JOHN KNOX ANNIVERSARY.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 12866, 26 May 1905, Page 6

JOHN KNOX ANNIVERSARY.

LOCAL CKLEBRATLT-NTS.

Local ad'hcrenls of the l?rosbyterian Church celebrated the '100 th annivi'rs^ry of the birth of John Knox, the v '"eat reformer and founder, by a sotial gathering 'held in St. \ndrew's s hoolroom on Thursday evening. The I 'lilding- was prettily decor a,t»xl, there was a good attendance, and Rev. S. K. Osbornc occupied the chair. T.n opening, ho made brief reference to the v ork of the man whom they had iniet t hat night to honour, and paid a tril.i'.te to the press of the colony, including the local press, for iheir action i v (publishing the principal features of a career which was made memorable and enduring for all time. ]\lr Osborne 'acknowledged the assistance of the choir v iid congregation in promoting the gathering, he welcomed Revs. A. M. Treadwell, 8.A., and W. White, M.A., who were present to give addresses, and 'apologised for the non->atrtendance of Rev,. J. Philip, who was indisposed.

Rev. A. 11. Tread well dealt A\ith John Knox as a preacher, theologian, aad ecclesiastic. The distinguishing 1 I raits 'of the divine's character and ( , line important incidents of 'his life i\ ere lucidly referred to l^y the speaker, wlioalso made a comparison between ihe associates in . the great r.>forjnalion. Calvin wa-. he said, in many /•spectw, Knox's superior in intellect. in scholarship and learning; Luther (pay havo'beon more hunTaue and vntle: but Knox was superior in (.mrage, his fcarlcssaiess being responsible for the . thoroughness and vastness of the reformation. The theological schccmc propounded by Knox, v. ith t/he assistance of others, was de clarod to be based on brotherly and h'.-riptural principles.

Rev. W. White spoke of John Jvuok ct an odmcationalist., lie referred to i'o reformer's great desire for learn1 X, and dealt with his comprehensive

home for providing every ( hild in i!,e country with a free and adequate <■ iucation. "It was a wise und grand s'-heme," declared tlio speaker, "and one whicli would result in the wellI.eing of any country- adopting; it.*'

During the evening songs were conliibiited by Mesfdannos Baddrell, Ncsbit Mnitdi (2), Messrs Wilson, Sinclair (•-'), 'and aiqjuairtettc by Mrs Bacon, ""'iss j\l ( ac'l)iarmiid, "Messrs .I. (-ray and Melsaacw. Tln> ludics also provide! 1 I'reslirnenls.

Mr MiacOiarmid moved a \nle t>f t!>anks to the speakers, thp vocalists. (]>" ladies, and the press, and Rev. V . White ack'nowledqe'cl (lie cordial welcome accorded the members of the presbytery present.