NATIVITY TABLEAUX

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 534, 11 December 1928, Page 11

NATIVITY TABLEAUX

PRESENTATION IN CHURCH STORY OF BETHLEHEM The presentation of the Nativity in tableaux form at the Church of Holy Sepulchre last evening attracted a large attendance of parishioners. Such a presentation in church is rather unusual in New Zealand, but the appropriateness of the subject and the deep reverence with which it was handled provided little opportunity for possible objection. The incidents of the Nativity were depicted in six tableaux, enacted in the chancel. A curtain which screened the altar acted as a back cloth and the improvised stage was set off with a profusion of flowers. The first tableaux introduced the Virgin Mary in the garden of Nazareth, where she wa§ visited by the Messenger of God, the second showed Joseph in his carpenter’s shop, the third depicted the inn at Bethlehem where Alary and Joseph are turned away, the fourth was the stable scene and the adoration of the shepherds, the fifth showed the arrival of the kings and prophets, and the sixth the homage on the stairway to the temple. The Rev. G. Gordon Bell played the role of God’s Messenger and prior to each scene recited the events to follow. Passages from “The Messiah” were also sung by the church choir, accompanied by the organ, this appropriate musip, which was effectively sung, adding greatly to the solemnity of the tableaux. A procession through the church of censer bearers and worshippers who sang the praises of the newlyborn King was also very spectacular. Most of the roles were taken by members of the girls’ club of the church, the tableaux being directed by Miss M. E. Pulling, formerly headmistress of the Diocesan High School. A collection was taken in aid of the Melanesian Mission and the sanctuary fund.