SERVICE OF SONG.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1506, 30 October 1886, Page 3

SERVICE OF SONG.

A service of song was given in St. Saviour's Church, Temuka, last evening in aid of the fund for purchasing books and music for the choir. The service selected waa “ The Pilgrim’s Progress,” and the choice was a particularly happy one, affording as it did a means of encouragement and instruction to the candidates recently confirmed in the church. The Rev. T. A. Hamilton commenced the service with prayer, and afterwards briefly explained the object for which it was being held. He then spoke of services of song generally, comparing them with those held daily in Solomon's temple. After a brief sketch of the lift of John Runyan, the author of the Pilgrim’s Progress, he proceeded to read the selections specially adapted lo the service, giving explanatory notes as be proceeded. The variona hymns which made up the service were rendered very ably by the choir, the voices blending roost harmoniously and evincing the great care and attention which has been devoted to them by tbeir choirmaster. Although all the hymns were well rendered some deserve special mention, notably “Come unto Jesus ye that mourn,” “Knock and it shall be opened unto you,” and “ Oh could I feel and know again the joy of sins forgiven.” “ Father take my huid,” the plaintive eong which Christian is described as singing while walking through ,the Valley of the Shadow of Death, was rendered in a very feeling manner, and was one of the best of the whole series. While crossing the river of Death, Christian is encouraged by Hopeful saying “ Brother, I can see the gate, and angels standing by to receive us,” and at this stage of the narrative the choir sang very sweetly “ They are waiting for the coming Angels on the other shore.” Then comes their triumphant entry into the Celestial City “ while a company of voices not far from the river, which they found to be the chirch militant upon earth,” are described a« singing “Jerusalem, my glorious home.” This was set in the form of an anthem, and wae rendered in a masterly manner. After a short prayer the service concluded by the singing of the Evening Hymn, followed by ths Benediction. Mr Proudlock presided at the organ. The attendance was fair, but not so large as the character of the service deserved.