OHAUPO.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 250, 22 February 1898, Page 2

OHAUPO.

Harvest Festival.— On Sunday last we had our harvest thanksgiving service in the little Anglican Church. There was a large congregation, the church being full. The offerings of fruit and vegetables were numerous ; bread and two hrge frames of beautiful honey were a'so contributed. The church was nicely decorated. On entering the first thing that met the eye was a text in white letters on red ground round the arch of the chancel, " Thou crowuest the year with thy goodness," in German text. Tl is was much admired. The prayers were said by the Rev. Mr Marshall, and the sermon was preached by the Archdeacon, the text being Luke VIII. and part of the 18th verse : " Take heed, therefore, how ye hear." The rev. gentleman, in the course of his appropriate sermon, referred to the parable of the sower, showing that men wou'd be judged according to their opportunities, and that it depended upon the state of our hearts whether we profit by the preaching of the Gospel.* He also referred to the death of the late Bishop Selwyn, who was a faithful labourer of Christ's in sowing the seeds of the Gospel in the Melanesian Islands, and concluded by saying we ought to be thankful to the Great Creator, the giver of all goodness, for a plentiful harvest. Hymns suitable to the occasion were sung. After service many of the congregat on remained to inspect the offerings aud to decide what was to be done with them. It was decided that the lot be sent to Mrs Cowie's Women's Home, Parnell.—(Own Correspondent).