CHURCH OF ENGLAND, CLYDE.

Dunstan Times, Issue 692, 23 July 1875, Page 2

CHURCH OF ENGLAND, CLYDE.

—o— A meeting of the-friends and members of the above Church was held at the Athenaeum, on Tuesday evening last, for the purpose of considering the advisability of building a stone church, suited to the requirements of the place, the present building being deemed unworthy the object for which it is now used. There was a very good attendance. The Rev John Dewe was called to the chair, and opened the meeting with prayer. The Chairman then explained the object of the meeting—the erection of a stone church. The matter had been suggested to him, offers of support had been made, handsome subscriptions promised, and the necessity universally admitted, so that tho Vestry considered that the fit time had arrived to move in tho matter. He, himself thought there would be no difficulty in the matter since he had seen the favorable manner in which the proposal was taken up on all sides, evidence of whi hj exhibited itself in the large assembly gathered to take the matter into consideration. He had no doubt that if they exerted themselves they would be able to erect a church worthy of the use for which it was intended—the worship of the Almighty God. Ho then called upon Mr Naylor to propose the fir. t resolution.

Mr Naylor then proposed present building belonging to tho members of the Church of England is not suited to the wants of the congregation as a place of worship, and that it is advisable to build another. ”

Mr Inspector Moore seconded tho resolution, which, after having received support from remarks by Messrs Rees, Wilson, and Allan, who quite agreed with its spirit, and urged upon the meeting to endeavor to carry it out with all their heart, u as uaai imously carried. Mr Rees proposed the second resolution, seconded by Dr Allan, and carried— “ That a stono church be erected on a site to be chosen by the members of the Building Committee.”

An interesting discussion took place on the best material to be used in building. Concrete was mentioned as suitable. Mr Hazlett said —“There could not be two opinions on the subject, as there was plenty of stone at hand, which was the best and m«.st endurable of any material for the building of the church. However, he would prefer leaving the matter to the diecretion of the Building Committee that would bo appointed.

Mr Rees coincided with Mr Hazlett, and said there were not the slightest grounds for doubting that stone would be cheapest and best, when the cost of the carriage of material—cement, &c.—for preparing concrete was taken into consideration.

Mr Wilson then proposed resolution three, Mr Auckland seconded, and it was carried—“ That a Building Committee be appointed, with power to procure plans and specifications, and to advertise for and accept tenders." The Chairman then suggested that some of the gentlemen present should make suggestions with regard to the best method of proceeding with the erection of the building. A deal of expense and trouble was often saved by a timely suggestion. “In the multitude of counsellors there was wisdom.”

Mr Auckland asked if any plana of other churches had been procured which could be laid before the meeting.

The Chairman said there were on the table the plans of Lawrence Church ; and, also those of Teviot Church, with specifications. The cost of adapting the latter to our own use hs thought would be trifling.

On the cost of the erection of store churches the Chairman stated that the Church at Cromwell cost L7OO ; that at Teviot waa built for L4OO. Making duo allowances for the difference of the price of materials and labor between the present

t'ine nud place, and those of building the Teviot Church, ho thought an approximate estimate of coat might bo arrived at. From the interest exhibited he was quite sure an edifice worthy of the object—the worship of God—and one which the inhabitants of Clyde could point out as an ornament to the place, might, with due exertion bo erected. A

Mr Cambridge proposed, and Mr Hazlett seconded—•“ That the Building Committee consist of the clergyman—as chairman exofficio, and ton members, with power.to fill up vacancies.” The following gentlemen were then elected unanimously: Messrs Rees, Hazlett, Cambridge, Naylor, Stevens, Auckland, Clark, Wilson, Welsford, and Geo. Fache.

Proposed by Mr Hazlett, seconded by Mr Auckland, and carried— *“ That subscription lists be drawn out, and every exertion made to collect sufficient funds to enable the congregation to erect a building worthy of the object for which it was intended, and an ornament to the place.” Carried.

Mr Rees said it was a most important matter—the collection of funds —so much depending upon it. Ho trusted that every one would exert himself to assist the Committee in their work by collecting money to enable them to erect a church creditable to Clyde, and assist by all means the objects of the meeting. A subscription list being placed upon the table, the gentlemen present put down their names, and in a short time the handsome sum of L2Ol 16s was subscribed.

In answer to a question, the Chairman stated thrt the sum promised by any gentleman need not bo paid in one sum, but by two or more instalments.

The sum of L2Ol 16s only indludca the amount promised by those present in the room. Many others who have signified their intention of contributing being unavoidably prevented from attending. A vote of thanks to the Chairman was proposed by Mr Simpson, and carried, and the benediction having been pronounced, the meeting ended.