the importance of a proper training and study of child mind and gave many good illustrations of how to proceed with regard to the study of child mind. Several questions were asked and answered in an interesting way by the speaker. A vote of thanks concluded the meeting. Church Rally Month will be continued at First Church to-morrow, when special services will be conducted both morning and evening. The day is “Mothers’ Day,” an innovation in the Church year which is finding an increasing observance throughout the English-speaking world. ’Hie subjects of addresses will be appropriate to the day. The morning service will be specially for parents and children who, it is hoped, will be present in large numbers. The subject will be “Godliness in the Home.” In the evening an address will be delivered on "The Glory of Motherhood,” when a tribute will be laid at the feet of our mothers. All sons and daughters, and that Cleans everybody, are invited to be present. The Rev. J. L. Robinson will be the preacher at both services. The Congregationalists are steadily adding to the strength of their ministry in New Zealand. Rev. N. H. Finch, of Queensland (brother of Rev. M. C. Finch, of Devonport) has accepted the “call” of the Port Chalmers Church, and will begin his ministry shortly. Rev. Norman Burgess, of Raglan, has accepted the “call” to Gore, and will take up the work there in June. He will be succeeded at Raglan by Mr D. Benton, of Canada, who has cabled his acceptance of the call. Mr Benton is one of a band of young men who were trained for Christian work in Cardiff by Rev. Lionel B. Fletcher. He will arrive by the Niagara in May. Dr Harry Emerson Fosdick, the famous American Modernist, has been granted a year’s leave for travel and study by Union Theological Seminary, where he has, for ten years, been Professor of Practical Theology. Dr Fosdick will sail for Europe on August 29. He will make Geneva his headquarters for six months. He will visit Egypt, Greece, the Holy Land, Mesopotamia and Turkey. On September 13, Dr Fosdick will preach the opening sermon at the League of Nations. The sermon will be delivered from the pulpit of John Calvin, in the Cathedral Church at Geneva. Rev. John Collie, Invercargill, who has been appointed Moderator of the Otautau charge, occupied the pulpit of the Otautau Presbyterian Church at both sendees on Sunday last. A congregational meeting held at the close of the evening service was well attended, a cofnmidtee, comprising Mesdames McDougall, F. Duncan and F. J. •Collie, Messrs J. M. Lindsay, A. Gould, A. A. Fisher, Thomson and P. Beggs being set up to bring down a report regarding the appointment of a minister to the charge. The subject of Church Union was touched upon by Archbishop Julius in his remarks at the public farewell to him in Christchurch last week. He said that he could not forget his brothers of the other churches. A few years ago, they would not have said they were' brothers, but would have said of other ministers that they belonged to “other bodies,” which was a very nasty term. The new spirit was in the air. God willing, ministers would be drawn closer to one another. Qbd grant that the time would, come when all impediments were broken down, and, in Jesus Christ, in sincerity and truth, they would be one. He idid not care so much for the unity of organisation as for the higher unity. The ladies of the Tuatapere Presbyterian Guild and P.W.M.U. gave an afternoon tea in honour of Mrs D. Rogers, who is shortly leaving for the Old Country. Songs were contributed by Mesdames Horner, Henderson, Norman, McCulloch and Nicholas. On behalf of the members of both organisations Miss Kennedy presented the guest of the afternoon with a Kaiapoi rug, at the same x time wishing her a. pleasant voyage, a glad re-union with friends and relatives, and a speedy and safe return to New Zealand and Tuatapere. Mrs McCulloch suitably replied on behalf of Mrs Rodgers. The function terminated with the singing of “Cod Be With You Till We Meet Again.” On Sunday last harvest thanksgiving services were conducted in St. Mary’s Anglican Church, at Wyndham, by the vicar, Rev. T. Moore. The Church was beautifully decorated with golden grain, brilliantly tinted autumn leaves and flowers, which made a pretty setting for the offerings of rich ripe fruits and vegetables, the whole betokening a bounteous Bright psalms and hymns of thanksgiving were heartily rendered by the choir and congregation, and an able and appropriate address was given by the Vicar. Rev. George Miller, of the North East. Valley, Dunedin, is at present visiting the Eastern District ip his official capacity as Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand. Mr Miller will arrive in Wyndham'this afternoon, and will be the guest of Rev. J. E. and Mrs Lopdell, during his stay. On Sunday he preaches at Wyndham in the morning, at Edendale in file afternoon, and at Mataura in the evening. The Rev. visitor will also speak at Redan on Tuesday evening, 12tix inst.

