The Thanksgiving Service

Manawatu Herald, 6 March 1900, Page 3

The Thanksgiving Service

Sunday should be a red-letter clay for Foxton, as the right thing was done in the right manner. The victqries achieved in South Africa were celebrated by a service of thanksgiving, in which all ministers of religion joined and all sorts conditions of men, women, and children. In an account of the crossing of the Tttgela river by General Buller's forces a correspondent states !?it may be mentioned that a well of delightfully pure water was discovered quite close to the drifb. -This was taken- charge of by the Rev. Mr Collins, the Roman Catholic chaplain to the ' division. He filled the soldicrß' bottles and gave everyone a ■ drink from an enamelled cup. Hi 3 w.ork extended over the whole day, and the cheerfulness which he infused was remarkable. Both officers and men availed themselves of his kind, offices, arid his self-sacrificing cbnduct was .the one touch pf nature which made one feel that they wero comrades." In like manner the large audience that attended the service, some five, hundred, viewed the action of the Ministers, who were prepared to sit side by side and take part in a service which was one of rejoicing and of humbleness.

The park was gay with flags hoisted on poles placed on each side of the main path to near the cycling track, and over the entrance gats were festooned flags, the red /ensign being most n evidence. Under the shelter of the trees a platform for the Ministers had been erected, and a large number of seats placed around. r -

The Sunday School children of the Church of England, Roman Catnolic'and Methodists • met; at the Post Office punctually at 2.&0 p.m., and were met by the Foxton Brass Band, \ under the leadership of Mr Betty. The Mayor headed the procession with a red ensign carried before him, the band next; and then the children, the general public bringing lip the rear. The length of the procession can be guageel when we mention that as the head of it entered the'pwk the tail was. by the Courthouse.

When the children arrived at the park tho clergy led them to the; plat-.-fomi, and they were grouped in front. The band took up a position .by the flagstaff placed some distance away from the stand, and prior to the service being commenced the ceremony of saluting the flag was performed by the band playing " God Save the Queen," and the Mayor hoisting the flagThe ; following clergymen were present: — The Rev. James Duncan, : Presbyterian ; the Revs. Hugh Leach and Hone Teri Paerata, Ghureh ; of England ; and the Rev. W. Woollass, Primitive Methodist.

Sir. England presided at the organ. " A very large magsedv choir were present, wlio sang the ; well-known hymns in a powerful and pleasing manner. Copies of the words were freely distributed so as to enable all present to join in. There ; were five hymns sung during the service. The Rev. James Duncan read the 38rd Psalm in a clear distinct manner, notwithstanding his advanced age. The Rev. ,W. Woollass gave an address in which he recognised that it was a pleasing sight to witness the large attendance of all denominations of Christians who had gathered there to signalise the victory of Lord Roberts, as thanksgiving meant gratitude. While regretting the horrors of war, of which we had but a faint conception, and of the bloodshed taking place in South Africa we must remember the deeds of chivalry and heroism displayed by our troops, and we must rejoice that we have members of our colony taking part in securing such a victory, at the same time we must remember the names of those who have given their lifeblood to gain them. The children present to-day will be proud to recall, in years to come, this service. It may be urged that as Christians wo should desire war to cease, and he would to Gad that it were so; but until a better time had come there would be wars and we must fight. English ministers ha 4 Hed all ; the arts of diplomacy to avoid war, but Kruger was determined to fight to attempt a supremacy in South Africa. To-day England waa fighting for truth, liberty, and justice,, and no one could forsee what untold blessings might not come out of this war for the millions who lived. inAfrieay

Hymns were sung, and then the Key. Hugh Leach addressed the people and pointed out that this service of praise and thanksgiving was but one more link in the Circle that was girdling the world, as probably in the Old Country, and the many dependencies, similar services would be celebrated. To-day we all feel happy and thankful for the victories vouchsafed to our arm 3, and what a contrast there was in our feelings today to that felt a little b9f ore Christmas, When we were distressed to read about the disasters that b?fel several generals in South Africa. In England men's spirits were low, and their feelings were gloomy, but now the weight has been raised from them. He thought the real reason ; of this distress was because we had forgotten to ask God, who had done so much in times past for his people