RAKAIA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SOIREE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1653, 3 September 1887, Page 2

RAKAIA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SOIREE.

The annual soiree m oonneotion with the Rakaia Presbyterian Church took place m the Oddfellows' Hall on Thursday evening. The tables, as usual m connection with affairs of this nature m Rakaia, were got up m a most elaborate manner, and reflected the highest credit a pin all the ladies, who must have lavished a considerable amount of time, skill, and good will to spread such an entiolng banquet before the guests. The following Kakaia ladies presided at and supplied refreshments at the tables, viz — Mosdames Allan, Prlmar, Murray, Millar, Mrs Oakley, Mrs Lewis, aaoisted by Miss Hood. In addition there was a bachelors' table, managed to perfection by Miss Young, the Misses Bruce (2), Leabody and Stevenson. The Ohartsey branch of the congregation was well represented by a tab'o presided over by Mesdamea Todd, and Dolg, assisted by Miss Todd and the Mieeea Doig. The miscellaneous entertainment was* t then proceeded with, the Rev Mr Beattie of Ashburton officiating as Chairman, aB the Rev Mr Stewart had to take a prominent part m the musical part of the programme. The Chairman introducjd the proceedings by addressing the audience on " What a solrefl should be." Mr Seattle's soiree ntterancea are always well worth listening to, and his address wan one thoroughly well appreciate i by his hearers. Tha Rev Mr Stewart then gave a report on "Congregational Affairs," m whioh he tonohed npon the phases of | progreii passed through by the congregation, showing that at present the Church , at Rakaia was m a highly flourishing condition, and that although affected, like every other institution, by the prevailing depression there was a hopeful outlook for its affairs m tha future, The Rev Mr Blake followed with an addreea on " Church Work." Earnest and prao- | tical In its tone, thlß was a telling address, •nd was heartily applauded. Tbe subject of *' Christian Unity " was then descanted on by the Rev. Mr Collins and It is almost needless to say that auoh a grand Bubjuct reoeived full justice at the hands of the rev. gentleman, who advocated greater friendliness among the many sects of professing Christians. The concluding address was contributed by Dr. Withers of Southbrldge on • • Oharaoter,"* Hlo addreas was an excellent one and set the speaker thoroughly en rapport with his audience. At lntarvals during the evening the following musical programme was gone through : — Piece by tbe Choir from Sankey 's Hyrana ; Duet, •* One by One " by Mias R. Bruoe and Mr Bruce ; Duet, " The Beacon Light," Miaaes Leabody. Solo, " Tired " Miss R. Bruoe ; Quartette " Bright Sparkles," Meaara Clark and Bruoe and Mr and Mrs Stewart. The oonoerted pieces were perhaps the feature of the evening, and great credit is dne to Rev. Mr Stewart for the musical drill bestowed upon the material at home. The Misses Leabody and Bruoe also deserve notice m thia connection. On the conclusion of the entertainment a cordial vote of thanks to all tbe ladies who had taken pain to serve up such an excellent tea was proposed by Mr Clarke. Mr T. MoDowell proposed a similar vote to the speakers and slngerß, and lastly, a most thoroughly well deservad vote of thanks was passed to the rev gentleman, who, by Ills graceful tact, had so well conducted the meeting during the evening, by the Rev Mr Stewart. In conclusion it may be stated that the meeting was a great success, and the congregation may well be oongratnlated on its present thriving position. Not leia than 250 must have partaken of tea, and visitors from all the lurrounding districts pat In an appearance. Great satisfaction was expressed by all at the arrangements made for their oreature comforts and entertainment. Altogether, the occasion may be reokoned a red letter day m the Rakaia calendar.