OPENING OF THE NEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, ALEXANDRA.

Dunstan Times, Issue 809, 19 October 1877, Page 2

OPENING OF THE NEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, ALEXANDRA.

The above church was formally opened last Sunday, by the Rev. Lindsay Mackie, from Dunedin. The day was every way favorable, and for half an hour before tli time of service streams of people on foot, on horseback, and by vehicle were seen converging from every side to the building. Before half-past eleven a.m., the hour of service, the church was crowded. The preacher, punctual to the minute, began the service by giving out the 121st Psalm, and after an appropriate prayer delivered an able and impressive discourse from the text Enhesians 2nd chapter, 14th verse—“ He is our peace.” The truths so earnestly and eloquently expounded were listened to by an attentive and deeply impressed audience. We noticed a considerable number of other denominations present, indicating a friendly interest in the event. In the evening tho same Rev. Ccntbman eloquently discoursed upon the Ist verse of the Ist Psalm—“Blcs sed is the man that walkcth not in the counsel of the nnaodly.” The church, which presents a pleasing and handsome appearance from without, is still mole elegantly and comfortably finished within. The seats are easy and roomy. It is well lighted and ventilated. Tho acoustics—a frequent defect in churches- are perfect. It is seated tor 140. It is in every way creditable to the denomination and community, and reflects great credit on the liberality and enterprise of the congregation. On Wednesday evening tbe Presbyterians of Alexandra held asocial meeting in the Town Hall, Alexandra, in connection with the important event in thiir congregational li'stmy—the opening of their new church. Between the horns of seven rnd eight o'clock a large gathering of the menders ! and friends of tbe congregation filled tbe tildes of the Hall, respondent for the time being with bunting and flower*. The meeting was opened with piaise and thanksgiving, and forthwith ample justice was done to the abundant supply of good things provided by the ladies. After tea tbe tables

were nmoved, and the seats arranged for the greater convenience of speakers and hearers. Mr Boyd, the pastor of the congregation—who was in the chair—in a veiy appropriate address reviewed his woik in connection with the Alexandra congregate n now extending over a period of three years. An interesting report was read by Mr Finlay, bearing chiefly on the inauguration and carrying out of the Church Erectien Scheme. 'I ho building cost about L6CO, and will be free i f debt, when the usual Synod grant is paid. It is seated for 140 persons, and as was pioved on the opining Services on Sunday is admirably adapted for the purposes of public woi ship. Hearty words of congratulation and er.couragment were spoken by by the Rev. Lindsey Mackie, D. Ross, and R. Telford. The singing of a large and well trained Choir a bled much to the pleasures of the evening. It is matter for thankfulness to. find onr country congregations giving some adequate attention to the service of praise, which forms so important and delightful a part of the worship) of tho Sanctuaiy. Onr Alexandra friends evidently have amongst them all tho necessary elements to make the sendee of praise in their Chinch effective and agreeable. At an advanced stage of tbe procccdings.tlie teacher of the town —Mr Odell, came, forward to discharge a duty, W’hich senned to give great satisfaction to himself and to every other body—he lead a short address, setting forth that a buggy, with all the necessary appointments had been bought by Mr Boyd’s friends, and now begging him tho acceptance of the same. The reading of the address was accompanied with a very hearty round of applause from the audience. Mr Boyd’s reply in accepting tho gift was full of feeling and kindliness. An amusing reading by Mr Finlay, and the usual votes of thanks moved in a racy speech by Mr M’Niel brought, what was felt by every one to be both a pleasant and profitable evening, to a close.