MOTHERS’ UNION FESTIVAL SERVICE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18088, 23 February 1927, Page 9

MOTHERS’ UNION FESTIVAL SERVICE.

The annual festival service of the Mothers’ Union was held in the Cathedral this morning. A very large number of members attended. Hymns 32, 96 and 54 were sung, Miss Black playing the organ. The Very Rev the Dean read the service and gave a most inspiring address, taking as his text, “ His Banner which He set over them was Love,” from the song of Solomon. He mentioned the great work done by the Archbishop and Mrs Julius in the "past, and said the work would be carried on by Bishop West-Watson and his wife, and dwelt on the influence for good of the Mothers’ Union. The Gospel was read by the Ven Archdeacon P. B. Haggitt, and the Epistle by the Dean, after which Mrs WestWatson. supported by the president of the Mothers' Union, Mrs Roberts, and the diocesan secretary, Mrs Hunter, and members of the executive lx>re the beautiful banner presented by the Right Rev Bishop Julius to the Mothers’ Union, to the chancel steps, where it was received by the Dean, the Archdeacon and the Rev J. F. Coursey, vicar of St John’s. Mrs West-Watson said: “Reverend Father, we request you to receive and dedicate this banner in memory of our first president, Alice Frances Julius.” The Dean asked them to follow him to the sanctuary steps, where he reverently placed the banner upon the altar. After the prayer, the Dean, raising the banner, pronounced the words of dedication. It was then conveyed to the niche in the screen above the stone in memory of the late Mrs Julius, who died on September 30, 1918. The banner is of Madonna blue, backed with blue and _gold brocade, and contains a painting in oils representing the Blessed Virgin and the Holy Child seated. It is attached to an ebony and gold standard by black silk ropes and tassels. After the service the Holy Communion was administered to over 400 communicants.