S. STEPHEN'S CHURCH, TAMAHERE. Harvest Thanksgiving Service.

Waikato Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1822, 11 March 1884, Page 2

S. STEPHEN'S CHURCH, TAMAHERE. Harvest Thanksgiving Service.

The pretty little church of S. Stephen the Martyr, Tamahere, was crowded to excess on Sunday afternoon at the fiist harvest thanksgiving service. The interior had been decorated with considerable taste, the show of fruit and flowers being disposed to the beat advantage. Sheaves, of wheat and wreaths of oats were placed over and around the windows, and a festoon was hung across the chancel, over which at the point of the arch was a cross composed of wheaten sheaves Around the arch was the text in elaborately ill itr.i i.Ued letteis, "The eaith is the Lord's, and tho fulness thereof." The chancel and choir stalls were also profusely adorned. The parish choir was supplemented by that of S. Peter's, Hamilton, and the choral part of the service was very effectively rendered. The anthem, " Ye shall dwell in the land," was especially good ; the solo parts were taken by members of S. Peter's choir. Miss Newell presided at the harmonium. The service was conducted by the Rev R. O'O. BiggH, The rev, gentleman preached from the text, Amos vih, 1. " And behold a basket of summer fruit" Ho impressed upon his heareis the importance of taking the lessons of harvest to heart. As they prepared the ground for the seed, so should they prepare their hearts and minds for the reception of the good seed of the Gospel, but it was not enough that they should eradicate all the weeds from the soil, it was not enough even that they should plough deep and sweeten the soil ; they must be careful that the seed sown was good seed, the berst of its kind. The sermon, which was eloquent and thoughtful, was enlivened by appropriate anecdotes and illustrations, and was listened to with earnest attention. After the ordinary service the Holy Sacrament was administered to a number of the congregation. The ladies of the parish are to be congratulated on the taste displayed in the qegorafcion. of the church.