WESLEYAW METHODIST SABBATH SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY, LAWRENCE.

Tuapeka Times, Volume II, Issue 86, 2 October 1869, Page 3

WESLEYAW METHODIST SABBATH SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY, LAWRENCE.

On the afternoon of Tuesday last, the scholars connected with the "Wesleyan Church Sabbath School, — which meets in the Chapel, Colonsay-street, held their annual festival. Tea was supplied, and a variety of good things provided for them in the Chapel. In the evening, a public tea meeting, consisting of members of the congregation, parents of the children, and persons interested in the success of Sunday schools, was held in the Chapel. A substantial tea was provided, and a really social hour passed, apparently fully t enjoyed by all present. The howling of the wind outside, and the pattering of the rain on the windows formed a striking contrast with the smiling faces, and smoking cup which cheers, &c. Tea being over, the programme, consisting of hymns, recitations, by the scholars, and speeches by several gentlemen, was gone into. A few appropriate hymns, specially selected cud printed for the occasion, were distributed to the meeting, and after the first one was sung, the llev. "W. Keall, circuit minister, called upon Master Duncan Campbell, who gave a recitation. Mr. M'G-ilvray, the superintendent of the school, then addressed the meeting on the important work of Sabbath school teaching. Miss Harriet Dar&m recited the "Indian Martyr." Hymn — "Kind words will never die." Mr. Matthews, local preacher, on being called upon, delivered a most eloquent address on " Decision of character." In addressing the scholars, he compared life to the ocean, on which they were sailing not only as passengers, but as the captain and OAvners of their own vessels, and impressed upon them the necessity of deciding upon the port they were bound for. They must not be contented with the knowledge gained by their grandfathers, or even their fathers, as more would be expected of them than of their predecessors. He endeavoured to show them how their good deeds now might go far to alleviate the misery of future generations. They should five for some object, and that would make them decided; not like many, who were living altogether a blank sheet, and would leave the world no better than they found it. Miss Maria, Campbell jßeeitation. Mr. Bloxham said he was specially interested in the success of the school, as he had been engaged in it for a considerable time. He looked to the Sabbath schools for the future support of their churches, for local preachers, &c. Miss Alice Darton recited " The Dying Girl " Mr. Clarke of Blue Spur read a very instructive story of a boy. Hymn — " Shall we meet beyond the river ? " The Eey. W. Keall then addressed the meeting at considerable length. He had been accused of tramping on people's corns ; but truth, he said, must be told, whether people will hear or whether they will forbear". He looked upon Sabbath schools as most important institutions ; and he held there was nothing more honourable than to be connected with them. They had a grand future befoi'e them. Even now they could move the English Parliament. Mr. Keall then spoke of the benefits and of the hindrances to Sabbath school work, and illustrated both poults with anecdote and simile in a very homely and instructive manner, and to the apparent delight of his audience, His remarks on the development of the Christian life were much appreciated. Speaking of the hindrances to Sabbath School work, he said these were often caused by teachers and office-bearers not being

adapted or qualified for their work. After speaking of the hindrances which parents themselves often give to the success of Sabbath school progress, the rev. gentleman enlarged upon the inestimable blessing of having Christian parents who trained their children by good example and a religious educat'on. After relating some incidents in his own experience, he concluded "by giving a short history of his fellow Sabbath school scholars in England. Votes of thanks were passed to the Presbyterian Church Committee, to Mrs. Potts and Mrs. Downes for various articles and services rendered by them to the tea meeting. Mr. M' Alpine, in a most humourous speech, moved a vote of thanks to the ladies for the excellent tea provided by them. The last hymn oh the sheet being sung, Mr. Keall closed the meeting with the benediction.