“I am oH-fariuoned enough to lay great stress on the fact that ‘the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom/ said the Governor General, Sir Charles Fergnseon, in speaking at-the opening of St. Cuthbertls College at Auckland." “In these days of science and wonders there is a danger of our becoming too materialistic, and we lose sight of the fact that if our boys and girls are to attain what is best in life their training should be based on the strongest and surest of all foundations, the Christian faith. I hope the college will always endeavour to reach the highest standard of scholastic attainment; but, at the same time, I should like to think that all who leave the shelter of its walls will go out. into the world not only thoroughly educated, but firmly established in the faith of their fathers.” A most successful Bible Class social was helfi at Woodlands Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, May 4, when the young people of the Church rolled up in large numbers, and a most enjoyable evening was spent. Games and musical items were engaged^in until a late hour. The arrangements were in the hands of a most lefficient social committee of the Senior Bible Class. During the evening a recitation was given by Master R. Scott, and solos by Rev. G. F. Cox. Mr Cox welcomed the guests present, and -iftvited them to become members of the Bible Classes. These, he said, were not only classes for Bible study, but furnished a fine training in the art of conducting public meetings, besides providing an excellent means of fellowship. After a tasty supper, provided by the lady members, this pleasant evening was brought to a close with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.” During his address on Sunday evening in the Otautau Methodist Church on “Do we receive messages from the other world?” Rev. H. Ford said spiritist phenomena, automatic writing, levitations, dreams, clairvoyance,—crystal gazing, etc., were not new things, and were known to ancient Hindus and mystic philosophers of Greece. It was like chewing an ancient cud. The above denied the possibility of communicating with the unseen spirit world. This phenomena was due to other causes. We, are surrounded by illusions, it is said. “What do we know of any laws in their ultimate?” a writer has asked. It is not a little surprising the number of people who are led away by such things as the above and for-tune-telling, etc. Scripture declares against these things, and the Bible is built up on solid historical evidence. God kindly veils the sight, and we walk by faith. It is not expedient to know much here. Jesus Christ is the corner stone of the Christian faith. On Sabbath morning last, Harvest Thanksgiving service was held in the Presbyterian Church, Hodgehope, when a large audience assembled. The Church was decorated with flowers, fruit, and produce, in a very attractive style. Special Harvest hymns were sung. Rev. R. B. Hill preached from the text, “He was not willing that any should perish,” emphasising the truth, that God had made ample provision, -for man’s temporal and spiritual need. Mr and Mrs Christensen, of Springhills, ’ sang sweetly in duets, “Lead Kindly Light,” 'and “Lord, Have Thine Own ’Way.” At the close of the service, Mrs Christensen presented about 20 children of the Young Worshippers’ League, with small pocket editions of the New Testament bound in morocco, as a reward for Church attendance ..during the year. In connection with this, a social and sale of produce took place on Monday night in Hedgehope Hall, the building being filled to its utmost capacity. Mr J. Hensley supported by a company of singers from Invercargill, gave a very interesting programme of songs and glees, which was greatly appreciated by the audience, and the singers were frequently encored. Mr John Graham, secretary, conducted the sale of produce which, along with donations of money kindly sent in by the farmers of this district, and a similar effort now being made by the Mabel Bush Church for congregational funds, will enable the Church Committee to carry out their resolution, that in future, the Mabel Bush-Hedgehope charge will become selfsupporting. The National Anthem was sung and supper served by the ladies brought a very successful meeting to a close. Addressing the congregation at the Leet Street Methodist Church last Sunday, Capt. Hawkins (N.Z. Alliance), said it was unnecessary to make apology for mentioning the subject of Prohibition from a Methodist pulpit ; for, since the days of John Wesley, the Methodist Church had always been well to the fore in the fight for the abolition of the liquor traffic. Nevertheless, there were many good Christian people, some of them no doubt who did not agree with the methods adopted by the New Zealand Alliance. Still, in his opinion, any organisation which existed to-day to alleviate the sorrows and burdens of suffering humanity; any organisation which stood for the elimination of the evils of this world, was as much a branch of God’s Universal Church as was the Methodist, or any other Church. The New Zealand Alliance was really the Church of God in action against the liquor traffic. “I am one of those,” stated Capt. Hawkins, “who believe that, without the co-operation and support of the whole of the Christian Church, we will not succeed in our fight against the liquor traffic.. The Church of God is called upon to lighten the burdens, and mitigate the sorrows of this world. Only when the Christian men women of the Dominion marchato the ballot-box and all vote in favour of Prohibition, will we be successful. If it is the duty of the Christian Church to reclaim the fallen, and it is her duty, then it is equally her duty to keep them from falling by removing the stumbling Hocks from their path. The evils caused by the drink traffic are wellknown, but it does us good to refer to them again, and to renew our vow to do all in our power to destroy this evil.” Capt. Hawkins then proceeded to give figures and instances illustrating the harm done by the drink traffic, and in concluding his address, said: “It is time for the Christian Church as a whole to rise and smite this evil thing and destroy it.” A GBEAT CATHEDRAL. “SHRINE FOR ALL PEOPLE?’ ‘ COSTLY UNDERTAKING. In the campaign to raise £3,000,000 the sum needed to finish the Episcopal Cathedral of St. John the. Divine in New York—ls,ooo persons, representing many races and various religious creeds, filled the Madison Square Auditorium on January 18, and many thousands' were'unable to gain admission. A choir of 2,000 sang', and wonderful enthusiasm swept the audience as the workers told of their plans to erect upon the cathedral heights of New York,, “a shrine of worship for all the people,” which in size will be second only to St. Peter’s in Rome and the Cathedral of Seville in Spain, and in the. height of towers, spires and domes, second only to Cologne. In its ■□representative character, whether from the standpoint of racial origin or religious faith, this meeting in New York on Sunday night was unexampled, not merely in the annals of America, but of modem civilisation. ‘‘Within a stone’s throw of the seat allotted me,” writes the New York correspondent of the Daily Telegraph, “I counted scores of prominent Americans—Jew, Gentile, ProFree Church—all supporting a movement nation wide in its character, to erect what may be to all of them a shrine of idealism, a symbol of spiritual belief and civic beauty for all this great American metropolis, regardless of creed, race or colour. To see that audience, representing so many faiths and national origins, carried off its feet time and. again by the waves of religious enthusiasm and civic pride, was the privilege of a lifetime, and something which I have never seen in the oki world, and which many believed was hardly possible in the new. The nett result is that the £3,000,000 necessary to complete the cathedral will possibly be raised within a few weeks, and, beyond within thb pre-

sent year—the sums already subscribed justify this prediction—and that shrine of worship for all people will be raised, which, 'in architecture and Gothic beauty, will challenge comparison with the most splendid buildings in Europe; MONEY AND ENTHUSIASM. “How comes it that America—and especially New York—which to so many people, stands for the embodiment of twentieth century materialism, is able to raise money with record speed and construct within the lifetime of people who saw the first stone laid, a cathedral, a superbly noble edifice, which, in former times, would have required centuries for fulfillment? In part only the explanation is due to the fact that the United States is enormously wealthy, and many people are able to subscribe lavishly to the moral crusade of the rich experience of business organisation, advertising methods and publicity, l we saw in America in full operation from coast to coast when the vast Liberty loans were being placed throughout the. country. The spirit of enthusiasm sweeping over the immense crowd in Madison Gardens recalled the Liberty bond days, but for singing we dispensed xvith the jazzy energy of ‘Over There’ in favour of the rolling majesty of ‘Onward Christian Soldiers.’ It is true, also, as Bishop Manning claimed, that the movement to build the cathedral has enlisted the support of all sections of religious faith in an unprecedented way, and it is equally true that many people here to-day recognise that Dr. Butler, the President of Columbia University, spoke wisely when he said: ‘A great' city, like a great nation, will gain' its permanent place in history by reason of its contribution to the intellectual and spiritual life of mankind.” The great list of speakers included: Mayor Hylan, New York, a Roman Catholic; Mr Elihu Root; Dr. Parker Cadman, the President of the Federal Council of the Churches of Christ; Mr George Wickersham, /formerly Attorney-General of the United States; Mr George Arliss, the who spoke for the stage.” i Committees representing every profession and industry organised with the efficiency of war time, began the task of collecting money, which was to last until February 1, with close upon £1,000,000 already in hand, including six gifts of £lOOO each. It was announced that to find the cash apparently will not BISHOP OF CHBISTCHUBCH. THE METHOD OF ELECTION. SPECIAL SYNOD ON JUNE 9. Discussion having arisen as to the procedure to be followed in the election of a successor to Archbishop Julius as Bishop of Christchurch, Dean Carrington has published an explanation of the position. He*' states that a special Synod xvill be called to elect a bishop. The date of meeting is fixed for Tuesday, June 9. On the Monday evening there will be a service of intercession in the Cathedral. Nominations will be made in Synod, according to the standing orders, and the decision made by ballot. No official steps can be taken or nominations made until Synod meets. The Dean explains that a .committee of inquiry, an informal £roup of clergy and Mity, was selected at an equally informal meeting -of members of Synod last October, simply to explore the field, and obtain information as to the careers and qualifications of any leading clergymen here or elsewhere whose names are likely to be brought forward. This was done by way of preparation in order that members of Synod should not be voting in the dark. But the committee makes no suggestion of its own, far less does it attempt to select. It will merely be ready xvith information about persons whose nominations are probable. No clergyman has been invited, asked, sounded, or written to, with a view to his being nominated. This would be highly improper. There will be no “candidates” for the office, and the committee of inquiry does not itself know what names will be brought forward. When a result is arrived at by ballot, formal inxdtation will be sent to the clergyman selected, and this should be the fifst he hears of it. Previous consent is never asked.