WESLEYAN CHURCH SOIREE.

Clutha Leader, Volume II, Issue 99, 2 June 1876, Page 5

WESLEYAN CHURCH SOIREE.

The annual soiree in connection with the Wesleyan Church, Baiclutha, was held in Barr's Hall last evening. There was a large attendance of members of all denominations, the hall b-.-ing quite full. The tea and good things were provided in great abundance by the following' ladies, who presided at their respective tables ~\ — Mesdames Brewer Bruce, Hope, H. M'Neil, Provan, Allan, M'Doufirall, and Grant,, There were also a bachelor's table, presided at by Mrs .Smith, and a gmeral table, at which Misses ChirnsideArnold and Hope did the honors. P. Oakden, Esq , occupied the chair, and after an opening hymn had been sung, the Rev. Mr Keai asked a blessing. Tea was then partaken of, after which the tables were removed and the seats*-re-arranged. After the chorus — " Glad Tidings" had been, very effectively rendered, the Chairman made a few opening remarks, in. the course of which, he apologised {'or

and expressed his regret at the absence of their newly arrived pastor, .the .Bey.: MrCarr. He then called upon : The Rev. Mr Keal, who. read the ! Circuit Report, from which it appeared^ that the seat rents were increasing, sind 1 thus the interest on the borrowed moony was more easily met' than formerly. It referred to the unfortunate position the circuit had been placed in through the illness of the late minfster, but tbe Conference had granted £50 to assist iv paying the expense of providing pul| it supply, incidental expenses, <fee. As it was, there was a debt of over £30, which it was hoped the soiree would extinguish. The past of the Circuit had been a struggle, but it had been determined to labor on, believing that such labor would not be in vain. it was matter of regret that Mr Carr could j not be prespnt, but it was anticipated that his affliction would only be temporary.

Mr Hope, in the course of a few re marks, explained that the debt was about £40, instead of £30, as mentioned in the report. The Chairman then called upon Mr C. V. Brewer, who in a brief and appropriate speech, in the name of the congregation presented Mr Wm. Hope with a purse oi sovereigns, in acknowledgement of the many services he had so cheerfully rendered to the congregation since irs formation.

Mr Flope, who was taken quite by surprise in the matter, suitably acknowledged the gift. In the course of the evening, addresses were delivered by the Revs. Keall, M'Ara, Knowles, and Fitchett. The children sung very nicely the choruses, " Only an Armour- Bearer*' and " Work for the Right," &c. Part songs and duets were sung, and solos by Mrs Hutchins. Mrs Smith, Miss Brewer, and others. Mr Reuuert sung, exceedinglyeffectively, ".Nil Despgrandum," and, in response to an encore, " The Village blacksmith." Hearty votes of thanks were passed to the ladies and to the Chairman, and thus a most successful and pleasant soiree was brought to a close. (We regret that the lateness of the hour prevents us giving a fuller report.)