LARGE ATTENDANCES AT MISSION

Southland Times, Issue 23947, 13 October 1939, Page 2

LARGE ATTENDANCES AT MISSION

LAST EVENING’S ADDRESSES

Meetings in connection with the Presbyterian Mission of Friendship were again held last evening in all the Presbyterian Churches of the city. At First Church the attendances have been excellent, but last night’s showed a large increase. Professor J. A. Allan spoke on “Salvation by faith alone,” and gave a memorable address. At St. Paul’s another large congregation heard the Rev. H. A. Mitchell speak on the subject of the Resurrection. “There is no historical fact more completely authenticated,” said the preacher, “than the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But do we grasp the significance of that stupendous faith? It is not proof we lack, but faith. Our trouble is that this amazing thing has happened once , for all in the world, but it has not yet happened to us. But it may—it may tonight.” At Knox Church there was also a large gathering. Dr Hunter spoke impressively on the meaning and the forgiveness of sin. At North Invercargill the Rev. R. S. Watson, M.C., was greeted by the largest congregation that has yet gathered on any week night of the mission. Speaking on “Dispensing With the Church,” the preacher gave a stirring address. He referred to the various attitudes people took up to the Church: some were hostile, some indifferent, and some superior. But, said the speaker, the Church could not be dispensed with. Her service to the Christian disciple and her service in the world were alike absolutely vital. Moreover, it was through the Church that the Divine spirit worked , God’s will in the world. Mr Watson closed with an appeal to all to share the fellowship and service of the church.

At St. Andrew’s Church the missioned the Rev. S. T. Nicholls, addressed an excellent gathering. He preached a powerful sermon on “A Unique Salvation.” The meetings will continue this evening, in spite of it being the late night for business. The mission comes to a close on Sunday with services in all the churches on Sunday morning, and in the evening a great community witness, in which the five congregations will march by different routes through the city to the Civic Theatre, where both the theatre and the Victoria Concert Chamber have been taken, and arrangements made for overflow meetings at First Church, and if need be, at St. Paul’s Church.