THE CENTRAL MISSION

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2541, 16 August 1915, Page 2

THE CENTRAL MISSION

FIFTEENTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS. It speaks well for the progress of tho Wellington Central Mission that its fifteenth' anniversary, celebrated yesterday, saff the organisation transfer its Sunday location to larger premises. The New Theatro has been found to bo altogether too small for the demands Unit" have been made upon it on Sunday afternoons and evenings dta'ing the past year, and a move was made into Everybody's Theatro yesterday, where the Sunday meetings will be hold for the future.

The anniversary services commenced yesterday witli nn open-air band service precisely on the same spot where the first service was held fifteen years ago, viz., Winder's Corner. It was interesting to note that despite the changes that are inseparable in the relontless march of time, eight of. the original bandsmeli are still members, and Mr. Harry Baker still wields the baton. The 11 o'clock service was held in Webb Street Methodist Church, when an anniversary sermon was preached by the Rev. G. Knowles Smith.

In the .afternoon there was a Silver Band concert' and service in Everybody's Theatre, which was well filled. The speaker was the Hon. J. G. W. Aitken, M.L.C., who delivered, a forceful address on "True' Patriotism," discussing in his remarks . the' duty_ of Christians during the present crisis in the world's history. The band, under Mr. H. Baker, played several fine selections, and vocal solos were contributed by Madame Mueller, Messrs. Courtenay Mohr, Watson Nelson, _ and Ma.yall. _- ■ At the evening service, also held in Everybody's Theatre, there we're be-, tiveen 800 and 900 people present, and a very bright and cheery service was held, with the aid of the band, the Mission Choir (under Mr. Watson Nelson), and an orchestra (under, the direction of Colonel C. D. M'lntosh). The Rev. G. ICnowlesSmith took for •his text, ."The Quest of Love" (Luke xix, iO), on which he based an interesting sermon. ,-Solos were contributed by .Miss Boutell and Mir.' T. Newton, and together tlici same vocalists saiig a 'duet.' - ■ ' ' 1

The anniversary is to be further marked by a "daffodil birthday" celebration, to tako place iu the band's practice room in. Hopper Street, at 8 p.m. on Wednesday iiext, when a fiiie display of daffodils from the Hutt is to be made, in conjunction with a musical programme (arranged by Madame Monkman-Demp-ster and friends). Refreshments are to be. provided. . ..