EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE

New Zealand Listener, Volume 2, Issue 41, 5 April 1940, Page 48

EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE

CBS Again Organises Impressive Ceremony

\ ; é 7 ITH class and creed distinctions laid aside, more than 7,000 people came again this year to participate, in the Easter Sunrise Service on Mt. Victoria, Wellington, Long before the darkness of the night had turned into the glory of the day, men, women and children began their pilgrimage up the steep hillside, and by 6a.m. many thousands had gathered. It had been a perfect night, calm and clear; the stars were still twinkling in the moonlit sky when, as early as 5 a:m., the first of the pilgrims reached the top of the hill, This large assembly of Easter worshippers came to pay homage to the memory of Christ, Who, almost 2.000 years ago, suffered on the Cross. of Calvary, and brought renewed hope to the hearts of men by His conquest over Death, Where the Idea Originated The first Easter Sunrise Service held on Mt. Victoria last year met with such success and approval that it was décided to hold the service each year if pagsible. The suggestion originated from " Aunt Daisy" who attended a similar service in Honolulu a year or two ago. The day had dawned wonderfully bright, and certainly no more impressive setting could»be found than that which presented itself on Mt. Victoria. Below, facing south, . were the’ calm shining waters of Wellington’s beautiful harbour, with the city beyond, rising to the heights of Kelburn, Wadestown,, and Brooklyn. On the other side one could gaze far across the. blue waters to the South Island. The service was held directly under one of the 2ZB transmitting aerials, circumstances quite beyond control having prevented the service from being held at the foot of the Cross. Nearby slopes of the mountain from the Centennial’ Lookout to the Signal Station were crowded with

people. Soldiers mingled -with civilians on the hill-top, .

As the Sun Rose One could not help being impressed by the solemnity of. the occasion when 7,000 voices repeated the Lord’s Prayer

as the sun rose over the eastern hills and shone on the thousands of worshippers. The Controller of the Commercial Broadcasting Service (Uncle Scrim) presided over the service, and the following ministers of the various denominations took part: The Revs. Harry Squires (Anglican), H. E. Edridge (Baptist), Dr. J. Gibson Inkster (Presbyterian), Percy Paris (Methodist), Pastor B. M. Lowe (Church of Christ), and Capt. Elliott Major (Salvation Army). Those who were not able to be present at the actual service had the pleasure of listening in to a good reception from 1ZB Auckland, 3ZB_ Christchurch, 4ZB Dunedin, and 2ZA Palmerston North. All were anxious to add their prayers to the Christian message of goodwill to mankind. The service included the well-known Easter hymns, a Scripture reading by the Rev. H. E. Edridge, a prayer by Rev. Dr. J. Gibson Inkster, an address by Rev. Percy Paris. The Benediction was pronounced by Capt. Elliott Major after the singing of the " Hallelujah Chorus" by the combined choirs, and of the Doxology by the vast congregation. Much Appreciation After the service special buses were ready to transport the people back to their homes. Some had risen in the dark, and come from as far away as the Hutt Valley, but it was noticeable that many people made the pilgrimage on foot, no doubt feeling that this was their contribution to the commemoration of Easter Sunday. Since the service, letters of appreciation have poured in to the ZB stations, all expressing their thanks for the opportunity of participating in such a dignified and beautiful service. It is the intention of the Commercial Broadcasting Service to organise the ceremony every Easter Sunday, which means that Mt. Victoria will become permanently associated with Easter worship.

So impressive was the big white Cross erected high on Mt. Victoria and illuminated at night, that several requests have been made to the CBS to allow the Cross to remain in its position for the duration of the war. It is regretted that it is not possible to accede to these requests.