CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH TEA MEETING.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 4, Issue 343, 31 October 1879, Page 2

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH TEA MEETING.

A very successful meeting in connection with the above Church took place here on Wednesday evening last. Tt will be remembered that some time ago this body purchased the old Oddfellows' Hall, in Jollie street, and converted it into a chapel for the purpose of. holding their religious services. It was felt by the members of the body that the building was hardly suitable for the purposes intended, and that its arrangements internally and its appearance externally were not quite of an ecclesiastical character. Mr Wm. Barnett, who has charge of the congregation, resolved to make an effort to raise sufficient funds to enable the managers of the congregation to make the building assume a more decent appearance, and at the same time so improve the internal arrangements as to make them more conducive to the purposes of public worship. The result of Mr Barnett's efforts was that, by the kindness of friends in Christchurch and here, a sum of over £20 was at once raised. The improvements to the church, according to a statement read by Mr E. Ws Morey at the meeting on Wednesday evening, had cost £41 15s 3d in all, and that there was a debit balance of £19 15s 3d. To assist in wiping off this debt, and to enable .the managers to explain their financial position, it was resolved to hold a tea meeting, which took place as above stated.

The church was very prettily and tastefully decorated with ferns and flowers, consisting chiefly of laburnum, roses, &c, aud the tables, which had been-provided by the ladies" of the congregation—Mesdames Barnett, Morey,. Burns, Hemingway, Mitchell, and Miss well supplied with a great variety and plentiful supply of delicacies., We understand that over 100 (young and old) partook of a most excellent tea, which had to be served in relays on account-of the want of accommodation for so many.

After the tables had been removed, tho meeting proper took place..

The Rev. Mr Robins, a gentleman connected with the Congregational body in

Christchurch, occupied the chair, and expressed his gratitude at seeing so large a meeting, which he took to be an indication of the good work his friend Mr Barnett was doing. The Chairman, after congratulating his hearers on the evident marks of advancement that was being made in the work they had in hand, dwelt at considerable length on ttie social aspects of religion, and in a very pleasing manner illustrated hia observations by incidents of his travels in England, the Continent of in New Zealand. Mr Barnett, in addressing the meeting, regretted that none of the local clergy were present, to some of whom he had given a pressing invitation to be present. He further expressed his regret that his fellow workers in the ministry had a tendency to keep aloof from him and his work. This he thought was not right, as the object of himself and his friends was far from being a proselytizing one. The object they aimed at was to win those to some church who at present attended none. He was quite sure there was room enough for all, and the result of their meetings proved his words correct. Starting with less than ten members, their roll of membership now exceeded 50, and this' in a comparatively short period. Whatever was the final result, he had now put his hand to the plough, and was determined not to look back.

Mr Rees, of Le Bon's Bay, addressed the meeting on the importance of fervour in religious matters, and illustrated his subject by quaint and interesting anecdotes. Mr E. W. Morey spoke on the subject of Sunday schools. A pleasing innovation was the dispensing with the formal vote of thanks to everybody, customary on such occasions, for the Chairman remarked they meant nothing where everyone worked con amore.

A number of hymns were sung during the evening with great spirit, Miss Checkley accompanying on tho harmonium. The Chairman pronounced the benediction, and a pleasing meeting separated at a late hour.