St Peter's
There was a fairly good congregation at St Peter's on Thursday in last week, when the first of a series of Lenten services was conducted by the vicar (Rev. A. Howard).
The Rector of Wyddiall (the Rev. W. Mc C. Kerr) had intended to preach, but was prevented from attending owing to indisposition.
St Peter's
The interior of the church was prettily decorated with evergreens in profusion, interspersed with chrysanthemums, and at Holy Communion on Christmas Day, which was administered by the Vicar (Rev. A. Howard) to over thirty communicants, the lights from the gas enhanced considerably the decorations.
At the morning service, at which the Vicar spoke to a good congregation on the joy which the first Christmas Day brought to the earth, touching upon the same happy lot which might be ours if it could be realised that the Babe Who was born in the manger at Bethlehem was sent as the Saviour of man. The season of Christmas could only be enjoyed in the heart by knowing the relationship of Him Who was born in the manger in the fields while the shepherds were watching their sheep because there was no place to accomodate for Joseph and his espoused wife Mary when the time came for her to be delivered.
Appropriate hymns were used, and the Holy Communion was also celebrated after the service.
On the Sunday preceding Christmas Day there was a special carol service during the afternoon. Thanks to the excellent training of Mrs Pateman, who accompanied singing on the organ, the children sang exceptionally well, some of the carols being "O little town of Bethlehem," "Silent Night," "Good King Wencelas" and "A Child this day is born," Mrs Fiddaman delivering the air for the latter and the children singing the chorus.
A further carol service will be held on Sunday next.
Sunday School Treat
Not quite the usual number of scholars attending Layston Sunday School were present at the annual treat, several of them having gone away for the summer holidays.
The scholars, accompanied by teachers and a few mothers, assembled early on Saturday afternoon last at St Peter's for a short service, and from there made their way to Aspenden House (the infants being taken by car) at the kind invitation of Capt. and Mrs Williams.
Games whirled away the time until the bountiful tea was served on the lawn. Following this, the usual programme of races was carried out, bucket ball for mothers and teachers concluding the events.
After the distribution of prizes, the Vicar (Rev. A. Howard) expressed his thanks to all who had helped to make the treat so enjoyable, and called for cheers, which were heartily given.
The National Anthem concluded the proceedings.
Lantern Lecture
On Thursday evening in last week, Miss Rose Box, of the Colonial and Continental Church Society (Juvenile Branch), gave an interesting lantern lecture at St Peter's.
The lecturer gave an account of the Society's work in Kenya Colony, and the 80 slides were photos of the conditions in that Country.
The Rev. A. Howard opened and closed the service with prayer, and Miss L.M. Davies presided at the organ for the two hymns which were heartily sung.
Mr B.E. Thody kindly operated the lantern.