GRATITUDE TO GOD

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 709, 8 July 1929, Page 14

GRATITUDE TO GOD

EMPIRE THANKSGIVING FOR KING’S RECOVERY WIDESPREAD TRIBUTE Despite the heavy rainstorm Which swept the city yesterday churches of every denomination were very largely attended morning and evening, when Auckland joined with the whole Empire in special services of thanksgiving for the recovery of his Majesty King George from his recent grave illness. The services were conducted by express wish of his Majesty, and the form used almost universally followed closely that appointed for Westminister Abbey. Everywhere preachers spoke in eloquent tribute of the King's noble character, his world wide personal influence in the cause of peace, his example of God fearing humility, and his concern for the well-being of his people. The principal Anglican service was held at 11 a.m. in St. Mary's Cathedral, the archbishop, Dr. A. W. Averill, being the preacher. In his official robe, the Mayor, Mr. G. Baildon attended with members of the City Council, representatives of the Harbour Board and Transport Board and foreign consuls. Commander N. Clover and Lieutenant-Colonel J. E. Duigan represented the naval and military forces respectively. The congregation included about 50 members of the Officers’ Club and a large detachment from the St. John Ambulance Brigade, under Mr. C. J. Tunks, provincial commissioner. The acting-vicar, the Rev. P. T. Williams, conducted the service and the Rev. J. M. Beaufort assisted as the archbishop’s chaplain. “PTayers for the King’s recovery have flowed naturally from the consciousness that neither the Empire nor the world spare the influence of such an inspiring and benificent life,” said the primate in his address which was taken from Ps. lxi., 2, 6 and S. “The long illness during which his Majesty’s life hung upon the slenderest thread has been a time of anxiety to the people of the Empire and to millions outside it, who realised what the life and influence of George V meant to the world’s peace and wellbeing,” continued Archbishop Averill. The crowds anxiously waiting outoide Buckingham Palace for a gleam of hope were typical of millions throughout the world. They realised how priceless was the human link which united the scattered portions of the Empire and how his simple and understanding heart and the noble example of his upright and Godfearing life had firmly established a new ideal of monarchy in the hearts of his faithful subjects. The part that progressive medical science had played had earned the gratitude of all but they felt with the King that due honour should be paid to the Divine healer and the Giver of every perfect gift. So it was that men and women everywhere gathered in spirit round the King and Queen as they offered in Westminister Abbey their thanks for this deliverance. “This is no formal response to a call, but a heartfelt outpouring of thanks to God for raising up George V. as king at a critical time in the world’s history, when nations were being shaken to their foundations and civilisation itself was threatened with collapse,” said Dr. Averill.

It was only necessary to think what the King was in himself, what he stood for and what his life meant to his family, the Empire and the world to realise the need of thanksgiving and continued prayers for his welfare. At St. Paul’s Church Solemn High Eucharist was celebrated at II a.m. and the vicar, the Rev. Cecil Watson, spoke on the example of the King’s life. In the evening a special service closely adhering to the official form was held. The vicar’s sermon was on the subject of the character and influence of his Majesty. A feature of the service was solemn Te Deum of thanksgiving.

CITIZENS’ SERVICE ATTENDED BY MAYOR ADDRESS BY DR. J. J. NORTH “It is no small thing that the King’s life should be spared, for he is the people’s King,” said the Rev. Dr. J. J. North, who gave the only address at a civic service held in the Town Hall in the afternoon under the auspices of the Council of Christian Congregations. The Mayor, Mr. G. Baildon, presided and on the platform were naval, military and local body representatives. The service, which was mainly according to the official form, was conducted by Archbishop Averill and the Revs. E. Drake and D. C. Herron. The city organist, Mr. J. Maughan Barnett, was at the organ. Dr. North said that when kings were gathered to their fathers men assembled to extol their virtues. Op this occasion the peoples of the Empire might do the same, but with thankful hearts for the King’s recovery from grave illness. Not many months ago his subjects had wondered whether they were to be bereaved, but the King had come out of the Valley of the Shadow of Death. On leaving India after his coronation there the King had uttered the memorable words: "How can we govern the most religious people in the world unless we, too, are religious?” The late Mr. W. H. Page, who, as American Ambassador had much to do with him, had testified that the King’s amazing influence was derived from his personal character. The King was above ail party, and his voice was the voice of Britain. He had borne himself with a steadfast dignity in self-forgetting service. Throughout the war he was the hardest-worked man in England. Ever since the war he had pleaded with his people to see that the greater blessings of peace were made an actuality among them. K Unemployment and distress had always moved him.