HIGHER THOUGHT

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 923, 17 March 1930, Page 14

HIGHER THOUGHT

ANNIVERSARY OF CENTRE GROWTH IN TWO YEARS The second anniversary of the opening of the Higher Thought Temple, Wellington Street, was celebrated on Sunday, March 9, by special services. This fine structure, with a facing of glazed brick, is a building of dignified simplicity, with a seating capacity in the gallery and main building of 300. Special attention has been given to the provision of good music —a fine grand organ and piano being part of the interior furnishings. The morning service was conducted by the Women’s Progress Club, which is one of the activities of the centre, represented by Mesdames Silcock, Moller, and Robinson. Mrs. V. J. Moller took the silence, explaining its meaning to strangers in the congregation. It takes the place of prayer in the orthodox Churches. All great works, nature’s efforts and growth, man’s highest ideals, are born in silence. The silence is a most important part of the Higher Thought teachings, and in conjunction with constructive affirmations has been, and is, responsible for many of the wonderful things which have manifested physically among Higher Thoughtists. Mrs. H. F. Robinson gave an appropriate reading, taking a chapter from the Book of Proverbs, which extols the qualities of a virtuous woman. Bright hymns to popular tunes, couched in Higher Thought language, were beautifully played by Mr. H. H. Barrington at the organ, and heartily sung by the congregation. Mrs. Moller, chairwoman, introduced the speaker, Mrs. G. H. Silcock, who took as the subject of her address, “Woman —The Soul.” She drew attention to the fact that this was the second anniversary of the temple, and spoke of the wonderful spiritual progress that had been made in the past two years, and the growth of the Higher Thought movement. Women’s function in the scheme of things, physical, mental, and spiritual, was outlined. The evening service was preceded by an organ recital by Mr. H. H. Barrington, also piano and organ duo, excerpts from Mozart by Mrs. V. J. Moller, and Mr. H. H. Barrington. These two talented musicians gave a fine interpretation of the sacred works of Mozart. Classical music, well played by good instrumentalists and vocalists, is a strong feature in the Temple service. Music has a message which knows no barriers, and a language universally understood by all the nations of the world. Musical items were interspersed between the addresses. Mr. A. Wright’s fine baritone voice was heard in the solo, “Open the Gates of the Temple.” A violin solo by Miss E. A. Trendall and Mr. B. Kerr, “Ave Maria,” closed the silence. Mrs. Owen sang beautifully, “How Lovely are Thy Dwellings” and “Grant Us Thy Peace.” Mrs. Moller, at the piano, and Mr. Barrington at the organ, played the accompaniments sympathetically. Short addresses were given by the president and vice-presidents, Messrs. Silcock, Robinson, and Walker. Mr. H. F. Robinson spoke on the temple anniversary, referring to the great results which had been achieved with very slender resources through the efforts of a small body of enthusiasts with high and seemingly Impossible ideals. The knowledge and application of the laws of psychology had made the centre a permanent and concrete reality in Auckland. Mr. M. Walker spoke on the future, of how a few live souls in the past were responsible for bringing the temple into being. It was the result cf concerted or collective Individual effort. The cause of many empty churches was due to the fact that they only offered a stone to the people. If the Churches could not supply the living spiritual food to the people, they would go elsewhere for it. Mr. T. W. Silcock, president of the Higher Thought Centre, spoke on the uplifting power of the Spirit. They had to open the doors of the temple literally and metaphorically to the universal good. Much abuse had been heaped on them in the past by those who should know better. “Broadcast these good tidings of great joy, live them, and it will come to pass that peace, joy, and prosperity shall be yours,” he concluded. “As you realise that the Kingdom of Heaven is within you, and diligently seek it first, all else will be added unto you. This Is the message of the temple to you all.” The activities of the centres —the Radiant Health Club, the Women’s Progress Club, Divine service and new psychology, and the Sunday school, were referred to. The celebrations concluded on Thursday evening with the anniversary social.