“IN THE OLD PATHS"

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 189, 31 October 1927, Page 14

“IN THE OLD PATHS"

CONGREGATIONALISTS OPEN NEW HALL 75TH ANNIVERSARY 4, TT •* to the integrity of the people now regarded as oldfashioned that we owe our present position. “We are trying to keep up with the ■world and see the young people’s point of view as well as our own, but when all is said and done conduct is best ruled on these lines:—‘Seek out the old paths, and see where is the good way and walk therein, and we shall find rest for our souls.’ ” In these words his Excellency the Governor-General concluded his remarks in declaring the new Congregational Hall in Beresford Street open on Saturday afternoon. There was a crowded attendance, presided over by the Rev. Lionel B. Fletcher. On the Governor-General’s party arriving Lady Alice Fergusson was presented with a bouquet. DREAMS COME TRUE The building of the hall commemor- # ates the completion of 75 years of service. The Rev. Lionel Fletcher, who presided, said the hall, and what it allowed, were the outcome of the dreams of several years. Five years ago the church had decided to disband, but God had honoured a revived faith, and the membership of the church was second in its denomination in Australasia. He expressed the honour felt at the presence of the Governor-Gen-eral and Lady Alice Fergusson. Mr. F. L. Moody, the architect, was called upon to present his Excellency with a key to the building. Sir Charles was received with applause. “We rc-joice with you in seeing your dream realised.” he remarked. “One cannot but be inspired with the courage and faith that has resulted in this new step. The record of progress in the past few years has been wonderful. It is often in the darkest periods that light comes, as history has proved, and this has been repeated here. “Never has there been more evidence of revival of the spirit of service than is evident at the present time/' he continued. “In spite of a great deal that is disheartening we are still encouraged to go forward because we feel the weight of public spirit behind it.” His Excellency considered that work among the young people was as important as anything coud be. The present generation of young people was difficult to understand, and the task required tact and breadth of mind. They particularly required the basis of training only given in the home and in the family. Most of the wasted lives come from careless homes, even if they were not bad, and half of the good in the world came from good home-train-ing. The dedication of the hall was performed by the Rev. W. M. Holland, chairman of the Congregational Union ©f New Zealand. Anniversary greet-

ing3 were received from a number of denominations. A.mong those who extended good wishes were Mr. W. E. Bush, president of the Auckland Auxiliary Baptist Union; Mr. W. D. M. Glaister, president of the Church of Christ, and of the Auckland Sunday School Union; the Rev. Dr. H. Ranston. president of the Methodist Conference; the Rev. Frazer B. Barton, Moderator of the Auckland Presbytery; and the Rev. G. Heighway, of the district committee of the Congregational Union. OTHER FUNCTIONS The Rev. Lionel B. Fletcher presided at three special services held yesterday. Four generations were represented at the family service held in the morning. There was a large gathering of children at the special meeting for the young held in the new hall in the afternoon. The evening service was held in the Town Hall. The anniversary choir provided a special programme. Holy Communion will be held tomorrow evening, and on Wednesday a banquet will be held in the hall. Mr. L. A. Eady will preside. Thursday will be Young People’s night.