PRESBYTERIAN RALLY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3673, 2 August 1927, Page 2

PRESBYTERIAN RALLY.

There were large congregations at both the morning and evening services in the Presbyterian Church on Sunday on the occasion of the opening of the week’s church rally. The preacher for the day was the Rev. J. Paterson, M.A., of St Paul’s Wanganui, and Moderator of the Wanganui Presbytery. The Girl Guides and members of the Methodist Church were present at the morning service. The . address to the Guides was aptly illustrated by stories each having a telling lesson. Mr. Paterson took as his subject “The Church.” He said Christ, and consisted of those who believe Christ gave himself for their beleivo Christ gave himself for their salvation. That we were members of that body each in his or her own sphere, each had their responsible part to do in the fulfilment of the work of the church, which was not only to carry the light of the gospel to all mankind, but through the Holy Spirit to teach and enlighten men and women into the fulness of the Gospel and its power to build character. Thus the church called for the best in everyone, so that the work of Jesus Christ might go on. , At the evening service, prior to the sermon, a solo was rendered by Mr. Barron. Mr. Paterson read as his lessons Ecclesiastes Chapter 2 and 2nd Timothy, chapter 4 and from the character of the two men described in these scriptures, he preached an eloquent and powerful sermon.

Last evening a large number of young people met at the church to hear an address from Mr. Paterson on “The Presbyterian Church in History.” Ho said that Presbyterians could be proud of the history of their church. They have a great heritage of which they should be worthy. The Presbyterian Church consisted not only in the Church of Scotland, but the reformed churches of the various States of Europe, who were nearly all Presbyterian in doctrine and government, while all the national churches growing up on the mission fields generally adopted some form of Presbyterian government. The Church of Scotland, because of its democratic nature, not only became a spiritual power, but a great leader in bringing liberty and freedom to Britain and many other peoples. Th‘e Dutch Church was likewise the herald of liberty of conscience and person, when Spain had almost conquered the world. The Huguenots of France and the Waklisenes of Italy, the martyr churches of the . Reformation, were Presbyterian. All these, and many others, had done, and were doing a great work for our Lord and Masters. The Presbyterian Church, he said, in all lands had led in the van of progress, and the great leaders in democracy were in most cases Presbyterians. The reason for this was because they took a stand, first on the study of the Bible, second in thinking for themselves, and thirdly in governing , themselves. Thus each must be a responsible unit, and each bear their responsibilities. “So our Presbyterian Church,” he concluded, “stands for the upbuilding of character in the individual, the Church and the nation, that. God may use us all in His service.” At the close of the service an adjournment was made . to the schoolroom, where a social hour was spent. Mr Paterson will give an elocutionary recital to-n’ight in the Masonic Hall, at 8 o’clock, when Mrs Yeo and Mr Barron will contribute vocal, and Mr Corn violin items. MEN’S MEETING. The Rev. R. H. Cathenvood, who will address the men’s meeting in connection with the rally, in the schoolroom to-morrow evening, was padre at Featherston Camp for four years during the war period, and was at one time an amateur boxing champion. In consequence, he had some amusing experiences in camp. He is a forceful speaker, and is always interesting. The meeting, while primarily for Presbyterian men, is open to all, to whom a hearty invitation is extended. A short programme and supper will complete'the evening.