ONE OF THEM

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12611, 23 November 1926, Page 3

ONE OF THEM

UNIQUE CHURCH SERVICE GATHERING OF YACHTSMEN ADDRESS BY REV. JASPER CALDER (By Telegraph—Special to “Times.”) AUCKLAND, November 22. A parson clad only in shorts and a sun hat and beating a benzine tin for a church bell was responsible for gathering around him on Sunday about 150 yachtsmen to hear Divine service. It was an occasion unique in the annals of Auckland churches at least. With a clear blue sky as the dome of his church the Rev. Jasper Calder, city missioner, who happened to be. cruising during the week-end, conducted a service, and preached a sermon that few of his congregation are likely to forget. The event was made possible by some of Mr Calder’s friends who recently purchased for him the fine little cruising, yacht Ngaro. He made his first trip in the boat on Saturday, and anchored for the night in Islington Bay, between Rangitoto and Motutapu. About 50 other yachts and launches also made the bay a rendezvous for the night. BANGED A TIN When the fleet was lying calmly at anchor yesterday morning Mr Calder conceived the idea of conducting a service. He rowed to the shore of Rangitoto, and lightly clad proceeded to summon a congregation by banging on an old benzine tin. At first yachtsmen were shy about going to church, but gradually numbers of dinghies could be seen heading for the shore, and before long a crowd of about 100 had assembled, representing nearly every boat’s crew. The spectacle of them standing bareheaded in the brilliant morning sunshine was impressive. Taking as his analogy the sheer line of a boat as a. representation of beauty, Mr Calder said that everyone present owed a debt to Christianity, because that religion lent added beauty and happiness to the world of sin and sorrow. As tlie sheer line of a boat emphasised its beauty so Christianity was an influence which kept the world going. .Christianity marked the melody of life, and’ emphasised tilings which made for happiness and righteousness. PLAY THE GAME Mr Calder made au earnest appeal to the yourrg men. present to play the game, and live up to the traditions of the pioneer yachtsmen. He urged them to nail their colours to the mast, and to be loyal to the faith. The service, which concluded with a prayer for tlie fleet, proved exceedingly popular, and Mr Calder was asked to repeat his visit. This he intends to do when the opportunity offers.