MISSIONARY SCHOOL

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 8, 7 December 1926, Page 2

MISSIONARY SCHOOL

ANNUAL CLOSING SERVICES. GRADUATES RECEIVE DIPLOMAS. The fourteenth annual closing exercises of the New Zealand Missionary School were held in tlie school chapel, Longburn, last evening, when a gathering of 200, composed of students and friends who had journeyed from all quarters of both islands to be present for the occasion, was in attendance. On the evening previous a tea had been held at which approximately the same number of guests had been present, a programme of musical items being presented which was later followed by a rendition of the cantata, “Under the Palms,” by the school choir under the capable baton of Brother L. Minchin. Proceedings were entered upon last> evening by the nine graduates for the year marching into the chapel, followed by the ministers and those contributing items, tho opening number being a pianoforte duet, “Poet and Peasant,” by A. Stockwell and L. Minchin, which was rendered in finished manner and paved the way to other delightful items, the complete programme presented being as under: Chorus, “I am with Thee” ; cornet solo, “Hold Thou my Hand,” R. W. Westerrnan; class recitation, “Saved to Serve,” S. B. M. Pratt; pianoforte solo, “Polonaise,” L. Minchin; chorus, “Be Near Us.” During the course of the evening the diplomas won by students were presented by Pastor E. E. Cossentine, the recipients being as under: W. W. Petrie, Invercargill; Dorothy B. Reeve, Tauranga; R. W. Westerman, Christchurch ; Marian M. May, East Cape; C. M. Strange, Mangaiti; Sybil B. M. Pratt, Hawera; A. G. Jacobson, Napier; C. H. Millist, Christchurch. A Scripture reading and invocation were delivered by Mr A. Kranz, while the graduating address was given by Pastor R. Anderson, of Gisborne. A WIDER SPHERE OF SERVICE.

In addressing the graduates Pastor Anderson stated that he delivered his remarks with mixed feelings, for he fully realised the honour conferred on him and his inability to do justice to tlie occasion. Judging by tlie expressions on the faces of the graduates it was readily observed that they felt some measure of satisfaction at the successful outcome of their efforts, and he joined with the company of friends in their congratulations. They had reached one of the high points on life’s journey, a hill-top from which to view at least the preparatory steps on the highway of life. They were graduating from the Missionary School to enter a widter sphere of service, and their motto revealed the purpose of their training—'they were “Saved to Serve.” Reference was made to the commission given to the Disciples—Matt, xxviii, 19. The Disciples could not realise tlie magnitude of the task before them—they had a vast field for service—and to-day tlie command rang out, “Go work to-day in My vineyard.” Tlie graduates were told that it was to do this great work that they had been called. They had been “saved to serve the Saviour of sinners,” and that service was twofold — constant obedience to Him whose they were, and a service for suffering humanity. Those graduating were told that it was not the number of graduates who left the halls that would determine the onward progress of tlie work of God. but it was tlie kind of young men and women who xeceived the diploma of a finished task that would give the evidence to the world that the school was God’s institution. In this connection reference was made to the experience of Gideon, who started out with 32,000 men to do the work of God, but tlie test of service was too much for the majority and 31,700 went home, leaving 300 to finish tlie task. It was the right material that counted in tho finishing of the work. “What kind of service will your service be?” asked the speaker, who told the graduates that this depended upon themselves. Tho following extract from McCheyne was read: “In a great measure, according to the purity and perfection of tlie instrument will be the success. It is not great talents that God blesses so much as likeness to Jesus. A holy minister is an awful weapon in the hand of God.” The graduates were told that, as they stepped out into a broader field, it was not “eye service as men pleases; but as tho servants of Christ doing the will of Gpd from the heart.—Epli. vi, 6. In closing, Pastor Anderson asked the audience of students and friends to catch the inspiration of the hour and realise with the. graduates that they were “Saved to Serve” in spite of circumstances and disappointments, knowing that, when tearlul toil and misunderstanding should give place to joy and love, there in the Paradise of God, we would reach God’s ideal for His creatures when He said: “His servants shall servo Him.” A most successful function was brought to a conclusion with the pronouncing of the Benediction by Mr G. F. Bohnnger. STUDENTS FAREWELLED.

To-day the majority of the students and friends departed homewards, but some 30 to 35 will remain in residence to conduct the various occupations in connection with the school. The big area of- land will be tilled by those students who are working their way through their scholastic career, while tho basket-work factory and date factory will also continue operations. In the former baskets of all descriptions and dolls’ prams and carts are manufactured with highly creditable finish, while in the latter dates, which are received direct from Mesopotamia, are sorted, stoned, studded with walnuts, wrapped and packed for despatch to a Dominion firm which accepts tho whole output of this delightful sweetmeat.