THANKSGIVING SERVICE.

Thames Star, Volume LXI, Issue 16940, 2 August 1927, Page 5

THANKSGIVING SERVICE.

AT ST. GEORGE’S CHURCH

It is probable that when the Executive framed their programme for Sunday and included therein a thanksgiving service they never thought that such a congregation would assemble as there did on that afternoon in St. George’s Church. At 2 p.m. there was quite a large assemblage round the Church and people started to enter the sacred edifice to make sure of their seats. By 2.30 there were so many still requiring seats that forms were borught from the Sunday School and placed down the right and left aisles. This still left many standing in spite of seats being provided in front of the .Communion rails.

A most inspiring and impressive service followed. The speakers were the Rev. N. Robertshawe, M.A., and Rev, W. A. Burley, M.A., while passages' of scripture were read by Ensign Summerfield and Pastor H. Langford. Prayers were offered by the Rev. W. A. Bur-ley and Revl W. E. Lambert, and the benediction was made by Rev. S. J. Atkins. The combined choirs rendered beautiful music under Mr. A. Clarke as conductor and Mr. FI. Webb at the organ. Amongst the pieces were Jacskon’s “Te Deum” and the Hallelujah Chorus, from Handel’s Messiah.

Before commencing his address, the Rev. Robertshawe said i* was to be ‘ regretted that none of the clergy of former days of Thames could have been present to address them. Invitations had been issued, but what with ill-health and other difficulties, it had been impossible to represent both past and present at - the service. The speaker’s text was taken from the Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians, and he used it as an allegoiy that those at present living should - carry the torch undimmed from the past to the future that the town may prosper with a deeper piety. The national side of religion showed itself in works of kindness, which was a feature of old Thames dayi. The Rev. W. A. Burley preached on the theme that every good gift came from \ God, and as it was evident that God’s hand had shaped this town, its destiny should be carried on under His will. There should be the right incentive, however. The collection, which realised £3B, is to be devoted to the fund for making a children’s playground at Thames. It is estimated that nearly 1300 people were at the service.