METHODIST CHURCH ANNIVERSARY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2781, 6 September 1924, Page 2

METHODIST CHURCH ANNIVERSARY.

♦ Those who braved ihe weather last evening and attended rhe concert in connection with the above, were amply rewarded for their zeal. The choir opened proceedings with a rousing rendition of the anthem “Onward Christian Soldiers” after which Captain Lillington led in prayer. During the course of a two hours’ programme in which praeticallv every item was encored, the following contributed solos: Misses Molly Downes, Gwen Hoffman, and F. Chalk, Mesdames Downes and L. Dullard, and Rev. Arthur Mitchell, of Feilding 1 . Mr Mitchell sang “The S.-a Gipsy,” “The Blind Ploughman” “Break! Break” “I will Lift up Mine Eyes,” and “The City of Rest,” all of these numbers being given with great force and fervour, the effect of the songs being enhanced by Mrs Mitchell's sympathetic accompaniments. The chairman (Rev. 8. Peryinan) voiced the feelings of all present when he remarked that Air Mitchell's ghastly war experiences had in no wise impaired the quality of that singer’s wonderful voice. Rather, he thought, those experiences have added that “indefinable something” to his singing, which there is too often a lack. Mesdames Downes, West-wood, and Bullard and Mr Thornber ably accompanied thfc local singers who again placed the Chureh under a debt of gratitude for their willing services. Especially do the Trustees desire to thank Mr and Afiss Downes for so willingly coming to I heir aid. Revs. F. McDonald and AV. Walt on, in forceful speeches conveyed to the gathering the good wishes of their respective churches. The vocal part of the programme was brought to a close by the anthem “God Reigneth,” in which the included solos and duets were taken by Afiss Chalk, Airs Westwood and ARssrs Osborne, Tongs and Bangs, after which the Benediction was pronounced by Captain Stevenson. Before adjourning to the schoolroom, where a bountiful supper had been provided bv the ladies of the church, the company on the motion of Air J. Chryslall, accorded a very hearty vote of thanks to all who had assisted during the evening and also throughout the past year. Airs Alorgnn was specially thanked for the use of her piano for ihe concert, and Afr Osborne for conveying same.