ST. JOHN'S CHURCH.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 586, 27 December 1915, Page 9

ST. JOHN'S CHURCH.

JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS.

It is half a century since St. John's Church, in Latimer Square, was consecrated. The foundation stone was laid a year earlier, on June 24, 1864. Commemoration services were held yesterday, Holy Communion being celebrated at 8 aim., and services at 11 a.m. and in the evening. Ilis Worship the Mayor and the members of the Christchurch City Council attended the service at 11 a.m., the Rev. C. G. Mutter preaching the sermon, taking as a text, "God is love."

There was a large congregation in the evening, when the vicar, the Rev. P. J. Cocks, conducted the service, preaching from the text, "Thou hast been favourable unto thy land, thou hast brought back the captivity of Zion. Turn us, O God, our salvation, and cause Thine anger towards us to cease." The preacher referred in detail to the past history of the church, describing its progress through the years. The record of St. John's had not been one long and increasing record of prosperity. There had been many trials and difficulties, and the parish had been saved from going into bondage only by the sale of property and the generosity of one man. In conclusion, Mr Cocks referred to the fact that out of a population of 5000 to 6000 in the parish, the church attendance was only about 150.