Waitotara Archdeaconry Group Of Mothers’ Union Holds Carol Service

Wanganui Chronicle, 23 December 1949, Page 7

Waitotara Archdeaconry Group Of Mothers’ Union Holds Carol Service

Local branches of the Mothers' Union combined recently to present a carol service in Christ Church, Wanganui. In a setting of Christmas lilies and the madonna blue veils of the augmented choir, the large attendance of members shared in singing carols old and new. Congregational singing of the better' known carols wss interspersed by solo and choral irems, together with the Nativity lesson and a sermon by the vicar, the Rev. J. R. L. Higgs. During the last humn the choir, clergy, and congregation went in procession to the parish hall, where the stage revealed a tableau of the Holy Family In the stable at Bethlehem. Afternoon tea was then served by the Archdeaconry Group and members of the Christ Church branch took this opportunity to present. Mrs. Lambert with a bouquet and book. NATIVITY PLAY. On Thursday, December 15, the Archdeaconry Group of the Mothers' Union presented a Nativity play entitled "The Holy Night." The plot revolved around a group of peasant women, some of whose husbands were among the shepherds who received the message of Christmas. The producer, Mrs. Jean Lambert, wrote a prologue and an epilogue which explained the significance of the story. Recorded music and subdued choral items by the Mothers’ Union Choir were effective in producing a reverent atmosphere. This was enhanced by the producer’s request that the audience, which filled the hall, should refrain from applause as the play was intended as an act of joyful worship. The setting and costumes were most effective and appropriate. Supper was then served. Members of the play presented Mrs. Lambert with a beautiful sheaf of flowers and a box of chocolates. Those taking part in the play were: Choragus, Jean Lambert; Caleb, Rosetta Harper; Rachel, Audrey Renz; Ruth, Alma Rosser; Ada, Phyllis Herring; Deborah, Olive Wadsworth; Susanah, Dorothy Philpotts; Rhoda, Gloria Tutchener; Gabrielle Simeon, Gladys Holmes; Esther Mary, Joyce Venimore; Eliakian Joseph, William Davison; five little girls, Pamela Winkleman. Pamela Glossop, Dianne Tyler Carole Ann McGinity, Carol Peachey.