FEMINGTON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1530, 2 May 1885, Page 2

FEMINGTON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

The outlook on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning was rather gloomy for the ancceas of the tea meeting, which was to celebrate the opening of the Presbyterian Church at Flemington. Rain, however, kept off during the afternoon of Wednesday, Mid, although a little after the appointed time, things soon bore the animated appearance of the crowded scene of the last annual gathering. Conveyances of various kinds conveyed the visitors to the schoolroom from all parts of the surrounding district. The tea, sumptuously provided by the ladies, having been done justice to, the scene by the labor of many willing hands was transformed into that of a public meeting. The Rev a. Blake presided, and began by apologising for the absence of Revs R. F. Garbett and A. M. Beattie, He referred to soma indications of progress. The membership had increased by fifteen, and they had obtained a new elder, but would lose the services of Mr Wallace, whom they would follow with best wishes to his new sphere. The undertaking in connection with the new Church building had been carried out, notwithstanding the difficulties of various kinds, with uukroken harmony and without having recourse to certain other methods of raising fund-, He acknowledged the readi ness of all to co-operate, and concluded by expressing a hope of deeper life in the congregation. Mr George Gilmour, treasurer, spoke of the progress of the congregation with regard to finance, and thought they had reason to feel gratified They were mat to celebrate the opening of their new church, an undertaking which should have been carriea out years *go, but through lack of either spirit or money, perhaps both, the scheme foil through. The matter had been taken up again lately by some or tbeir own members heading the list with L 25 and L2C and smaller amounts, so that with the hol[ of some good canvassers they had to accomplish the task. Among these h< would name Mrs McConnell, who hat been instrumental in raising L4O ; Mr J Shearer, L4O; and Mr Thomas Taylor the modest sum of L7O. Among the public men in the county he would mention Mr E. G. Wright, Mr Andrew Orr and Mr Grigg, M. U.R., who had aided with sums of L 10; the last named gentleman having in a generous spirit enabled them to secure the site on which the church is erected. They were indebted to Mr Bird for ser vices rendered as architect at a merely nominal cost, and Messrs Barnes and ,«mith had completed the work in a sub stantial and workmanlike manner. Tin plans had been prepared by Mr Kdwir Blake free of cost. The contract sum foi building was neatly L 269, and the preaen liability LSO. In addition to this thi ladies were raising a sum of Ll 5 to moe the expanse of interior furnishing, and one of the young men attending th< church had presented a handsome Bibb and Hymn Book. Excellent and effectivi addresses were delivered by Revs R Stewart, of Bakaia, and T. W. Dunn, 01 Auckland, the former illustrating the need and value of enthusiasm by severs! well-told anecdotes. The Rev Mr Dunn spoke on congregational work, keeping the audience well entertained throughout, Mr Harding followed on the advantage! and disadvantages of a permanent minis try, giving some valuable advice. Th< choir, which received a share of attentioi from the speakers, was led by Mr Joht Dunn, and tendered in a vary pleaain; manner a variety of sacred music. I vote of thanks to the ladies who provider and presided at the tea was moved by M Andrew Orr and seconded by Mr Hogg A vote of thanks was ffien moved by M Thomas Taylor to the choir, includin' Mrs Harding, who presided at the har monium, and the speakers. Hp likewiai desired to bo permitted to move a vote o thanks to their pastor, not only for pre siding at the meeting, but for his worl while he had been among them, and hi could say that there w*s good being done These votes having been fcarried by accla mation, a most enjoyable meeting wsi closed with prayer. The tea was prov dec by Mesdames Donaldson, Croy, Shearer Bell (Flemington), and Kidd; and at thi bachelors’ table, Misses Williamson Mc.deikin, and Fechney.