CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 855, 26 December 1929, Page 6

CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

YESTERDAY’S SERVICES WELL ATTENDED SEA-SIDE CHURCHES FILLED The festival of Christmas "was observed in most city and suburban churches by special services. The churches were decorated with flowers and greenery, and festal music of anthems and carols appropriate to the occasion were sung by augmented choirs. At 6,7, 8 and 11 o’clock on Christmas morning Holy Communion was celebrated in the Anglican Churches. Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve drew large congregations at the Roman Catholic Churches.

Shortened evensong with a recital of Christmas music was held last evening in St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral and St. Matthew’s. There were large congregations in both instances.

At the Mount Albert Presbyterian Church a united service was largely attended. The minister, the Rev. W. D. Morrison-Sutherland, Moderator of the Auckland Presbytery, presided, and was assisted by the Rev. A. Ashcroft, Methodist minister of Mount Albert, and the Rev. John Laird, Baptist minister, also of Mount Albert. An appropriate sermon was preached by Mr. Ashcroft. Although the city churches for the most part -were not filled in the morning, those at the seaside resorts and at holiday places were thronged, particularly at the early celebrations of the Holy Communion. “DRAMA OF THE NATIVITY” PACKED CHURCH SEES PLAY The beautiful Christmas play, the “Drama of the Nativity,” was presented again in St. Paul’s Anglican Church, city, last evening, before a packed congregation. The story of the Babe of Bethlehem was told in six colourful scenes, based on the Gospel narrative. The congregation joined in a number of carols and hymns appropriate to the season.