FLEMINGTON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 2116, 23 April 1889, Page 3

FLEMINGTON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

The annual tea meeting of the above I oharo'i took place ou Friday evening last ' and being favored with good Weather bronght a large concourse of people to gather fn the schoolroom. There wai a bonnteom spread, and the tables were laid oat with iaeie and attractiveness characteristic of the good ladies of tbe di&triol. One gentleman piesent, who had seen a good many tables spread, from Anokland southward, stated la the public meeting that he had never seen bette* anywhere. The tables were famished by Mrs Lids tor c assisted by Misses MoOonnel and Donaldson ; Miaa Holland assisted by Misses Heron and MoMeikln; Mrs Mawson, assisted by Mrs Wilson and Mra Shearer; Mrs Kidd, assisted by Misses Davaon and Bella Anderson; the bachelors table by Mteses Anderson (2) and Feohney (2). Barring some delay m getting tbe water ready m time the tea passed off ■aocesafullyf* the utmost good humour prevailing, notwithstanding the heated atmosphere and crowded room. Somewhat after the time announced the pnbiio meeting was commenced In the ohnroh, where a choir, ltd by Mr Lane of Ashburton, who skilfully handled, the h*imonlum, wae already dleoonrsing sweet music to those who had gathered. The chair was taken by Rev A. Blake who was accompanied on the platform by Revs P J. Riddle (Rakala), J. Dlokaon (Temuka), and A. &f. Beattle. Apologies had been received from Rev J. N. Buttle who was m Ohristchcrob, Rev R. F. Garbett who had another engagement, and Mr Sawla who had an anniversary tea meeting In Aahbnrton, Mr Riddle eogaged In prayer, and, after a few remarks from tbe Chairman and from Mr O. Ollmoar, who stated that matters were financially m a satisfactory condition, and that he expected that tbe resnlt of the meeting would be encouraging, eacoellent addresses were delivered by the ministers present; Mr Riddle speaking of kindly cc- jperatlcn among members, m a loving spirit, avoiding fault-finding, Mr Dlckion spoke of i "the influence of the pew npon the palplt," I and caused some amusement by a recipa fo» vexing a minister. Mr Be&ttie spoke jon the subject of " attention," and remarked on the signs of continued progresß m tbe' congregation, The choir, which was drawn chiefly from members of the oholi m Tlnwald aislited by Mr acd Mrs Wfceeler, rendered very euoceiwfully several hymns and anthems, an appropriate quartette, « Lord of all power and might "—being uong by Mrs Blake, Mrs Wheeler, Messrs Lane and Dtkera. After the usual closing hour Mr Wallace roße to give his address on li Old friends," and spoke earnestly and affectively on the Sabbath, the Bible, etc. Owing to tbe late hoar and to save time, he waa also entrastod with the votes of thanks to the ladies, the speakers end the choir. Mr Gilmonr had already lncladed m his remarks the bachelors table, fsom which alone he expected that £16 would be realised, The Chairman also explained the absence of Mr Pnnn from his accustomed place In the ohoir owing to the dangerous illness of hla father, thought a special vote of thanks yWaa^dua to Ms Lane for taking his pl«#e.V • He also considered the thanks of the^eellog were doe to He Williamson for the dh of the icatrument, and to the ©enrbbrpf UomtQlttee wbp had rendered asslscSSlg. So great was tho number present that ssveral were unable to find entrance, and Mr J. Oroy and others who were engaged? In finding room were crowded op m the porch. The various votes of thanks were osrrledty acclamation and the benedtc* tlon by the Rev. Mr Baattie bronght to a close the most successful gathering of the Presbyterian Church m Fiemlngton.