THE WESLEYAN CHURCH SOIREE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1567, 25 May 1887, Page 2

THE WESLEYAN CHURCH SOIREE.

The tea and concert held at the Oddfellows' Hall last night was well attended by a fairly representative company, though the threatening weather '■, may have prevented some visitors from a| distance being present. An excellent tea f was provided by the ladies of the Wesleyan Church, and the tables were presided over by quite a plethora of fair assistants. The concert, which commenced shortly before eight o'clock, was prefaced by a speech from the Rev. D. McNicoll, who explained, m a few words, certain financial matters connected with the church of which he is pastor. Less \ than twelve months ago there was a debt on the building of £500, more, he thought, than the whole property was worth, and m a'very few years, someone who would Bucceed him, if not Ivb immediate successor, would have to arrange for building another edifice, When he (Mi- MoNicoll) came to this cirouit there was a debt of about £800 on the chHrch and parsonage, and he understood that some years ago the indebtedness on these properties stood as high as £1200. The debt on the parsonage was being considerably reduced year by year, and the efforts which had been put forth during the last twelve months had resulted m bringing the liabilities on the church within a very, limited compass. The bazaar held m October last, with cash donations, had put them into this position, that when another £40 had been raised, the place of worship, where it was his honor to preach the Gospel, would be dear of debt, and but £150 would be due ob the parsonage. The inclement weather, militated against the successful carrying out of the recent bazaar at the Orange Hall; but having set their hearts on getting out of debt, they were not disheartened, and would shortly invite their friends again to^visit a sale of work which it was intended to hold, and by this means obtain the £40 requisite to give the church a clean sheet. Mr McNicoll said he thought these remarks were neoessary m consequence of the f requenoy with which the Wesleyans had been before the public lately, and he felt confident that the explanation would ensure the practical sympathy of all those who detested debt m any form. The concert which followed was condncted by Mr Jas. Gamble, with Miss Potter as organist. As noted m a recent issue, this took the form of a service of song, entitled "The Queen's Jubilee." There were not over many items m the production, and it can hardly be said that the most was made of those that were sung, though the limited lime the choir had for rohearaals and other unavoidable drawbacks, are quite sufficient excuse for the laok of thoroughness noticeable m several members. "Bock of Ages," from the cantata " Daniel," was, however, a decided exception, and the exquisite manner m which the crescend and demluends passages were given bore evidence of careful training, and of accurate ap preciation of both music and books. Thoße who heard the Wesleyan Church choir's rendering of " Esther " some time ago, would recognise at once an eld favorite m l< Ho that goeh forth," but though the vocalists were quite at home with their parts, the absence of an orchestra last night detract id to a large extent from what would otherwise have been an effective interpretation of an extremely sweet piece of music. A solo, " Victoria," was clearly sung by Mr Gamble, and Miss Clara Steel was quite successful m the ever-popular, "Home, sweet home," though there was a trace of nervousness, which did not, however, mar the effeot One verse of tho " National Anthem " was given during the evening, the audience standing meanwhile, Mr D H Brown read tho connective narrative with dis tinctuuHa, but an imperfect acquaint nnco with the text, and reading from manuscript, placed him at a disadvantage. The readings were well selected and highly interesting, and were listened to with close attention. The entertainment closed with votes of thanks to the ladies, choir, organist, and all those who had m any way contributed to the evening's enjoy ment.