ASHBURTON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 2, Issue 299, 22 March 1881, Page 2

ASHBURTON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

‘‘ Eva.” Last night the musically illustrated service of “Eva” was performed by the Ashburton Presbyterian choir, at the church, Havelock street. The Rev. A. M. Beattie presided, and after prayer asked the audience to hear the service of song which was to be given by the choir. He felt sure they would the choir had provided. Ths following ladies and gentlemen acted iii the choir, and their rendering of-the hy inns and choruses which abound through:out the piece was very pieising; theVmioeir blending well to gether and the time perfect.” " Mrs Savage, Miss Oliver and Mra pfrtett, Messrs Caird and Barrett (tenor and bass), Mr G. Savage (cornet), Mr J. Sc Savage (leader), and Miss Murray(organist.) • , , i The first part commenced witlf ther song “ Scatter seeds of • kindness,”'which was very musically rendered. Dr Stewart then read the first part of the connective.; history of “ Little Era St Glare," .bf whom all readers of Uncle Toms’ Cabin will be fully acquainted. The doctor read the short pieces very ,well t( , the r pathetic parts in which the tale abounds being particularly well given. Altogether there were 13 musical,selections jgivon by, the choir, those .which require particular mention being—“ The happy home,” “Far, far away,” “ I see a world of '• spirits light,” “ Thou art passing away,” “My beautiful home,” “ To r the land where Jesus dwelleth,” ; “ Peacefully sleep,” and “ Vital spark of heavenly flame.” The choruses in each of the . above were very niqely rendered, but we would like to hear some children’s.voices*, as those always tend to improve part,, singing, especially in 11 the subdued* ' choruses. ' V T

At the-conclusion of the service Mr Hogg proposed a Vote of tliankstdfthte choir, for theii very: efficient ■ renderiugjpf, the service, and which had proved such a treat; He was only sorry that elicit a few > were present. * Mr Andrew Orr had very much pleasure in seconding Mr Hogg’s resolu which was carried with acclamation.- ■ ■; . , Mr. Gavin proposed a vote of thanks'to -' the rev. Chairman and Dr Stewart ); .f<jr,\ their able assistance, and in doing so said" he hoped the choir would; be induced to give a second rendering of “ Eva,” af the Town Hall. .j . •, y The motion was seconded’by Mr. Pavitts and carried unanimously. , TV'.iri/ - Dr Stewart, in responding, said that lie ' was very pleased to see that the choir had met with such marked success: him-

self, was greatly pleased with the service. If the choir we r o asked to. give another service at the Town Hall, he thought theywould gladly do so, but everyone present should endeavor to- make it known [to their friends, in order to secure a good. attendance, as it was Very disheartening to ! sing to a small house. Ho hoped also that a more able person than himself would be induced to give the connective readings, which required so pathetio a , rendering. The Rev. A- M. Beattie, in thanking ‘ those present for the vote of - thank* ■ passed, took occassion to refer tp r the excellent rendering f vice of song by * the choir. He had still a happy duty 16 perform,* which was, to mike a presentation to .ajs. lady who had for years interested herself in the singing in this church. The present he was .about to make he hoped would be accepted by the lady as a token from her fellow worshippers.]lt had been ; well earned, and he trusted th»t4t - woald»- r be accepted as a feeling of-good-will-and esteem. The lady he referred to was . Mrs Savage. (Cheers). He had great pleasure in handing that lady r a purse of sovereigns, which had been collected by her fellow worshippers. ’ \ l Mr Savage replied on behalf his wife, thanking them for their handsome present, which, he said, wis quite unexpected, and would be always remembered by .her as a token of the esteem in which sheyraar held by the members of this ehurclu The choir he hoped would be able to give a second rendering of “ Eva ” at the Town Hall, if they wished it,.and ,WQUfld tr/i.|b do their best. Mr Savage in fbw hutoorous remarks, referred to the old days ef the Presbyterian Church choir in Ashbur- ) ■ton. ■ : : V .•? r; ■' 1. 0 i d The Rev. A. M. Beattie: .then pronounced the benediction, and the proceed* ings terminated. ' " • 5