METHODIST UNION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 264, 6 April 1914, Page 4

METHODIST UNION.

AN XI VKKSARY SERVICES. The first anniversary of the Methodist l.'nion was celebrated yesterday by special services held in the morning, afternoon and evening. The preacher for the day was the lie v. J. Serpell, President rf the Conference, and a former minister at Whiteley Memorial Church. The morning service was held in the Whiteley Memorial Church, before a large congregation, including representatives of churches in various parts of the circuit. All the other Methodist churches in tile circuit were closed for the day. The preacher delivered an earnest address on the text, "For-their sakes, i sanctify myself." At the dose of the service, three young men were received into the Church 1 by the Rev. ,T. W. Burton, and Communion was celebrated, a large number of the congregation remaining. The afternoon service, which was held in the Theatre Royal, took the form of a children's rally, at which the floor of the building was filled with children from all the Sunday-schools of the circuit. The children were addressed by the President. In the evening, a large congregation assembled at a united people's service, when the preacher delivered an impressive address on "pivine Fatherhood." The choir rendered three selection* from "The Messiah," namely, "And the Glory," "Worthy is the Lamb," and "The Hallelujah Chorus." Mr 6. H. "White presided at the oraan, Miss Clarice Douglas at the piano, and Mr A. Gray wielded the baton.

At the conclusion of thc evening service, the Rev. ,T. W. Burton made special mention of the temporary suspension of services at tf|e Queen Street emirch. It bad foeen a vcar ago, that some adjustment of the circuit was necessary, and time had proved that the wider interests of the Church would be served by removing the Queen Street church. It would probably be taken 4 o the historic site at Fitzror, where Primitive Methodism was first established in the Dominion. He paid a tribute to the fine spirit and Ihroadminded outlootr displayed bv thc woole of tlia Queen Street church, -who would, he felt sure, be willing to sacrifice their personal feelings for the general good of th© Church.

This evening, in the Theatre Royal, a united tea-meeting will he held at <1 p.m., followed bv a public meetiig .it which his Worship the Mayor will 'preside There will be special music and brief addresses. Opportunity will hj» taken to say farewell to the Tiers. ,T ; W. Burton nnd H. T. Peat.