ST. MARY'S CHURCH

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 133, 27 November 1911, Page 4

ST. MARY'S CHURCH

ANNIVERSARY 'SERVICES. Despite the wet weather there were large congregations at the anniversary services of St. Mary's Church yesterday. Rev. E. 11. Strong. M.A., of St. John's College, Auckland, preached in the morning, afternoon and evening. In the morning he took his text from Acts ii., 42, "And they continued steadfastly in tin? apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and in prayer." The distinguishing marks of the iirst members of the Christian Church were fidelity to ihe Apostles' teaching, continuing steadfastly in the Apostles' society or fellowship, and observing their Lord's ordinance of the "breaking of bread" and the regularity of public and private worship. St. Mary's Church stood as «i lasting witness that those distinguishing works were the permanent marks of churchmanehip, the preacher pointing to the continuity of the faith, resting a# it did on the same Power of 'the risen and ascended Saviour. The preacher dealt, in a most forcible and able way, with the need of being sure of their doctrine, membership and conninmnicants' responsibility. The rev. gentleman preached an appropriate sermon in the afternoon to the Sunday School scholars, teachers and others; and in the evening he took for his text St. John vi.. 1 and 2, pointing out thait God used human'agency for the salvation of human souls, the chief example being the incarnation. A deification festival recalled their obligation to thanksgiving and renewed effort. Christians were the human agents —dismust assist in feeding tin 1 multitudes. Thev must mot forget the "little lad," and must, like St.' Andrew, introduce him to the Saviour. He referred to the responsibility of parents in presenting children for confirmation, and in putting ordination before them. There was, lie said, a real need for locally -educated and trained clergy, Heappealed to all to work and' so show forth their thankfulness for the privileges of membership in the church, the Society of Christ.