HARVEST FESTIVAL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 958, 23 February 1911, Page 3

HARVEST FESTIVAL.

SHANNON METHODIST CHURCH. (special correspondent,) The Harvest Festival of Feb. 19th and 20lh, has come and gone ! The little church which some months ago was painted and improved, was not spacious enough for the celebration of this event. On Saturday, the Druids’ Hall which had been engaged for several days, was the scene of hard but happy work, where the numerous helpers were indefatigable in spite of sultry heat, led off and guided by Mr F. J. Judd, the steward of the church, to whom much of the success is due. Contributions of many kinds came in freely, including fruit and vegetables and other gifts, the addition of one or two little pigs, some ducks and fowls. (The live-stock, needless to say, had to be housed and fed elsewhere until Monday’s sale.) The platform had a prettily devised rostrum font in the centre, with pillars of wheat stalks ending each side, with a cabbage-tree straight from the bush ! On right and left of the rostrum were the tiers of raised shelves, loaded with the harvest gifts very tastefully displayed, while on the floor were large supplies of heavier produce. Behind the preacher were words “ Harvest Home,” in white letters upon the crimson curtain. Pampas grasses and other natural beauties were arranged artistically in each corner. On Sunday the weather was gloriously bright, and the singing of harvest hymns, specially printed, added to the effect of the services. The Rev. James Sharpe, of Feildiug, gave suitable sermons for the occasion, and his visit will long be remembered. He dealt upon God’s bounty in so richly providing for our wants in spiritual and material things. In the afternoon a united service was held, when the scholars of the Anglican, Presbyterian, and Methodist schools were fully represented. A practical and interesting address was given by Mr Sharpe to the young folk of Shannon. The subject in the evening was ‘‘God is Good and Ready to Forgive,” being very earnestly and effectively dealt with. The attendance was very good and the singing was hearty. A short Methodist prayer meeting concluded the day’s proceedings. On Monday, the long-looked for and urgently needed downpour of rain freshened the earth and cleared the air, causing thankfulness in many hearts. Despite the rain and mud, however, a very good number were assembled in the hall for the sale of fruit, etc. The advertised musical programme could not be given owing to the excessively wet weather, and as our Foxton friend could not bring his high-class gramaphone over to us. Still, we anticipate the pleasure of hearing it in the near future. The Rev. Sharpe gave a few humourous remarks by way of introduction, and the “Dutch auction” was proceeded with. The Rev. Mairs, of Foxton, with his usual geniality and bonhommie, conducting the converting of goods into cash, with a professional success. The live stock indulged in characteristic squeaks, quacks, and chickiugs, much to the amusement of the audience. The proceeds were devoted to the Renovation Fund of the church building. The singing of the old Doxology formed a fitting conclusion, expressed the thankfulness of all concerned, at the successful result of the Harvest Festival.