CHURCH SERVICES

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 71, Issue 6140, 24 September 1945, Page 2

CHURCH SERVICES

LARGE CONGREGATIONS KIHIKIHI PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Thankfulness to Almighty God for all the mercies and blessing vauchsafed over the past sixty years were dominant notes at the two services held in the Kihikihi Presbyterian Church yesterday. The congregations included many old pioneers who had worshipped in the old church as well as the present edifice. Extra seating accommodation had to be provided at each service. The morning service, at which Holy Communion was celebrated, was conducted by the Minister, Rev. K. L. Warren, M.A. The hymns were “O God of Bethel.” “Ye Gates Lift Up Your Heads on High,” “Thou Gracious God Whose Mercy Lends” and the Communion hymn, “Here O Lord I See Thee Face "to Face.”

The Choir sang the anthem “Lead Me, Lord,” while the congregation recited an apostle’s creed. Fitting prayers were recited and Mr Warren gave an impressive address on “Memory,” basing his remarks on the injunction of the Communion service “This Do In Remember of Me.” The lessons were the 103rd Psalm and portions of Hebrews, chapters 1-1 and 12. . |ln the evening the Rev. W. T. Brabyn, a former Minister, conducted the service and he faced a particularly large congregation which included Rev. Mr Shilton, also a former Minister.

The hymns were “Praise Thy Soul, The King of Heaven,” “The Lord’s My Shepherd, I’ll Not Want,” “O Lord of Heaven and Earth and Sea,” “For All the Saints,” and “The Church’s one Foundation.” The Choir rendered the anthem “I Wil] Arise.” The lessons were the 145th Psalm and the 22nd chapter of St. John Gospel. Mr Warren welcomed all who were included in Saturday’s welcome and also welcomed Mr Brabyn back' to the pulpit.

Mr Brabyn, after expressing his pleasure at being with them again, gave an address on “What the Church Stands For.”

Miss Marjory Anderson presided at the organ at both services. In the afternoon a children’s service was held in the Town Hall and the building was packed to capacity. Bright, tuneful singing by the children was a feature of a memorable service.

Sister Grace Entrican gave an interesting address that was listened to most attentively. No report of the jubilee celebrations would be complete without acknowledgment of the wonderful hospitality extended to visitors by Mr and Mrs Warren and the people of Kihikihi generally. Luncheon was provided after the morning service in the church grounds and at the close of the evening service Mr and Mrs Warren entertained visitors to supper. Former members of the church who were visiting Kihikihi for the celebrations were billited by residents. In the afternoon -several were taken for a run around the district, which was looking at its best.