Gisborne.

Waiapu Church Gazette, 1 August 1910, Page 25

Gisborne.

Vicar : Rev. L. Daxoson Thomas. As an evidence of his interest m Gisborne our Bishop, paid Us a second Visit during July. A programme was drawn up which meant a busy time for the Bishop, but, alas ! the weather broke and rain fell m torrents during almost the whole of his stay. Our people, however, showever, showed their Church spirit by attending m large numbers every service and meeting that could be held. On Sunday, July 10th, at 8 a.m., the Bishop celebrated the Holy Eucharist, there being 145 Communicants. Afterwards, at the breakfast for men organised by our branch of the C.E.M.S., he gave an address. Preached at the 1 1 o'clock Mattin , and also instituted three Lay Readers. At 3 o'clock a service for men only was held m the Church. A fine number attended, the rain notwithstanding. The Bishop, taking John the Baptist as his subject, gave the address and warmly appealed to the men to take their part m the reformation of their country. At the 7 o'clock Choral Evensong the Church was literally crammed. The Bishop's powerful address on our duty to the Empire will long be remembered. The ladies organised a capital reception for Mrs. Averill m the Theatre. It was a stormy day, but there was a most excellent attendance. During liis stay the Bishop was instrumental m forming a branch of the Mothers' Union. Mrs. Averill completely captured the ladies with her wise, motherly words. The Bishop also spoke m Te Rau College Chapel m connection with the death of one of the students. Very beautifully and tenderly did he comfort the congregation of natives. Trinity Church has received a number of beautiful gifts lately. A very handsome carved oak eagle Lectern was given by the Trinity Girls' Club, the Young Men's Union also assisting. The Confirmation candidates gave a fine rimu Credence Table. A member of the congregation has offered a Lectern Bible, and some of our ladies are presenting sets of book markers m the colours of the Church seasons. The altar furnishings have been much improved, and with the handsome brass cross, the gift of several parishioners, the altar looks very well. Our Parish Magazine is doing a good work extending the influence of the Church. Each month eight hundred copies pass out into the Parish. We have, from the very beginning, issued the Magazine absolutely free, trusting to the people to support it. About £25 per year is raised by freewill offerings, leaving little to be paid out of ordinary Parish revenue towards the printing fund. We are also taking fifty copies of the Diocesan Gazette, and hope to substantially increase the number m the near future. We are enthusiastic m the matter of Church Papers, believing that the Press is fast becoming the handthaid of the Church. We are busy preparing for the. Mission. Regular, services are held, and .the Intercession leaflet is used, regularly. We are confident . that there cannot be too much preparatory work. The atmosphere m

which jthe Mission can^ only do successful work must be created. The C.E.M.S. is busy organising work m the Parish. We feel that there is an almost unique sphere for the Society.