1835—1935.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume 25, Issue 10, 1 October 1935, Page 3

1835—1935.

(Lines written for the Centenary St. Luke's Day, 1935.) A hundred years ago to-day, On Rotorua's shore, A messenger from God appeared, His mercy to implore. Upon the tribes to nature born Who knew not His grace; Who never heard of Jesus' name, Nor knew His lovely fape. The dusky children of the wild Listened with wondering awe, As on their ears the message fell Of Christ's most wondrous love. Of how to meet the Law's demand God gave. His only Son That men of every clime and land The heavenward race might run. The many heard—the few believed And turned m faith to God, But see to-day a goodly crowd The heavenward path have trod. The dusky fathers of the tribe The pakeha's God have owned, Have cast their idols all away And Christ the Saviour crowned. See, see; the crowd of mingled race That throng His court to-day; "Glory to God," the white man cries, "Glory to God," they say; "All hail the power of Jesus' name," The Maoris make reply. Let praise resound on every hand From earth and air and sky; To God Who saved us by His grace Be every honour due; His name be praised m every place By men of every hue. —S. Mactier. [The above lines were written for the occasion of the Centenary of the arrival of Christianity m Rotorua, observances m connection with which are being held on or about St. Luke's Day.—Ed.]