IMPRESSIVE SERVICE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 187, 11 August 1941, Page 6

IMPRESSIVE SERVICE

CONFIRMATION AT CHRIST CHURCH BISHOP OF WELLINGTON IN WANGANUI

INSPIRING ADDRESS TO CANDIDATES An inspiring address was delivered by the Bishop of Wellington, the Rt. I Rev. H. St. Barbe Holland, at Christ Church, Wanganui, yesterday morning, when he addressed candidates for confirmation. The church was filled, the congregation including a large number of parents of candidates, who included many from the Wanganui Girls' College and a good proportion of adults. The Bishop entered the church in a procession, which included the clergy of the parish, Ven. Archdeacon J. R. Young, Rev. W. Lambert, Rev. K. Nicholson and Rev. G. W. Bird, and he was also attended by the vicar’s churchwardens, Messrs. E. B. Toomath and G. McElwain. The highlight of the impressive service of dedication was the Bishop s address, the theme of which was the two-fold nature of the rite o£ confirmation—the candidate’s oath of allegiance to Christ as Leader, and God's acceptance of the act of dedication through the Bishop. Three keywords, said the Bishop, could be used to describe confirmation —possession, transmission ano commission. The ceremony in which the Bishop laid his hands on the candidate’s head signified that God was willing to call them His children. Transmission of the strengthening Holy Siprit was thus signified, and the candidate thereby accepted a commission as a soldier in Goo’s service.

After the Bishop had bestowed h,s blessing on the candidates, exhorting them to partake regularly at Holy Communion, the congregation joined in the concluding service. Following the service the Bishop shook hands with each of the candidates lor confirmation.

Last, evening the Bishop conducted a confirmation service at the Memorial Chapel, Wanganui Collegiate School, where he was assisted by the chaplain, the Rev. I-I. W. Austin, and the Rev. Nigel Williams. The parents of many of the boys were present at. the ceremony. The Bishop will hold a similar service this evening at St. Lawrences Church, Aramoho, where he will be assisted by Rev. J. H. Datson, and to-morrow evening there will be another confirmation service at St. Peter’s Church, Gonville, where candidates from St, Barnabas’ Church, Dnrie Hill, will also be presentee*. Assisting clergy will be Rev. V. C. Vennimore (St. Peter’s) and Rev. E. Bergin (St. Barnabas’). The Bishop of Wellington, who is the guest of Mr, and Mrs. F. W. Gilb"an, Wanganui Collegiate School, will leave Wanganui on Wednesday on h'u return to Wellington.