ANNIVERSARY SERVICES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 November 1939, Page 7

ANNIVERSARY SERVICES

METHODIST SUNDAY SCHOOL. OUTSTANDING CELEBRATION. Eighty-three years of work amongst young people was fittingly celebrated in special anniversary services held in the Methodist Church yesterday, when very large congregations assembled for worship in the morning, afternoon, and evening. For the evening service the church proved much too small to accommodate the worshippers, and in spite of the utilising of vestries and all available space a number had to be turned away. The Rev. Frederick J. Parker conducted the three services and at the morning and evening sessions, gave intensely interesting Object Talks to the boys and girls on “The Light that Shines” and “The Wind that Blows,” the older folk as well as the young people being intrigued by the wise use of electric light, with colours, etc., and the blowing of a specially controlled “breeze” in the church.

The singing of the children was of outstanding merit, and reflected the greatest credit on those who had trained them. Miss Ivie Donald as conductor, had charge of the baton, and through the singing of the large children’s choir, gave most impressive and tasteful interpretations of the special hymns. Associated with her was Miss Constance Donald, L.R.S.M., at the grand organ and Miss Gwen Greig. L.R.S.M., at the piano, and Miss Elsie Donald as leader. The afternoon service was more particularly for the smaller children, and right well did the “tiny tots” acquit themselves in their little choruses, and Scripture recitations, while added interest came in the items by the Te Ore Ore Methodist Sunday School children who gave a set of most interesting items. An outstanding feature of the afternoon was the recital, in their own language, of familiar Bible Stories, by Kathleen Wiltshire, Rob Shoosmith and Betty Conly.

At each of the services there were splendid renderings of duets, trios, and quartettes by the children. At the morning service the Scripture was read by six members of the Young Women’s Bible Class, and in the evening by members of the Young Men's Bible Class.

At each of the services words of welcome were expressed on behalf of the Church and Sunday School to al. visitors and especially to ex-teachers and officers and scholars, by Mr J. H. Conly, M.A., the superintendent of the Sunday School. All ex-teachers and officers were invited to sign the “visitors’ register” and a fine numberresponded, revealing visitors from quite distant parts, as well as many from the Masterton district still interested in the work of the Sunday School. The anniversary will conclude with the annual demonstration in the church tonight when special items will be given by the children and the prizes for the year distributed.