Rev. D. Engelsma, of Loveland, Colo., has declined the call to be Home Missionary of our churches. 

Rev. H. Hanko, of Doon, Iowa, declined the call to be minister of First Church in Grand Rapids, Mich.

The League of Men’s Societies met at Holland April 19 with Student Richard Moore as speaker. His topic was, “Speaking with Tongues.” The speaker divided his speech (as a good seminarian) into three divisions. First, he spoke of the real gift, referring to that gift of tongues in the Church at Pentecost; he then described their use of that gift; and finally spoke of the present day phenomena masquerading under the name of speaking with tongues. Comparing the real gift with the pseudo claim, Mr. Moore pointed out that the real gift was a. sign of the spreading of the gospel to all nations, while the modern day gibberish is no language at all but a rapid muttering of sounds which carry no message. After recess Mr. Moore was initiated into the fellowship of speakers who must successfully meet a barrage of questions from the audience. Like his predecessors, he was unable to answer some, parried others, and answered the rest. He proved to have a very engaging personality on the podium.

Redlands’ Sunday School invited the congregation to a special Resurrection Day Program after the morning service on April 18. Rev. C. Hanko told the story of The Resurrection, and the children spoke, sang and gave musical numbers to carry out the theme of thanksgiving for the hope of our resurrection as a fruit of our Lord’s victory over death.

The Spring Mass Meeting of the Mr. and Mrs. Societies featured Rev. G. VanBaren from Randolph, Wis., as speaker. This meeting was held at First Church, Grand Rapids, April 30. The topic: “The New Generation of 1924—A Blueprint for Its Failure.” The previous evening he delivered this lecture in Oak Lawn under the auspices of their Men’s Society.

From the April 25th bulletin of First Church we lift the following: “In regard to the condition of Rev. H. Hoeksema, the doctor reports that he is suffering from a general and rather advanced arterial deterioration, and that the outlook is not hopeful. However, he is adjusting rather well on the average, and is responding to the care. When visited this week, his general condition seemed poorer, and he had considerable difficulty with his speech and walking. Let us remember him in our prayers to the Lord Who doeth all things well.”

Hudsonville’s Sunday School has begun its 1965 summer session. The teachers are asking the parents to “see to it that the Sunday School papers are kept in good condition because all papers are to be returned.” Hudsonville has decided to join the other Sunday Schools in the area in a project which provides re-use of the papers which are sent to the institution for exceptional children in Coldwater, Mich.

Mrs. C. Hanko is still making progress. She gets about her home in a walker, almost unaided; is regaining the use of her right hand, and begins to make sentences. Even with this rate of progress a trip to Michigan to attend Synod seems to be out of the question, but a visit to Lynden in late summer might be taken by Mrs. Hanko in accompanying her “Dominee” on a classical appointment to Washington.

Easter Sunday the Prot. Ref. High School Circle sponsored a public program furnished by the Radio Choir. As an extra feature Don Knoper played some Easter songs on his trumpet, his daughter, Donna, accompanying him at the piano. The choir, under the direction of Mr. Roland Petersen, again proved itself a fit instrument by which to praise God with uplifted voices. Three of the numbers (two of which were Psalms) were melodies strange to American ears but commonplace in England. The number which stood out in this listener’s ears was, “Let All The Nations Praise The,” an unusual Hallelujah Chorus very well suited to join the Angelic Choir and that of the Redeemed Saints. The organ accompaniment, with Mrs. C. Lubbers at the console, was beautiful beyond description; What a soul stirring climax to an already joyous Sunday!

Holland is planning a public lecture and program scheduled for May 20 at 8 o’clock in their new church. Rev. H. Veldman has been secured to give the lecture which is entitled, “The Heritage of the Seed of the Covenant.” The group sponsoring this program is the Holland Society for Providing Prot. Ref. Christian Education. The offering to be received at this program is “to assist them with the financial load involved with the transportation of their children each day to Hope School.” Isn’t it remarkable that lectures of this type, and on this subject, cannot be heard anywhere, anymore, except by our men in the gatherings of our people? This observation is not intended to be a pat-on-the-back, but to stress the sober fact that lectures of this type are dependent upon our continued loyalty in attending the same! See you there? 

. . . . . . see you in church. 

—J.M.F.