HARVEST THANKSGIVING.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 3062, 1 March 1892, Page 2

HARVEST THANKSGIVING.

O.v Sunday last the usual harvest thanksgiving services were held at St. Peter's Church, Hamilton. The Church was decorated for the festival, and although it wan noticeable that there was not that profusion which has marked previous occasions of this kind, the effect was none the less pretty. Considering the splendid season and bountiful harvest that farmers have had in tliii district, we did not think there would be any scarcity of grain or fruit to decorate God's building on this occasion ; but such was the case, and we understand that the iuaumbent had considerable trouble to gat even the material. Jhe did. The chancel, pulpit and font' were the most striking points in the decorations, and they reflected great credit on the ladies who accomplished this work, which to them, we feel sure, must have been a labour of love. The windows and pillars were also attended to, the former being surrounded with grain of various sorts, and the sills piled up with fruit—mostly apples ; and on the pillars, maize and zebra grass were nailed, the intermediate arches having brackets of fruit suspended from them. Both services were conducted by the incumbent, Rov. R. O'C. Bigs, who was assisted iu the morning by Mr S. T. Seddon. The congregation in the morning was not by any means large, and we wern surprised at the small attendance of farmers, but concluded they had decided to attend in the evening. The service, which was semi-choral, was special for the festival, and the einging of the choir was very good. The incumbent, taking his text from St. Paul's epistle Do the Galstians, 7th verse of the6th chapter, "Whatsoever a man aoweth, that shall he also reap," preached a forcible and appropriate sermon. At the conclusion of matins, a number partook of the Holy Communion, which was celebrated by the incumbent. A t ereneong, there was a good congregation, the sittings being comfortably filled. At this service, which was full choral, we 1 noticed a number of farmers present, but I still there were many familiar faces missing. : This service was very bright, and was entered into heartily by the congregation. The incumbent again preached a feeling sermon, taking his text from Ecclesiastes, 3rd chapter and 13th verse, " Every mau should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of hie labours; it is the gift of God." The I collections for the day amounted to £610s.

The harvest thanksgiving sorvice at Tiiuwhare was conducted by the Rev. R. O'U. Biggs on Sunday afternoon last. The school.room had been very prettily decorated for the occasion, and there was a good congregation, who entered hoartily into the service.