OPEN-AIR SERVICE

Waikato Times, Volume 132, Issue 21981, 9 March 1943, Page 4

OPEN-AIR SERVICE

FERRY BANK GATHERING There was again a good attendance at the United Churches’ open-air service held at the Ferry Bank, Hamilton, on Sunday. The* chairman, the Rev. J. W. Parker, offered apologies for the absence of several ministers who were conducting services in the country. Mr Parker spoke of the earnest desire of many thoughtful people for some better order for the community. It was realised that there was an alarming retrograde movement apparent to all, he said. The principal speaker was the Rev. W. A. Gatman, who based his remarks upon the text, “Where there is no vision the people perish.” The speaker stressed the loss of the vision of those great and ennobling principles at one time so deeply rooted in the national life. Our home life was disorganised, he said. The relationship between husbands and wives was not held as sacred by many, and the refusal by married people to bear the responsibility of families, and the murder of unborn children, could only end in disaster to the race.

The sacredness of the Lord’s Day was flouted and the consequent irregularity deprived people of that necessary physical rest and spiritual refreshment so necessary for their well-being. One of the root causes of child delinquency was the disregard for the great institution of the Sabbath, and the irreligiousness of the parents. The abominable abuses of alcohol were a degrading element in social life and with the circumstance of war and the ineptitude of these responsible for reform helped to lower the spiritual tone of the community. The vision of holy things was being lost, and only a return to those fundamental and foundation facts of faith could save the community from disaster. We needed a return to Christ and a fresh vision of Calvary. Christ alone could save and change men and women. He alone afforded the power to live in accord with the mind of God. Mention was made of what seemed unnecessary noise from the swimming baths just above the Ferry Bank. The Salvation Army Band provided the music and Mrs H. Pollard sane two pleasing solos.