CHRISTMAS SINGING.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1990, 4 January 1890, Page 2

CHRISTMAS SINGING.

TO THE EDITOR. Dear Sir, There was something about the service in the Anglican Church on Xmas Day which made it a landmark for the year, something to make old, dead 1889 memorable. Presbyterians were there —people who like myself have been brought up to think little of days and dates connected with the scriptural personages and events. Wesleyan and Primitive Methodists were there. Salvation Army, from Captain down to rank and file, were there, and the House was full. And there is something about a full Church which makes everything " go" with even greater cordiality. It is so in the " pew ; " I think it must be so in the " pulpit " also.

"We sang Jackson's "Te Deum," which, for magnificent praise to the Almighty, has perhaps never been surpassed in a mundane composition. We sang hymms and anthems of rejoicing over tbe birth of the World's Redeemer. And we sang " The Strain Upraise of Joy and Praise," a chant

which I would not have missed for ten times the little trouble experienced in the three or tour practices we attended previous to the service. And, as if we had been all one

people (which some day we will be), we went down upon our knees together in thanksgiving and confession. And, I speak for myself, I felt thankful tor the influence of these distant colonies which are helping to bring forward the time “ When man to man the hale world o’er Shall brithers be for a’ that.” (Burns) Hush! “ Courtesy,” hush ! Your voice is out of tune. —I am, &e., James Aitken. Geraldine, 3rd Jan., 1890.