ST. LUKE’S CHURCH.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 1019, 12 October 1903, Page 2

ST. LUKE’S CHURCH.

DEDICATION SERVICE AT WAERENGA-A-HIKA.

Yosterday afternoon marked an important event in the history of the Anglican Church in this district, a new Church, which ha 3 been designated St. Luke’s, being opened at Waerenga-a-hika. The dedication service, which was conducted i by His Lordship Bishop Williams, was , very largely attended. The afternoon being gloriously fine there were many visi- , tors from all parts of the distriot, a large number of those present being unable to find room in the Church. The service was of a most impressive character, the hymns, prayers, and lessons having appropriate reference to the occasion. Bishop Willipms delivered an able sermon, his text being taken from tho second chapter of Ephesians, 19th and following verses. “ Now therefore ye are no more Btrangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the 1 saints and of the household of God. And are built upon the foundation of the 1 apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself beingjthe chief corner stone. In whom all the building fitly framed together unto an holy temple in the Lord. In whom "ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the spirit.” In his opening remarks His Lordship said that tho special service for which they were called together might be differently regarded by different people. It was one of those events for which they had very important precodents, one of which (Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the temple) had been read as the first lesson that afternoon. That indeed was a very solemn dedication of tho temple to the servico of God. The Church had a very worthy precedent for such services as that held that afternoon ; they could claim to have the sanction of our Lord Jesus Christ himself. They were told how he was present at the feast of the dedication of the temple, and also as to how upon another occasion he cleansed the temple of those who bought and sold therein. After dealing at some length with the latter incident, the speaker stated that they had abundant authority for the reverence they paid to tho building, which was erected for the reverence of God, but they must take oare that thoy did not let their religion rest simply in the outward respect, whioh they paid to suoh places. They were bound to treat a building which was inlonded for God’s work with extraordinary reverence, but their religion must not finish there. A building erected for the servico of God wa3 simply an outward sign ; there was nothing holy in the building of itself, it was the purpose to which it was dedicated that gave it all the holiness it possessed, and that purpose was to worship Almighty God. Continuing, His Lordship urged" upon the congregation the necessity of ordering their lives aright that they might come without blame into the presence of God,' and added : 11 We know that there are many differences among Christians. There are different bodies of Christians who do not hold communion . with one another as • though the body of Christ was divided. It has no doubt occurred to many to ask the question, why should we contipuo to be so divided ? The question is more easily asked than answered. We all have our own customs, we in tho church to which we belong, and others tho same. We claim what are really in themselves very important privileges. We have the threefold ministry which comes to us from the Apostle himself. Our Church has been purified in past times of many of the unworthy accretions of ages before. These are certainly great privileges which we enjoy in the providence of God, and although we enjoy them it is not for us to set bounds to the grace of God for others who, working heartily, do not join themselves to us. These privileges will stand us in no stead unless they help forward our spiritual life. Wo know that they ean do this, for that is what they were intended for.” The preacher concluded with a strong exhortation to the congregation to avail themselves of all means of grace. In so doing they would find that God was faithful in all his promises, and they would increase in the knowledge and love of their Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The lessons were read by the Revs. F. C. Coote and E. Jennings, whilst Mr Ellis, of Ormond; presided at the har. monium.

Prior to the offertory being taken up, the Rev. Coote announced that the sum of £3O was still owing on the building, and he hoped that a good portion of that amount would be raised that afternoon. The collection was about £ll.

The thanks of St. Luke’s congregation are specially due to Mr and Mrs Charles Cray for the way in which they have worked in connection with the new church, and most of the funds received ha 3 been through their efforts. A confirmation service was hold by Bishop Williams in the morning at St, Luke's, when twelve candidates •were presented. There was a crowded congregation,