SPECIAL CHRISTMAS SERVICES IN CITY AND SUBURBS

Wanganui Chronicle, 24 December 1947, Page 4

SPECIAL CHRISTMAS SERVICES IN CITY AND SUBURBS

FEAST OF THE NATIVITY The Feast of the Nativity, the true significance of which is appreciated by Christians because it celebrates the birthday of Christ, will be an occasion for special rejoicing tomorrow. Christmas Day services, with appropriate music and messages of goodwill, have been arranged by churches in Wanganui city and suburbs. Some have already held special services at which the singinng of carols or presentations of the “Messiah" were featured. On December 21, the last Sunday before Christmas, services were well attended, but the absence of children, due to health regulations, meant that congregations were smaller than in previous years. A feature of special Christmas services at Trinity Methodist Church on Sunday was the presentation that evening of Handel’s “Messiah" by the church choir. Soloists were Mrs. C. Berry (soprano), Miss E. Brailsford (contralto), Mr. Colin Franklin Browne (tenor) and Mr. W. H. Gregg (bass). The conductor was Mr. E. O. Schnack and the organist Mrs. T. Sutherland, L.T.C.L. The Rev. F. J. Parker introduced the “Messiah" before the presentation and spoke of Handel and his inspiration when writing this famous work, which depicts the birth and life of Christ. The church was packed. Four Communion services will b#» held in Christ Church tomorrow, the hours being 6 a.m., 7 a.m., 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., but the children’s service, usually held at 10 o’clock on Christmas morning, has been eliminated this year. Special Christmas services will also be held in other Anglican churches in Wanganui tomorrow. On Sunday evening a carol service was held in Christ Church, Bible ing being followed by carols which were sung by the choir and congregation. An address on the history of carols through the ages was given by the vicar, the Rev. J. R. L. Higgs. A large illuminated Christmas tree has again been placed in Christ Church this year, and the vicar has urged members of the congregation to bring food parcels for Britain and place them at the foot of the tree. At St. Mary's Catholic Church, Victoria Avenue, Solemn High Mass will be celebrated at midnight tonight, and on Christmas morning Mass will also be celebrated at St. Mary’s at 6.30, 8 and 9.30. In addition. Mass will be celebrated at. St. Joseph’s, Aramoho, at 7.30 ana 8.30. Gonville at 7.30, Wanganui East at 8 and Castlecliff at 9. The Christmas Crib, depicting the scene in the cave where Christ was