HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Lucknow Sentinel, 1987-03-11, Page 5World Day of Prayer hosted by
Christian Reformed Church
On Friday, afternoon, March 6, approx-
imately 80 women from the Lucknow area
gathered for the World Day of Prayer ser-
vice held in the Christian Reformed
Church. Cathy Lubbers, representing the
host church, welcomed all.
A short skit, with two characters. Molly
and Marty, brought into light the concerns
of today's women and it was enjoyed by
all. Members of the Luc,know
Presbyterian, United, Catholic, Anglican
and South Kinloss Presbyterian led
various parts of the service, using the
theme "Come and Rejoice".
The service this year was a special one
marking the 100th anniversary of the
World Day of Prayer. In 1887, Mary Ellen
James,' a housewife and mother of seven in
New York, felt compelled to call for a na-
tional day of prayer for home missions. As
an annual event it soon spread to many
denominations and included foreign mis-
sions and concerns. Women in Canada
were also.. praying together across
denominatioisial lines.
• By 1918 Bessie McMurchie,. a
Presbyterian 'had called together
representatives from various, denomina-
tions, their purpose "promising the spread
of Christ's Kingdom by united prayer and
united action and a stronger voice in na-
tional questions.."
Local churches
join for
special service
CHURCH -
By Teresa Courtney
Eight country churches joined in the.St.
Augustine Roman Catholic Church on Fri-
day, March 6 to celebrate the 100th- an-
niversary of the World Day of Prayer.
The World Day of Prayer Prayer began
in 1887 by Mrs. Mary Ellen James of
Brooklyn, New York. In 1918, Canadian
women were called together under the
leadership of Mrs. Bessie McMurchy. To-
day, more than 170 countries join together
on the first Friday of March to pray for
special and spiritual concerns of their
country.
Mrs. Nancy Stapleton, president of the
St. Ausgustine Catholic Women's League
and Mrs. Betty Lou Dalton, chairlady of
the World Day of Prayer, welcomed 60
people taking part in the centennial theme,
"COME AND REJOICE". The special
speaker was Reverend Frank Dentinger,
pastor. Mrs. Walter (Renee) Stalenhoef of
RR 3 Auburn provided special songs and
music.
The local history highlights were given
by Mrs. K.K. Dawson. The United Chur-
ches of Dungannon, Crewe and Port Albert
organized in the late '30s with Mrs. Mel
Reid of Dungannon as chairlady. They
were joined later by the Anglicans and
Presbyterians of Dungannon.
In the early '50s Nile United and the Port
Albert Anglican ladies were welcomed,
followed by St. Augustine Roman Catholic
and Donnybrook United.
In the early '70s the Christian Reformed
Church was active in Dungannon and they
joined. St. Joseph's Roman Catholic
Church, Kingsbridge transferred from the
Lucknow group in 1980. North Ashfield
Presbyterian, who have been active in
their own church, joined in 1982 and in 1987
the Trinity United church transferred
from} Lucknow.
Churches taking part in 1987 are:
Dungannon United Church, North Ashfield
Presbyterian, Port Albert Anglican, Trini-
ty United, Donnybrook. United,
Kingsbridge Roman Catholic, Nile United
and St. Augustine Roman Catholic.
During the social hour, the lunch was
served incl'tding a special 100th Anniver-
sary cake. Mrs. Betty Lou Dalton and. Mrs.
Eileen Wilson performed a skit depicting
the efforts the ladies made to attend the
World Day of Prayer including the trials of
this day confronting Betty Lou to get to the
World. Day of Prayer celebration. Mrs.
Edith Simpson was the commentator.
As time went on the idea spread
throughout the world. After 1945 and the
devastation of two World Wars, women of
vision around the world saw the healing
possibilities of prayer. Today, Christians
of different cultures, politics and races in
170 countries gather together on the first
Friday of March for worship and prayer.
What a cause for celebration!
In the remembering section of the ser-
vice, Mary Ellen James, represented by
Mrs. Allison Ramsay, in period costume,
brought forward a lamp as a symbol of the
Light of the world, the warmth of the Spirit
and the Love and Hope, of Jesus Christ.
Bess McMurchie, represented by Mrs. No-
ble Johnston in period costume, brought
forward symbolizing the blossoming
and flourishing of the world day of prayer
movement. The International Woman,
represented by Hannah Hartemink in a
traditional Dutch costume, brought for-
ward a globe symbolizing the spread of the
movement throughout the world.
A short history of the world day of
prayer service in Lucknow was given,
noting that it began here approximately 60
years ago. During the offering four
members of the Lucknow band played a
selection of hymns. A time of fellowship
and refreshments followed the service.
Lucknow Sentinel, Wednesday, March 11, 1987—Page 5
The World Day' of Prayer service was held in Lucknow on March 6 with many members of
churches in the area gathering at the Lucknow Christian Reformed Church for the special
event. To mark the 100th anniversary of the World Day of Prayer, several ladies dressed
in old-fashioned attire and carried the symbols of the event. From left are, Mrs. Noble
Johnston, Hannah Hartemink and Mrs. Allison Ramsay. (Alan Rivett photo)
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