Unsectarian Church.

Thames Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 8612, 17 March 1897, Page 3

Unsectarian Church.

THIRD ANNIVERSARY.

The third anniversary of the Un sectarian Church, Thames, was held last night in St. George's Hall, and was a success in every respect. Considering the very short time, less than a week, since the date of the entertainment was fixed the members of the Ladies' Association must have worked hard, and they deserve great credit for getting up such a good programme, and in other respects ranking the anniversary gathering so successful. When the services connected with the

Church were started some people prophesied a speedy ending, but the thoughtful congregation which, Sunday after Sunday for the past three years, has met in St. George's Hall as well as the large gathering last night shows* thafa there are a number of people who prize the freedom from dogma which the Ui sectarian Church gives. We learn from the pastor, the Rev. S. J. Neill, that the Church has no creed of any sort, but has, as its one great aim and object a desire to bring about a spirit of tolerance to all, and also a spirit of brotherly love. These two things, if kept well in view and made living realities, are what the world needs, and cannot fail to bring men nearer to each other.

The musical part of the programme was made up by the folllowing items.— Overture, (;'My Polly") Miss Williams with violin j accompanied by Miss Moore ; song, by Mr Cantley; song, (" Marguerite ") by Miss Wood ; J'r Johnstone, "The song that reached my heart ''■ (encored); violin solo, ('• The last ros9 of Summer ") Miss Williams, accompanied by Miss Moore; song, Miss Robinson (" Good Company '); Mi Lawrence, who was accompanied by Miss Price, gave the '.Nbrmandie March' on the banjo, and wa« encored Mr Hardmnn, song, "My Pretty Jane," and received an encore; A*iss MeEnteer, '• When Summer roses fade " ; Mr Johnston, "In happy moments " ; violin duet, "Neapolitan," Mr and Miss Williams, accompanied by Miss Moore; and " Home, boys, home," by Mr Cantley, Where all were so excellent it would be invidious to particularise, but the hearty applause which greeted the various items showed that the audience thoroughly appreciated them. Mrs Young, from Auckland, very nicely played the accompaniments for several pieces.

At the conclusion of tho musical part the Rev. S. J. Neill thanked, on behalf of the Committee, all those who had so kindly come forward and given their services, especially those who, though not belonging to the Church, had -villingly assisted. The thanks of the Comimttee, he said, were also due to those members of the Ladies' Association, especially Mcsdames Moore, Sanderson, Crawford, Irvine and others for helping to get up the entertainment, and to all who had in any way assisted, either in work or by contributions, to make ib a success The ladies then handed round refreshments, after which the hall was cleared and the young people remained for a dance.

The entertainment seemed' to be thoroughly enjoyed by all present, and the audience was a large and thoroughly representative one.