HARVEST THANKSGIVING SERVICES.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 247, 15 February 1898, Page 2

HARVEST THANKSGIVING SERVICES.

Harvest thanksgiving services were held at St. Peter's Church, Hamilton, on Sunday, both morning and evening. The Rev. Mr Fitzgerald, of St. Matthew's, Aucklaud, preached ou each occasion to large congregations. St. Peter's Church has always boon noted for its wealth of decorations at the harvest festival, and there was no exception to the rule on this occasion. For several days a number of enthusiastic lady membeis had been labouring hard and long under the directions of Mrs Murray, beautifying the interior of the church, and that they eclipsed all previous attempts no one will attempt to deny, Donations of grain, greenery, flowers and fruit were showered in generously, and they were displayed, artistically and tastefully by the energetic ladyworkers before meutiou'. d. Upon entering the building the chancel was the first to strike tho eye, this portion having evidently received special attention. The windows wire covered with a pretty lattice work upon a red background, while lower down were ranged miniature sheaves of wheat and luscious looking grapes and fruits of various kinds, mingling with ferns and other greenery, while here and there long drooping sheaves of well-grown wheat and oats peeped out most naturally from clumps of raupo and asp ragus. The pulpit was also beautifully decked with fruit of all kinds, brightened with flnvers and relieved with ferns and goldentinted grasses. The leetein and reading desk had been similarly treated. The font was a mass of fruit and vegetables, and the windows and pillars ha 1 a deep covering of raupo, Indian corn, fruits, It I lies and bright bulbs, while the gay sunflowers at the head of the church appeared to keep a watchful eye over all. The decorations were greatly admired, and they looked exceedingly pretty under the gas light in the evening, when the seating accommodation of the church was taxed to its utmost limit. At evensong the choir, which comprised 23 members, was greatly assisted by a charming orchestra, consisting of Messrs S. Harker, first violin ; S. Meachem, viola ; J. S. Edgecumbe, 'cello ; and Dr. Kenny double bass. Miss Newell presided at the The hymns chosen were exceedingly pretty ones, and the anthem " Fear Not O Laud," accompanied by the orchestra was thoroughly enjoyed. The rev. gentleman took his text from St. Matthew vi. 11., and his sermon,' chief charm of which lay in its simplicity, was listened to with the greatest attention.