ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH, CROMWELL.

Dunstan Times, Issue 659, 4 December 1874, Page 2

ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH, CROMWELL.

The notice of the impending visit of the Bishop of Dunedin to this part of his diocese suggested to the minds of the members of the Church at Cromwell, that ad • vantage might bo taken of tire opportunity to obtain bis lordship's assistance in opening the new church on Advent Sunday, being the Sunday next to St. Andrew's Day. During the previous week it seemed very doubtful whether the church would bo tit for occupation by the day named, but by great exertion it was rendered available, though in a somewhat unfinished condition, the plastering being incomplete, and only a part of the seats made. The clergy present on the occasion were the Right Reverend the Bishop of the Diocese, the Rev. John Dewe, curate of Roxburgh, and the Rev. J. Jones, curate of Clyde and Cromwell. The choir consisted of nearly thirty persons, being the united choirs of Clyde and Cromwell, a combination rendered possible by the kindness of Messrs Parsons and Ord in placing one of their coaches at the disposal of the Clydo choir for the occasion.

The opening Service began at 11.30., a.m by the singing of Hymn 383. The prayers were said by the Rev. J. Jones, the lessons read by the Rev. J. Dewe, preference was given to the lessons and collect for St. Andrew’s Day. The sermon was by tho Bishop from St. John 1., 40-2. The Holy Communion was administered by the Bishop assisted by the Rev. J Jones. The hymns used during the service wore Nos. 355, 13(J 324 of Hymns Ancient and Modern. Tho Canticles and Psalms were sung autiphnnally, with very pleasing effect, although a little unsteadiness naturally resulted from the want of previous combined practice of the two choirs. The harmonium was played by Mr J. E. Stevens of Clyde. The entertainment of the Clyde choir was provided for at Kidd’s hotel by’ some of the members of tho congregation. The Bishop accompanied the Clyde party on their return in the afternoon, and in tho evening officiated at Clyde. During the afternoon a service was held in the new church for baptisms, after which the choir assembled for practice for tho evening service. Tho evening service began 'at 7.30, Prayers were said by the Rev. J. Jones ; the sermon was by the Rev. J. Dewe from Genesis xsxviii, 1(5, 17. The offertories were for the Church Building Fund, and amounted to 1/25. In spite of the many inconveniences resulting from the unfinished state of the building, and of some interruptions caused by the inevitable babies, and by intrusive dogs, tho services were on the whole of a highly devotional and impressive character. A short description of tho building itself will not be out of place. It is in tho early English style of Architecture, and is convincing proof that the common rubble stone of +he neighborhood is excellently well suited for that stylo. It consists of nave, choir, chancel, vestry and porch, and stands as nearly east and west as the nature of the site would permit. Tho porch is on tho south side, the vestry is formed by a leanto at the north-east corner, the roof is open, of sarkiug laid diagonally, covered by corrugated iron The building of the hell turret is postponed for the present, and tho boll is hung on two poles at the north-east corner. The interior of the church is arranged as naive, choir, and chancel. There is a step about four inches high from nave to choir, and a similar one from choir to chancel. The choir is fitted with four benches arranged longitudinally, two on each side, and a prayer desk is provided at the end of each of the front choir seats. The choir will scat about twenty persona, the nave is fitted with seats for about hno hundred, hut the experiences of the opening services shew that there is room for a much larger number. The total cost of the build, iug, including silo and fittings, is about L 730.