Welsh Journals

Brw£3tli ©eaners /lfoaQa3tne* Vol. 2. FEBRUARY, 1894. No. 14. LLANIDLOES. CHEISTMAS. It seems somewhat late to speak of Christmas in a February number, but the inexorable conditions of a monthly periodical make it necessary. The Christmas Day services were bright and well-attended. Two anthems were well sung by the choir—"Behold I bring you good tidings," Sir John Goss, and " There were Shepherds," B. Tours, in which there was a soprano solo, taken by Miss Ikin. Three new carols were also sung, and repeated the following Sunday at the Children's Carol Service. The latter was an innovation and a successful one. Next year we hope to make it a real children's service and have the carols sung by them instead of the choir. In the absence of Mr. Cope, the duties of organist were efficiently discharged by Miss Marshall. There were four celebrations of the Holy Communion. The number of communicants was—104 being four less than last year. We should have been glad to record an increase, but considering that Christmas Day followed so close on Sunday, perhaps there is no need of being discouraged. It is a greater source of regret that no one volunteered to be present at Holy Communion on the Feasts of Circumcision and Epiphany. What communi¬ cants, above all else, ought to aim at is earnestness, and regularity of attendance is at once the sign and source of earnestness. With a view to encouraging and stimulating more regular attendance at the Holy Communion the Vicar intends to establish a Communi¬ cants' Guild or Association, and had it not been for his illness would have taken the necessary steps in the e^rly part of the year.' The object is to combine together all the communicants who are willing to pledge themselves to communicate weekly, fortnightly, Monthly, or every quarter as the case may be. The Church was as beautifully decorated as ever. We record thankfully the willing assistance of the ladies who contributed to the effect. Mrs. Kitto, floral ^oss for the altar; Mrs. Jones, Vicarage, altar vases ; ^iss Kerr, east window; Misses Ikin, altar rails; pisses Jerman, choir stalls; Mrs. Roberts and Miss ^avies (new recruits, whom we are glad to welcome), *be clergy stalls; Miss Kitto, lectern; Miss Ikin, pulpit *&d window; Miss Lily Davies, Miss Maysmore, and ■^iss Williams, north windows; Misses Lloyd-Kinsey, south windows ; Miss Marshall, font. LENT. Lent this year follows hard on the heels of Christmas —fit emblem of the close intertwining of the lights and shades of life. Owing partly to the Vicar's illness, and partly to the series of lectures, which we notice below, we have no special arrangements to announce. And yet opportunities will not be wanting for all who seek them to make this solemn season a means of closer communion with God, and of progress in the spiritual life. Shall we not see more constant attendance at the week day and Sunday seiwices ?—many would find coming to the morning service on Sunday a profitable way of marking the season—more frequent attendance at Holy Communion ? greater earnestness and prepara¬ tion for any work undertaken, e.g. in the Sunday School ? The Rev. G. W. Gent, Principal of St. Mark's College, Chelsea—a name familiar and welcome in Llanidloes—has kindly promised, at the cost of much personal inconvenience, to deliver addresses on Holy Thursday and Good Friday. Further particulars will be given next month. THE ENTERTAINMENT Given by the scholars of the National School on December 20th, in the Public Rooms, was a great success. At this distance of time individual excellencies have faded from our mind, and we are left with a pleasing impression of two hours' continuous enjoy¬ ment. We cannot but congratulate Mr. Cope and Miss Phillips, as well as the children, most heartily upon the successful result of so many weeks' indefatigable labour. The supporters of the concert will be glad to hear that it is already bearing fruit in greater regularity of attendance at school, so much more potent are the delights of a prize than the terrors of the attendance officer. THE CHRISTMAS PARTY, which made its first appearance last year, has evidently come to stay. It took place this year on Wednesday, December 27th. The schoolroom had been gaily decorated for the occasion, festoons of evergreens, many-coloured muslins and curtains (reminiscent of the bazaar), brilliant lights and polished floor combining to