CONFIRMATION SERVICE.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5201, 9 November 1927, Page 2

CONFIRMATION SERVICE.

ADMINISTRATION AT ST. PAUL’S.

VISIT OF BISHOP OF WAIKATO. The administration of the Sacrapent of Confirmation' was impressively celebrated at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Paeroa, on Monday evening. The ceremony was performed by His Lordship the Bishop of Waikato, assisted by the vicar, the Rev. W. G. H. Weadon.

The seating accommodation was taxed to capacity, and chairs had to be provided and were placed down the aisle.

Preceded by choral evensong and sermon, the choral celebration followed at 8 p.m. The candidates for confirmation, numbering nine boys and sixteen women a-nd girls, were seated in front of the choir stalls, and after ratifying the vows made; on .their behalf at baptism, the laying-6n of hands was solemnly proceeded with while the hymn “Come, Holy Ghost, our Souls Inspire” was sung by the choir and congregation. An inspiring yet simple 'address was given to the candidates by the Bishop in which he stressed the moral and spiritual obligations due to the Church and to the candidates themselves. At the conclusion of the service thq bishop was entertained to supper at. the Parish Hall by the parishioners, on whose behalf he >vas warmly welcomed by the Rev. Weadon. Thq vicar said that by the holding of the social hour that evening parishioners were afforded the opportunity to meet His Lordship and learn something of the work not only of the parish, but of thq Waikato Diocese. The work of the Church could only be maintained and extended by the interest, help, and co-operation of-the people, and it was encouraging to see so many persons, some; of whom had come a considerable distance, present. The Bishop controlled a large diocese, and the speaker said he felt sure that the parishioners fe,lt grateful to. him for visiting Paeroa.

After acknowledging the welcome the Bishop said it afforded him pleasure to visit the outside as well as the central churches of the diocese. The parish of Paeroa was fortunate in having Mr Weadon for its vicar, and he had done splendid .work during the short time he had been in the parish. The parishioners were qxhorted to back up the efforts of their vicar and make his work as happy as possible. In conclusion His Lordship gave a brief resume of some of the activities being carried on or contemplated in the diocese.