WESLEYAN CHURCH, LYTTELTON.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 137, 7 November 1874, Page 3

WESLEYAN CHURCH, LYTTELTON.

On Sunday last two sermons were preached by the Rev E. Bavin for the Home Mission Fund. The collections at both services amounted to £7 13s Id. On Thursday a tea meeting was held in the schoolroom for the same good object. There were sixteen tables, which were all well filled, and most of them tastefully laid out, beautiful bunches of flowers being a prominent feature. Nearly 200 sat down. The tables were presided over by Mesdames Watkin, Kenner, Allan, Austin, Jenkins, Oliver, Reed, Wood, Rich. Cathro, Atkinson, Buxton, J. Wood, and Misses Robinson, Simson, and Hester. About half-past 7 an adjournment was made to the chapel, with large attendance, the Rev Mr Watkins occupying the chair; and on the platform was the Rev Mr Bavin, of Kaiapoi ; the Rev Mr Cannell, of Springston ; and Mr Bradley, Mr Cannell having engaged in prayer, the chairman stated the reasons for which the meeting had been called, and said that the Rev Mr Bavin would during the evening fully explain the object of the Home Mission. At this meeting an innovation had been introduce I in the shape of a reading of Bunyan’s celebrated Pilgrim’s Progress, illustrated with sacred song. The choir had taken great pains in preparing the musical portion of the entertainment, and he believed their part of the performance would be intrinsically good. The rev gentleman then read portions of the Pilgrim’s Progress, which was interspersed with melodies by the choir.

The first part having been concluded, the Rev H, Bavin addressed the meeting. He said with regard to Home Missions, he had been asked for what objects the fund was created, and would explain. Up to this time the funds had been raised and spent in the Canterbury district, but next year he hoped to see it a colonial matter. There were foni objects for which the fund was specially intended ; in the fiist place, to render assistance in building and furnishing parsonages in new distiicts. In new neighborhoods they were allowed to have a single minister for four years, giving promise at the end of that time to build a parsonage for a married one, and of course also to increase the salary. It was a most critical time in the life of a new circuit when this had to be done, and to help, £75 was granted from this fund—£so for building and £25 for furniture. Rangiora, Timaru, and other districts had been benefit ted in this way, and the object was a most laudable one, as it prevented them being' overwhelmed by the burden they had to bear. The second object was to render assistance to weak, struggling circuits, and a scant population. In Lawrence and Otago Brother Beck had taken the hero’s part mid a thin and isolated community, unable to suppoit a minister. They begged the Home Mission Fund to give a grant in aid, and was it not right to give it to them? The third object was to carry the Gospel beyond th" present circuit boundaries; the settled districts could maintain themselves, but there were many places incapable of doing so. He had travelled from the Hurunui to the Waitaki, and was acquainted with the country, and there was plenty of need for help there Without speaking of Otago there was the country between the Rakaia and the Rangitata, Ashburton, and between the Kowai and Hurunui. these places were desolate indeed. In their comfortably settled cosy Lyttelton they could hardly realise the trials experienced in these outside districts. On the broad plains of Canterbury they were crying out for the means of grace, and they must have them ; but it would take years before these districts could support a minister The fourth object was to aid young men on whom the Holy Ghost had descended in training them for the ministry after trial and examination. Ministers now must be educated. It was argued that their fathers had done great works with uneducated men. Without rendering assistance, therefore, they confined the candidatete to the wealthy, and shut the Christian ministry against the poor. He hoped they would meet the call upon them with hearty liberality ; let them think of those whose cry was, “ Come over and help us.” Mr Olliver then stepped forward to make the financial statement. He said they were aware that each circuit had to subscribe a certain sum to the Home Mission fund Lyttelton had been put down for £ls : they had tried hard to get off for less, but had failed. The meeting had been called to raise the money, the trays had been provided out of the fund, and ladies asked to preside, and they hoped with good luck to have realised £ls. They had not done so how ever, only £ll 10s 9d having been taken, and the provisions had cost £l2 10s. £7 13s had had been taken at the collection last Sunday, so that about half the amount was realized, he hoped they would come forward liberally at the collection. The chairman said that those who did not happen to have money about them might put an 1.0. U. in the plate. The collection was then made, by which £4 13s 4d was realised.

The Pilgrim’s Progress was then resumed Miss Ellen Kenner presided at the harmonium, Mr Atkinson conducted, and Mr Bradley aided materially. The choir as a whole did well, and were frequently applauded. “ Let us gather at the river” was decidedly their best effort.”

The Rev Mr Cannell moved a vote of thanks to the ladies presiding at the ten, and paid high compliments to the choir. He did not think social interest was sufficiently encouraged here. In America there were parlors attached to the chapel foi young persons to meet in. He begged to move a hearty vote of thanks, this was seconded by Mr Brown, and carried with acclamation.

Mr Bavin moved a hearty vote of thanks 'o the choir, which was seconded by Mr flannel, and carried amid great applause. The meeting then proceeded to the schoolroom, where the eatables were sold, which realised about 30s,