CHRISTMAS IN THE CHURCHES

Taranaki Daily News, 26 December 1917, Page 3

CHRISTMAS IN THE CHURCHES

ST. MAR\"\S ANGLICAN. ! Christmas services were held in Si:. Mary's Church yesterday, and were largely attended. At 5 a.m. Holy Communion was celebrated specially for the members of the hospital stall, and there was quite a good attendance fur so early an hour. Celebrations were also held at 7, S and 11 a.m. There were altogether about 250 communicants. The church was was very nicely decorated with red and white flowers. The customary Christmas hymns were sung, and services were very bright. Some Christmas carols will be snug at the evensong service next Sundav. CATHOLIC CHURCH. Special observances were made at the Roman Catholic Church, yesterday, in keeping with the season. The first mass was at 0 a.m., and the second at (1.30, both being quiet and devotional services. The third mass at 8.30 was a choral service, with a sermon by the Very Bev. Dean MeKenha. The services were concluded with a short benediction at 7 p.m. There were good congregations, especially at the 8.30 mass. WHITELEY CHURCH. A special Christmas service wa# held at Whiteley Church at 7 a.m. The Rev. W. A. Sinclair officiated, and there was a good attendance. Christmas hymns were sung, and special prayers offered for all soldiers and sailors. The ofl'ertory was on behalf of the North Island Methodist Orphanage, and amounted to £7 15s. FITZROY METHODIST. Service was held at the Fitzroy Methodist Church last, night. The Rev. H. L. Richards presided, and delivered an appropriate address. The service, which was largely choral, included several carols, and the solos "I Know That My Redeemer Liveth," "He Shall Feed His Flock," and "The People That Walked in Darkness." - A special offering was made for the Methodist orphanage fund.