FELLOWSHIP SERVICE.

Wairarapa Age, 19 December 1932, Page 5

FELLOWSHIP SERVICE.

EARLY MORNING GATHERING IN PARK. A striking testimony to the sincere fellowship existing between various denominations of the Christian Church was manifested early yesterday morning, when from 250 to 300 people met at 7 o'clock for fellowship, singing, prayer and inspiration. Seats were placed in a semi-circle underneath the three great redwood trees near the Rose Garden, in Masterton's beautiful Park. Folk from all denominations, mostly young people, gathered quietly and reverently and joyfully joined in the singing of Christmas hymns. “O come all ye Faithful," "Christians Awake, Salute the Happy Morn," and "While Shepherds Watched their Flocks by Night" were sung to the accompaniment of dulcitone and violin. Readings from the Old and New Testaments were given by lady members of the Bible Classes, Misses I. Stewart and E. Bate. The Vicar of St. Matthew's (the Rev. E. J. Rich) led the gathering in prayer. In an eloquent address, the Rev. L. V. Bib by, M.A., appealed to Christians to awake and face the major issue of the day. Christ, he reminded his hearers, had said: "He that is not for Me is against Me." Mr. Bibby appealed for an aggressive, vigorous moving for.ward of the Christian evangel. A period of intercession followed, in which the power to go forward was earnestly sought. The leader (Mr. G. W. Morice, M.A., B.Sc.) enumerated the many issues at stake in the life of to-day, all over the world, and concluded with an appeal that God would send down a mightly revival spirit on our town and people.

Mr. Allan Rutter bore earnest witness to the guiding power and sustaining qualities of an earnest belief in Jesus Christ. He pictured the l birth of the Messiah when "there was no room for them in the inn," and appealed to those present to make/ room for Jesus in their hearts and lives this Christmas. Mr. Rutter closed an uplifting address with a joyous note of personal faith. "Blest be the Tie that Binds" was sung and the Benediction was pronounced by Pastor Whittington. The organising committee, which, feels that the influence of the service will remain, expresses earnest thanks to the Press, the accompanists (Misses B. and V. Blamires), the song leaders (Messrs. T. R. Mannell and G. Masters)’ and to all who worked and sacrificed their personal resting time to make the combined witness of Christmas fellowship such a time >of joy and blessing.