Anniversary Soiree.

Thames Star, Volume XV, Issue 4961, 3 December 1884, Page 2

Anniversary Soiree.

A soiree and public meeting, in connection with the anniversary of the Congregational Church, was held last evening, the building being decorated with flowers and foliage. There was a good attendance at the tea, and also at the meeting following, when the Rev. B. Laishley presided. The meeting was opened with singing and prayer, the Chairman t :en giving an address, in which he referred to the difficulty of finding subjects for tea- meeting speeches, but giving it as bis opinion that whether they were grave or lively, so long as the true spirit of religion pervaded them, good was sure to be done. Daring the year the congregation, church, and school had all greatly progressed. The town was also in a much better religious state than formerly, and though he could not agree with the modes adopted by the Salvation Army, be must say they did a good work. As to the future, it depended greatly on the stand taken by the churches, and if they worked as they should, trusting, in God, success was certain.

Oapt. Bowerman expressed his pleasure at being present, especially as he had just received marching orders, and related his reasons for joining the Army, which he had done because in it he was free—not bound down by^ any Church rules. He defended the Army mode of warfare, bat thought other churches benefitted more from their work than they did themselves. Rev. T. Adams, who was received with applause, congratulated them on their success, and passed on to speak on " Aggressive Christianity." He pointed out that the Church of Christ had always been progressive, and was sure to go on spreading, but forcibly impressed upon his hearers the necessity of hard and honest work for the Master, right living, and dependence on God for a blessing on their efforts. The Rev. C. E. Barley addressed his attention to " Living on Circumstances," thinking there was a good deal too much of this done, and urging that the leading of a good Christian life ought not to be dependant upon a man being placed in favorable circumstances, but that, no matter what position he might occupy, he should do his duty in that sphere, and draw strength from its performance. Ihe Rev. W. R. Woolley concurred in the sentiment that the Thames was in a healthy spiritual condition. He had intended to speak on revivals, but he would leave it for another occasion, merely saying that the revival he wished to see was one resembling not so much the copious shower as the gentle dew, doing its work quietly and thorougly. During the evening (Miss Hudson accompanying) the choir rendered the anthems " Holiness becometh thy house," " I will praise Thee," and " Jerusalem, my glorious home," while Miss Adams gave a solo "Of what do the angels dream;" Mrs Grainger, "0, rest in the Lord;" and Mrs Jones " I know that my Redemer liveth." Thanks were returned to those who had given assistance during the evening, and the meeting was brought to a close. ____ /.