Anniversary of the Primitive Methodist Church

Feilding Star, Volume XIII, Issue 21, 18 August 1891, Page 2

Anniversary of the Primitive Methodist Church

(Communicated. ) The fifteenth anniversary of the- above church, proved an enqualifind success. Mr Gordon Forloug, as a preacher, nnt withstanding his frequent visits to Feilding, still maiutaius his great popularity. The congregation which gathered to hear him morning, afternoon and evening, is the best evidence of thin. The church, at the evening .service, was literally packed, with an attentive and appreciative audience. Anyone who believes that positive, dogmatic preaching of the most tremendous religious truth has become unfashionable, will have a difficulty to explain Mr Forlong's power to attract the crowds that invariably attend his services. If there is one of his characteristics as a preacher, that stands out better than another, it is that " he speakß as a man having authority." The annual Soiree on Monday evening, was also a crowded affair, certainly not lesa than three sittings of guests occupied each of the tables. The spread of gr>od things sf emod everything that could be desired. The various lady caterers appeared to vie with each other to give the utmost satis faction to their patrons. Those who thus spared not themselves or their means were:— Mrs S. J. Thompson, Mrs Gould, Mrs Worsfold, Mrs Adamsj Mrs Fidler, Mrs J. C. Thompson and Mrs Treyena, who were ably assisted in their duties bj several young ladies. The after-meeting which was held in the Army Barracks, Capt. Stevens having kindly offered the same for the purpose, was completely filled. A union choir from the yarious churches was present, under the leadership of Mr Otto Hubner, which rendered some of Sankey's choicest pieces in an effective manner. Mrs J. 0. Thompson presided at an organ kindly lent by Mr Oarthew. Our usual and popular chairman, Mr E. Linton, took charge of the meeting. Messrs Adams, Gould and Captain Stevens gaye earnest and characterestic addresses. Mr Forlong then took the meeting in hand in rather a noyel way by asking the audience to answer Bible questions, and distributing presents to those who answered best, and finishing by giving a striking anecdote of the proclamation of peace at the close of the En-glish-American war of Independence. The Eev. W. Harris then proposed yot«s of thanks to all who so liberally contributed in any way to the success of the anniversary, including one to Mrs Eichardson for her past services in leading the music of the church. These, on being seconded by Mr J.C.Thompson, were carried by acclamation. The meeting was closed by prayer and the choir giving that beautiful hymn : " God be with yon till we meet again."