Opening of the Colyton Church.

Feilding Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 114, 12 November 1896, Page 2

Opening of the Colyton Church.

The newly erected Church of England at Colyton was opened yesterday, with special services in the afternoon and evening and a tea was held in the hall in aid of the church building fund. The church, which is 38 feet by 21 feet with a 14 feet by 14 feet chancel, will ba dedicated to St Andrew, and is called after the parish church in Colyton, Devonshire, England. It was built to seat one hundred persons, is of Bizantine architecture, and presents a very pretty appearance both outside and inside. The total cost of the building, including the seats, was £242, Mr W. Watts being the contractor for the building and Messrs Watson Bros, the painters, the work being carried out under the supervision of Mr T. H. James from plans prepared by Me Clere, the diocesan architect. The church is erected on a site presented by Mr G. B. Simpson and there is a debt ot £125 on the building. A fine toned orgao has been secured from the Bell Company at a cost of £21, and £13 of this amonot has been paid off. The brass ornaments for the church were presented by Miss Lewis, while Miss Hocken gave the cushion, Mrs J. Andrew the communion linen, Mr James Gariick the matting required, and Mr H. Jacobs has giyen a. scone font in memory of his late wife but which has not yet come to hand from Wellington. The afternoon service consisted of the Litany andcolects read by the Vicar, the Rev A, Innes Jones, and hymns suitable for the occasion were sang. The sermon was preached by the Venerable Archdeacon Towgood from a portion of the 12th chapter of Hebrews. The evening service was semi choral and was conducted by the Rev Innes Jones, the Rev G. P. Davys delivering the sermon, taking for bis text St John 14c and 6 verse. The local choir was augmented by voices from Feilding and Bunnythorpe and Miss Lewis presided at the organ. The church was crowded on both occasions, particularly in the evening when scarcely standing room could be obtained although seats were placed in the aisle* The tea was held in the hall between 5 p.m. and 730 p.m. and was largely patronised. The provisions were all given by the ladies connected with the church at Colyton, viz., Mesdames G. B. Simpson, Vickers, G. Ashworth, Plea&» ants, J. Andrew, J. H. Ashworth, Mit» chell, Adsett, Power, Bussell, Bray> E. Smith, G. Millen, Jas Gariick, Yolkert* Colby, Thornley, Lankshear, Hill. Parr,. Lewis, Cawood, Misses Hocken. Lewis, Friberg, Stewart, and others whose names we have been unable to ascertain. These ladies were ably assisted at the table by a bevy of charming young ladies amongst whom were Misses Friberg, Hooken, Lewis, Stewart, Mitchell, Hart, Adsott, Gariick, Parr, and others, who were very energetic and attentive ta their duties. The hall was nicely decorated for the occasion by the. Mitchell family, with flags and evergreens, and the motto " God bless out church," in. stylish lettering the handiwork of Mr D. Mitchell, was htugg above the stage. The result of tho opening celebrations may be considered very satisfactory, notwithstanding the threatening nature of the weather, as £18 was collected daring the day, viz., £5 13s 3d at the after, noon service, £7 15s at the tea, £& 5s 5d at the evening service, and £1 10s at the coffee supper after the latter service, which will be devoted to reducing, the debt on the church.