At Blackwood Park, the residence of Mr. F.W. Thring, about four miles from Strathalbyn, delightfully situated on the Angas at the Junction of the water course which drains the hills at the east of Macclesfield and Bugle Ranges, there annually assembles a very large party, usually numbering between 500 - 600, gathered from all parts of the state, and with delegates from other divisions of the Commonwealth and New Zealand, the raison d'etre being the customary convention conducted by a body of worshippers who own no special title, but who band themselves together "to worship God and follow the teachings and practices of Jesus Christ, untrammelled by sect or creed and seek to as far as humanly possible, walk in His footsteps".

The convention has been held at Blackwood Park for very many years, the members of the Thring family sparing neither time, work nor expense to make the gathering a material as well as spiritual success, there beautiful homestead being one of the first homes in the district, built for the late Dr. Rankine who came from Scotland, soon after his pioneer brother established the settlement of Strathalbyn, the site of the convention thus having historic as well as natural interest.

Round the house a canvas town grows up each year with a large meeting marquee, capable of seating close on 600 people comfortably, a dining tent with servery tent attached at which 250 at a sitting can be attended to, store tents, water supply provisions, ample sanitary arrangements, and other essentials for the comfort, convenience and safety being made for the large crowd, which usually includes a small proportion only of children, the gathering being primarily one for worship, not for pleasure, though the reunion each year has undeniable social enjoyment for those who attend it, the beautiful scenery, the delightful surroundings and the happy spirit of the devotees all conspiring to add to the happiness of the big body of worshippers, coming as they do from far and near.

At the courteous invitation of Mr and Miss Thring, the Mayor of Strathalbyn attended one of the big meetings on Friday afternoon last, and was given the particulars stated above, and was shown over the grounds, dotted by scores if not hundreds of individual tents from the little single camp size to the family and party capacity, and was much impressed with the perfect order and care everywhere evidenced. Squads are selected from time to time to carry out the routine business of the day, cook waiters, scullery attendants and supervisor, and Mr Thring was able to speak in praise of the admirable way in which all the heavy duties for so big a party were carried out. With modest self-effacement, he said little of the big part his family played in the scheme, but it was very evident and there was ample evidence too the catering arrangements lacked nothing.

It was at the meeting place - the afternoon one of the three held daily - that the sincerity and earnestness of the people present were plainly to be appreciated, and there were over 500 present. The addresses given were earnest and fell on eagerly listening ears, the spontaneous prayers, the voluntary testimonies and the wonderfully hearty way the hymns were sung all impressed "the stranger within the gates" and convinced him that here was no mere formal demonstration, but sincerity of purpose, constuteness, and an earnest desire to live up to the purpose of the organisation, to "follow meekly in the steps of the master."

The convention will close at this weekend, and meanwhile visitors will be welcomed at the meetings.

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