BIRTHDAY OF THE CHURCH

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 667, 20 May 1929, Page 14

BIRTHDAY OF THE CHURCH

WHITSUNDAY SERVICES BISHOP MOLYNEUX PREACHES Pentecost, or Whitsuntide, was observed by Auckland churches yesterday. The feast occurs ten days after Ascension Day, which in turn follows 40 days after Easter Day. It was on the first Whitsunday that the Holy Ghost came down upon the Apostles, endowing them with new languages to fit them for missionary work among the Gentiles. In the Anglican communion special intercessions were made for the work of the Melanesian Mission, which is now in financial difficulties owing to the accident to the steamer Southern Gross. Collections throughout the diocese were given to the mission. Bishop Molvneux, who returned to Auckland with the disabled vessel, was the preacher at a special missionary service held last evening in All Saints Church. Ponsonby. The bishop also celebrated the Holy Eucharist at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the early morning. At St. Paul’s Church the solemn high celebration of the Holy Eucharist was largely attended. The celebrant and preacher was the Rev. ,T. W. Robinson, who officiated in the absence, through illness, of the vicar, the Rev. Cecil Watson. Solemn evensong was also conducted by Mr. Robinson. A quartet, “God is a Spirit,” was given by members of the choir. The celebrant at the early communion was the Rev. H. K. Vickery. At the Presbyterian churches special services were also held. The preacher it St. James’s was the Rev. E. R. Harries. At Knox Church, the Rev. A. Macdonald Aspland preached on Pentecost.

Solemn high mass was celebrated at St. Patrick's Cathedral in the morning, the apostolic delegate to Australia and New Zealand, the Most Rev. Dr. Cattaneo, presiding, while the sermon was preached by the Very Rev. B. .1. Ryan. Yesterday was observed by the Salvation Army us Mothers’ Hay, three services being held in the Congress Hall, where addresses were given by Adjutant and Mrs. Goftin. Other Mothers’ Hay services were held in the army hall in Ponsonby Road, where addresses were given by Adjutant and Mrs. Bricldock.