CHRISTMAS DAY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2383, 26 December 1908, Page 4

CHRISTMAS DAY.

WEATHER UNSEASONABLE

The heavy rain that fell on Thursday night gave place to a fine mornin" yesterday, and up to about noon few clouds were to be seen. During the afternoon, however, a heavy hank of clouds came up from the south, and shortly after six o'clock heavy rain set in, which continued, at intervals during the night. The rain interfered with the success of evening .gatherings, and the weather was the reverse or what is seasonable at Christmas time.

CHURCH SERVICES.

HOLY TRINITY CHURCH

Special Christmas services were celebrated in Holv Trinity Church yesterday. At 7 m the morning Holv Communion was celebrated, the "Vicar fthe Rev. L. Dawson Thomas) officiating. At 8 a.m. Holy Communion was again celebrated, when the Vicar "was assisted by the Rev. MCockerill, of Taruheru College. Choral Morning Praver was sung at 11 a.m., when the Vicar preached from the text “God so loved the World that he "ave His onlv begotten Son,” (St,'John 111, 16). The Choir gave special Christinas hymns, and during the offertory sang Dr W estley s anthem, “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing.” After the service there was a third celebration of the Holy Communion, the Vicar being agam assisted by the Rev. M. Cockerill. At evensong the Choir sang special anthems and Christmas carols. -Mr Sidebottom acted as organist. The services were well attended. Ihe offerorics were very liberal and will ho devoted to the assistant cJergv fund of tlie parish.

ST. MARY'S CHURCH. In St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church low mass was celebrated at 7 a.m.. and high mass at 9 a.m.. when the Choir sang Mozart s ".Seventh Mass.’ and Mrs Phil But) . the solo in the “Adeste Fideles. At 11 a.m. low mass was celebrated, and at 7 in the evening the service t-ook the form -of solemn Vespers and Benediction. Father Lane officiated at all the services, and preached sermons appropriate to the occasion. The Church was tastefully decorated bv the Children of Mary and Messrs Hackett, Segedin, and Ostoja. lhe music at high mass was exceedingly well*. given by the Choir, assisted by a verv efficient orchestra, led by Mr Vita.’under the conductorsliip of Mr M. A. Neill, who deserves much credit for the manner in which the service was given. Miss Neill officiated as organist, There were full congregations at all the services.