Levin Presbyterian Church

Levin Daily Chronicle, 27 March 1917, Page 3

Levin Presbyterian Church

$ RE-OPENING SERVICES. Large congregations greeted the modern tor-olect when lie ascended the pulpit on Sabbath last, and those who 'cir.iiH expecting a feast of good things lor soul and mind were not disappointed ; the preacher gave thern of his oebt, and from his treasure house brought forth things both new and old. Th*-: text nt. the morning dederunt being the book of Exodus, 3 chap., verse 2 : 'And the angel of the Lord appeared unto Him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush; and he looked and behold the bush burned with-fire, and the bush was, not consumed." He spoke of Moses and his work, his preparation in the wilderness, and how God chose him when his discipline was complete; he referred to the experiences which were helpful in developing character strong enough to fit him to undertake the work of emancipating his countrymen from bondage; also went on to show why the bush was not burned because God was in it; and said the church could be successful only as God was in it, directing and controlling the lives of men and women who constitute the church on earth. The evening text was from. Mart's gospel elm p. 18, verse 21: "And they compelled one Simon, a Gvrenian, to bear His cross." And in a thoughtful discourse showed how clcse this man from Gyrene enme to Christ, through being the cross-bearer, and appealed with great urgency for men and women to become cross-bearers and so talce their share, in lifting the burdens which press so heavily on the human family. The whole services were exceedingly helpful in character. The choir rendered anthems during the day in an efficient manner under the leadership of Mr H. E. Keys; "The Te Deum," and "Daughter of Zion" being specially well done. At the public meeting on Monday night a great audience was present, every available seat was occupied, the enlarged premises being taxed to the utmost. A fine program was submitted, the augmented choir again acquitted themselves with great credit; they a.gain rendered anthems sung on the Sabbath, and gave in addition "Though the Fig Tree." 'Mrs

-hop, of Shannon, rendered a solo on Sabbath night, "Nearer my God to Thee," in splendid voice and- with much expression. On Monday night she delighted the audience with her rendering of "The Emblem" ; and had to respond to an imperative encore. A special feature of Monday night's program was the handing over the church management a beautiful piano, free of charge, the whole of the purchase money having been collected by Mies I. Middlemiss, who opened the proceedings by playing an overture on the instrument she worked so hard to procure. She received a well deserved ovation.on coming forward in response to the pastor's call to inaugurate the special program. The treasurer Mr W. Hughes gave a statement showing that £635 had been spent on building improvements, and in addition to this gift windows and piano had cost £91 making the total expenditure of £726. He expected when all, had been gathered from promisers our indebtedness would amount to about £)150, which was deemed very satisfactory. Congratulatory addresses were given by Revs W. H. Abbey, (Methodist) and G. H. Stephenson, (Anglican), both of whom were well ' received, and their remarks highly appreciated. Rotations were given by (Mr. W. Thomson ("Cuddle Doon"), and in response to an encore a Scotch story which carried the minds of many present back to the land of the heather so vividly that their demonstrations of approval were unstinted. Miss N. Stephenson nicely rendered the poem "Abou Ben Adhein." Mr. Welford sang "Fiona." The pastor at this stage made a presentation of a Morris chair .to Mr. D. C. Waldie, one of the church's board of managers, who is leaving for Wellington this week. The pastor spoke of Mr. Waldie's services to the church, which have always been willingly rendered ; his faithful discharge of duties as clerk of works during building operations; expressing on behalf of the managers and congregation their regret at his departure, and wishing him God-speed in his new sphere. Mr. Waldie suitably replied, declaring that he was not deserving this expression of their goodwill, as he had only done his duty. He thanked them all mast heartily.

A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Keys (conductor), Miss N. Williamson (organist). Hon. J. G. W. Aitken. Mrs. Bishop, Mr. D. Matheson, Mrs. Middleniis6, Mr. 'Harvey, and Mrs. Bawdcn-Harris, for Various gifts- which enhanced the beauty of God's house. Visitirtg ministers, the Ladies' Guild, and all helpers who assisted to make the re-opening services such a complete success all were included in the vote.