ST. MARY'S ANNIVERSARY.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 November 1916, Page 4

ST. MARY'S ANNIVERSARY.

IMPRESSIVE SERVICES. Splendid and inspiring services, held yesterday, marked the anniversary of the opening of St. Mary's, New Plymouth. There was a gratifying attendance at the early celebration of Holy Communion.

An exceptionally large congregation attended the M o'clock sei /ice. The Bishop of Auckland conducted the service, and he was nssistcd liy the Rev. K. C, Cook, who is visiting New Plymouth on final leave from camp. The Bishop, in his sermon, took for his text the words, "My home,'' and dwelt upon the value of people regarding their church as a heme, and realising that in it was God's Presence. "One thing I loved about my church when I was a parish priest," he said, "was that everybody called it 'Home.' " He said the congregation of St. Mary's parish liad a, beautiful church, and it was for the mcmbera of that congregation to make the edifice a home by realising the Presence.

A Confirmation service was held in the afternoon, when (10 candidates from the parish were confirmed. The service was largely attended, and was most impressive.

Kvery available seat in the church was occupied in the evening, when the Bishop again preached. In the course of a forceful sermon, Dr. Averill appealed "to the congregation to assert their belief in (iod by witnessing for Him in their daily conduct. A man's conduct in life, he said, was governed by his belief, and it was woll that he should set his belief on a sure foundation.

At the conclusion of the services the Bishop expressed his keen gratification at. the interest taken by the people of New Plymouth in the S-ork of their church.