PRAYER IN CRISIS

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21214, 10 September 1940, Page 7

PRAYER IN CRISIS

TE AWAMUTU CHURCHES (Special to Times) TE AWAMUTU, Monday The national day of prayer called by the King was observed by the churches in Te Awamutu yesterday. There was an overflow congregation at St. John’s Anglican Church in the evening when territorials, returned soldiers, the Women’s Auxiliary, St. John Ambulance, Legion of Frontiersmen, fire brigade, municipal band and representatives of the local bodies attended the special service. The vicar, the Rev. M. G. Sullivan, delivered an inspiring address in the course of which he asked the congregation to remember the people of Great Britain in their present struggle and danger. At the Roman Catholic Church there was a very large attendance at Mass in the morning and many communicants. In the evening the Forty Hours service was concluded, the church being filled to capacity. The service was conducted by the Rev. Father Terry, of Auckland, who exhorted the faithful not to despair or become despondent. The evening devotion brought to a close the eight days of special prayer and penance ordained by the Bishop, and during the whole week large numbers attended Mass in the morning and devotions in the evening. There were large congregations also at Ohaupo, Kihikihi and Harapepe.

Services were held in other churches, all being marked by a reverent and sincere devotion.