METHODIST CHURCH.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1332, 3 December 1914, Page 3

METHODIST CHURCH.

The Sunday school anniversary services in connection with the Methodist Church were conducted on Sunday last bv the Rev W. G. Maslin- Although the weather throughout the day was unsettled, the congregations were very good. The church was prettily decorated and a strong choir of children, assisted by the school teachers and vocalists, under the able conductorship of Mr R. T. Betty, provided excellent music. Appropriate addresses were delivered by the preacher, who spoke at the morning service from xst Tim. 3 —15, “From a child tffpu hast known the scriptures, etc.” In the afternoon the children acquitted themselves splendidly. In addition to the hymns the little ones recited and sang solos and quartettes, reflecting great credit on their trainers. The minister presided and read a portion of scripture from ist vSamuel, verses 14—23, afterwards giving a short address on the cheering influence of music, introducing the story of “The musical boy of Japan,” and applying the story to the uplifting influence of the music of the gospel brought into the world by the “Little lad of Nazareth.” The evening service was of a hearty nature, the children were in fine form and again gave an exhibition of careful training, of which their instructors and all concerned were justly proud. During the evening the Misses Scadden sang effectively, “Sweet Sabbath Eve.” The preacher took bis text from Eccl. 12, 1— “ Remember man thy creator in the days of thy youth,” and endeavoured to impress on the minds of parents their responsibility in training the young right and also to instruct the young people concerning the importance of early conversion. On Monday evening in the Masonic Hall the anniversary celebrations were continued. There was a good attendance and the chair was taken by the Rev W. G. Maslin, who after the opening hymn by the children, briefly engaged in prayer. The programme was lengthy and varied in nature, the following contributing ;—The children, under Mr Betty, sang in good style six of their stirring hymns, which were much appreciated by all; recitations were given by James Littlejohn, Avis Osborne, Lucy Hussey, Nathalie Spring, Mona Littlejohn, Lylla Robinson, Hilda Walls, Sarah Hussey and Chrissie Honor; a quartette was nicely rendered by Muriel Daniel, Hine Spring, Rita Scadden and Felicia Owen; a piano and violin duet was given by Irene Stiles and Florrie Chalk and much appreciated ; solos were sung by Miss Signal and Rev Masliu, and a duet by Miss Signal and Mr Chrystall. During the evening the secretary, Mr G. Honore, read the annual report which showed the school to be in a flourishing condition. The chairman distributed to the children the prizes, which were indeed a fine lot of books, and some mark of recognition was given to all the little ones in the junior classes. ■ Mr Maslin and Mr Huntley spoke a few words of encouragement to the scholars and urged parents to send their children to Sunday school regularly. On the motion of Mr Huntley (superintendent), seconded by Mr Honore (secretary), a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Betty for the pains he had taken in instructing the children so well, and also to all who had helped to make the anniversary a success. On the motion of the chairman a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the superintendent and teachers of the school on the success of their labours, also to Miss C. Honore for presiding at the organ throughout the practices and during the anniversary services. After the singing of a hymn by the children and the pronouncing of the Benediction, refreshments were handed round and a splendid entertainment was brought to a close by singing “God Save the King.”