The benches not needed for the communicant congregation had been
removed from the centre of the church. On the men's side two empty
benches stood together, on the women's three or four. After the
trombonists had played a solemn chorale outside, the first chapel
servant Joshua and his wife Bertha opened their respective doors, and
about twenty men and more than thirty women entered from right and
left and took their seats. Both men and women were all attired in
their light braided sillapaks, and they are very particular to have
clean ones for this service. The women who are communicants have a
lock of their hair plaited in front of each ear. The vessels used on
this occasion were presented to this congregation by two American
ladies, who recently visited Hopedale. They were present on a similar
occasion and were much struck by the solemnity and reality of the
service. In grateful remembrance of the kindness of our missionaries
they have sent this valuable and beautiful gift of communion plate.
Though unacquainted with the language, I was able to follow the
simple, familiar communion service. The words of institution sounded
solemn, as pronounced in Eskimo, and truly when one knelt with the
congregation, and partook of the bread and wine, one could discern the
Lord's body, and feel that, though these dear people have their
temptations and their failings, yet there are many souls here who feed
on the Bread of Life and live by Him.
Pages:
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41