HOLY TRINITY CHURCH.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2014, 25 February 1907, Page 2

HOLY TRINITY CHURCH.

Special services were conducted in tho above Church yesterday and were characterized by deep solemnity and impressiveness. At 8 a.m. there was a celebration of the Holy Communion, the vicar boing the celebrant. There was a large number of communicants.

Morning prayer was said at 10 o’clock by the clergy of Holy Trinity Church. At 11 o’clock the ordination service began, and a very full congregation attended. Punctually as the hour struck, the procession, consisting of the Rev. AV. Robinson and Rev. H. M. Wright, candidates for the office of Priests. Rev. H. H. Hamilton, 8.A., Rev. M. Coekerill, 8.A., Rev. H. AA T . AVilliams, M.A., Rev. L. Dawson Thomas, vicar of Holy Trinity, and the Right Rev. Dr. AVilliams, Bishop-of AA r aiapu, entered the Church. A large choir began the inspiring hymn “Thy hand, O God, has guided Thy Church from age to age.” The sermon was given by Rev. H. AV. AA’illiams, from the text, “He gave some Apostles, and some Prophets, and some Evangelists, and some Pastors, and Teachers. . . . lor the work of tho Ministry. (Ephesians iv. 7).” The rev. gentleman spoke of tlic duty of the clergy to their people, and the duty of the people to their clergy. That great service they were then engaged ill was no mere empty ceremony. The words of ordination, strange and solemn as they were, meant what they said: if not, they wero little short of blasphemy. He commended the two candidates to the prayers and sympathy of the congregation. The service was then continued with the vicar saying tho Litany. The choir and congregation sang the ordination hymn “A’eni Creator Sanctus” (“Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire, etc.), to a very beautiful ancient plainsong tune. At tho ceremony of ordination the candidates kneel beforo tlio Bishop, and his Lordship with tlic clergy laid their hands on the head of each, the Bishop saying the solemn words “Receive tho Holy Ghost for the office and work of n Priest, etc.” Then handing each a Bible, he said “Take thou authority to preach Itlie AVord of God.” The service of Holy Communion was then proceeded with, and at the closo the Bishop dismissed the congregation with his blessing. At 7 p.m. tlie Bishop presided at the rite of Confirmation. There was an immense congregation, every part of the Church being densely packed. The vibar presented a number of candidates, including many adults. The choir led in the beautiful Confirmation music. The act of confirmation was most impressive and solemn, the great congregation kneeling. His Lordship addressed kindly words to the candidates, and also spoke to those who came to witness. Tlie vicar of Trinity announced that the newly-eonfirmed would receive first Communion next Sunday at 8 a.m. He cordially invited all communicants to join them in that service. The service closed with tlie splendid hymn. “Fight the good fight with all tin- might,” and the A'esper sung kneeling.