WESLEYAN HARVEST THANKSGIVING FESTIVAL.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XV, Issue 60, 10 March 1880, Page 2

WESLEYAN HARVEST THANKSGIVING FESTIVAL.

[Communicated.'] I:, accordance with a practice, which is rapidly becoming general, and which most Christians consider a just and reasonable one, a Thanksgiving Service for the late bountiful harvest was held yesterday in a grove belonging to the Messrs Scowden Brothers, at Brightwater, under the auspices of the Wesleyan Church. The day was re ■ markably fine, clear and tempered by a cooling breeze. The Committee appointed to make the necessary arrangements had spared no pains in the short time at their disposal in extemporising a platform for the speakers, and in fitting up seats for the audience. A harmonium had also been provided for the occasion, and was turned to good account by Miss Wratt during the day in the conducting of the singing. The s pot selected was, in the opinion of all, a very beautiful one, the tall trees of the forest giving shade and beauty to the scene, while the green sward beneath was temptingly convenient for ease of posture. The afternoon service commenced immediately after the arrival of the 315 train from town, and great numbers of town and country friends were present. The Rev. W. Rowse, who presided, apologised for the absence of the Key. R. Bavin, who had gone to Wanganui with his sick wife, and had not returned. The hy n n "Praise ye the Lrrl, 'tis good to raise" was sung, after which the Key. J. Beckenham read the 145 th Psalm, and offered the opening prayer. The Rev. C. O. Mules gave an interesting address upon the duty and privilege of thanksgiving to God for mercies received, which was followed by an address by the Rev. J. Hasking, from Motueka, on the goodness of God. The appropriate hymns which were sung and the prayers offered, together with the stirring nature of the addresses, produced a most delightful feeling, and a devout and thankful tone prevaded the meeting, Tea was served by the ladies at 5 p.m., the people cheerfully sitting on the ground in picnic fashion. The presence of a great number of the Volunteers in uniform from the Camp adjoining seemed to add to the liveliness of the scene, and as fresh parties were continually arriving, the energies of the purveyors were taxed to the utmost. About 300 partook of the ample spread, all seeming happy in joining the joyous party. The evening service commenced a little after six o'clock, when stirring evangelistic addresses were delivered by the Rev. C. Moon, Mr J. G. Harkness, and the Rev. J. Beckenham. It grew dark towards the close of the meeting, and tho singing of the Doxology by that large company resounded through the sylvan glades, and the benediction by the chairman brought the meeting to a close in good time for the 8 p.m. train. Thanks are due to Messrs Snowden Brothers for so kindly placing their beautiful grounds at the dis posal of the Wesleyan Church, and also to the ministers of different denominations and others, who contributed so largely by their services to the success of tbe festival. Great credit is also due to the ladies who superintended the tea, and to the working committee, who put themselves to such inconvenience and toil. May we have many more such delightful open-air services after abundant harvests.