HARVEST THANKSGIVING.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1867, 19 March 1889, Page 3

HARVEST THANKSGIVING.

The annual harvest thanksgiving service* were held in St. Saviour'* church, Temnka, last Sunday. The decorations were much the same as on former occasions, I’he church was appropriately decorated with harvest products, flowers, and evergreens, splendidly arranged. The attendance at both services was very large, the church being crowded to excess. The morning service was conducted by the Bev, T. Jasper Smythe, o£ Pleasant Point, the Rev. Mr Hamilton having exchanged pulpits with him for that day, The rev. preacher took for his text John vi., 27, “Labor not for the meat that perisheth, etc,’ 1 Ho prefaced his remarks by comparing the prospects of farmers this year with those of last year, There were four circumstances in their favor this year, viz., quantity, quality, price, aud good weather, and they had also a market at their own doors in New South Wales. He had carefully examined the statistics of the county of Geraldine, and found that the increased yield and the higher prices made a difference of £107,000 over last year to this county alone. He had submitted these figures to several persons competent to form an opinion, and he was assured they were under the estimate. For these reasons the farmers and the community at large had great cause for thankfulness, and whore there was a liberal receiving there should be a liberal giving, both to God and man, and liberally to Church work of all kinds. Though our giving to God could do Him no good, yet the withholding of His portion may do iis a great deal of harm. All food was the gift of God, and Christ the Bread of Life. The Broad of Life was an inestimable gift. He dwelt on these points at some length, urging on hie hearers the necessity of living a holy life, and it was by doing so they would best testify their gratitude for the great favors which an all-bountiful Providence had this year bestowed upon them. The ehoir undos the leadership of Mr Frondlook sang suitable harvest hymns, and also an anthem, “ The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof.’’ The service in the evening was taken by Mr Pinckney. St, John the Evangelist’s, Winchester, was beautifuly decorated for the harvest thanks giving. The service in the morning was taken by Mr H. J. Gladstone, and in the evening by the Rev. T. J. Smythe. The ehuroh was crowded on both occasions.